Lower Tonto Creek sits among the stunning landscapes of Tonto National Forest in Arizona . With 50 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Sites are first-come, first-served , and the best times to visit are Nov-mar when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Tonto National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Feb, Mar, Apr
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Lower Tonto Creek located in Payson, Arizona, offering 50 camping sites.
Lower Tonto Creek
A Rural campground in Arizona
Overview
the Lower Tonto Creek Campground Is Tucked Away Right Next to the Main Highway Just South of Where the Tonto and Horton Creeks Merge. Families May Enjoy Fishing at Both Tonto and Horton Creeks or Pass Time Hiking Through Nearby Horton Creek Trail or Derrick Trail. the Lower Tonto Creek Campground Has a Large Open-Space Parking Lot and Paved Walkway Makes It Accessible with Only a Light Hike to the Creek.
This Location Is Available on a First-Come, First-Served Basis Only.
Visitors Are Required to Physically Arrive at the Campground to Purchase and Claim a Site. Once on-Site, You Will Be Able to Pay for Your Campsite(S) by Scanning a Qr Code Using the Recreation. Gov Mobile App, and the Scan and Pay Feature.
You Will Need to First Download the Free Recreation. Gov Mobile App Https://Www. Recreation. Gov/Mobile-App Prior to Your Arrival As This Area Has Limited or No Cellular Service.
There Is No Adjacent Parking Spot to Any Camp Site. Walk-in Access Only to All Campsites (Paved Sidewalk Is Provided).
Map to Campground Here.
Please Note: This Campground Is Right Next to Hwy 260 and Receives a Considerable Amount of Traffic Noise and Light Throughout the Day & Night.
the Union of Tonto and Horton Creeks Is at the North End of the Upper Tonto Creek Campground. Fishing in Both Creeks Is a Popular Sport. the Trailheads for Horton Creek Trail 285 and Derrick Trail 33 Are Located in the Upper Tonto Creek Campground. Both of These Trails Access the Highline National Recreation Trail (#31
Located Just South of Where the Tonto and Horton Creeks Merge. Campsites Are Dotted Along a Paved Sidewalk Surrounded by Tall Pines, Situated Just Next to Tonto Creek.
Please Note: This Campground Is Right Next to Hwy 260 and Receives a Considerable Amount of Traffic Noise and Light Throughout the Day & Night.
Managed by: Usda Forest ServiceSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 50
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: No
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: No
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: No
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: No
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address: 180 N Forest Service Rd 289
City: Payson, Arizona 85541.0
Coordinates: 34.332549, -111.097312
Area Type: Rural
Phone:
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Fishing|hiking|trail|rv
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: No
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: No
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: Free
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW, ION
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 14 stations
Nearest Market: Phoenix/TUCSON
Notes: Signals FROM Phoenix/TUCSON MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 28 stations (10 AM, 18 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: Country, Classic ROCK, Spanish, NEWS/TALK
Local News: KTAR 620 Am
Market: Phoenix/TUCSON
Notes: 10 AM, 18 FM Stations from Phoenix/Tucson
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Quality Inn Payson – Tesla Destination
Distance: 14.0 miles away
Address: 801 N Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ
Network: tesla-destination
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • Tesla
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 10215894
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website: https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app
- Parent Park: Tonto National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/tonto-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: tonto-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Tonto National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: tonto-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 24.0
- States Covered: Arizona
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 1096
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1096, 1096.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: arizona
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: tonto-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
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