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The best camping near Tonto National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Tonto adventure.

90% (39 reviews)
90% (39 reviews)

Hike, bike, and camp in Arizona’s largest and most diverse national forest.  

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Community favorites near Tonto National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Tonto National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Tonto National Forest

Booked 4 times

Jakes Corner RV Park

5 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ Payson, AZ
BRING YOUR 5th Wheel or RV to Payson @ Jake's Corner RV Park Welcome to Jake's Corner RV Park! Nestled just outside of Payson, Arizona, Jake's Corner RV Park offers an exceptional getaway for families in search of adventure, relaxation, and a touch of history. As the site of an original stagecoach stop, we're not just a destination; we're a journey back in time. Why Choose Us? 🥾 Expansive hiking and horseback riding trails 🌌 Unmatched star-gazing opportunities 🛵 Thrilling ATV trails for the adventurous 🛶 Nearby lakes for boating and fishing 🍔 Savor the local flavors at the famous Jake's Corner Bar and Grill Seize this unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, family, and history. We look forward to hosting you!
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$45
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97%
(49)

Saguaro Cactus Forrest

5 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ New River, AZ
THANK YOU REPEAT GUESTS! We are situated adjacent to state land that displays a majestic Saguaro forest in the mountains. It is a short walk to lots of trails and spectacular views. RV hookups with only three sites so not crowded. Water and electrical hookups 30 or 50 amp. You will love the views and the hiking. We are also not far from grocery stores, and outlet mall and restaurants. EASY ACCESS WITH LARGE TRAILERS.
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$34
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82%
(60)

Cactus Rose Ranch RV Sites

10 sites ¡ RVs11 acres ¡ Scottsdale, AZ
Cactus Rose Ranch is 11 acres in the north Scottsdale/ Rio Verde area of Arizona. This special area is surrounded by the Tonto National forest on the north & east, the McDowell Mountain park on the south, Fraisfield Preserve on the west. Several mountain trails nearby, of varied challenge. It is home to 360' awesome mountain views (sometimes purple, golden, or pink too), scenic desert vistas, and the best sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights in the world! Plenty of places nearby to hike, horseback ride, mountain bike, and explore Enjoy staying on our desert ranch located in rural North Scottsdale/ Rio Verde AZ! Several restaurants near, and 30-45 minutes into Scottsdale and all they have to offer! (NO on site BATHROOM FACILITIES...NO TENT CAMPERS unless you are self contained) The perfect retreat for those that like to see Arizona off the beaten path. Check out stellar mountain views, spectacular desert sunrises, sunsets, and star studded night skies! Wildlife and beautiful friendly birds. Listen to the quietness...and perhaps a night time coyote unique serenade. Located near some of the best hiking, biking, and horseback riding, in the state. Please note that we are down about 1/2 mile of dirt road which sometimes might be a bit challenging for XL 40 ft 5th wheels and other very low riding RVs. Most RVs have no issues. (Sometimes, the road might be too narrow for 2 vehicles... so someone will need to pull over in the plentiful wider areas... pls give the other vehicle a desert rural ranch friendly thank you "wave".) ENJOY! Get that "Way-Out-West" feeling. Wrap yourself in western fun. Take time for enjoying a morning cup of coffee and taking in the mountain views. Wi-Fi for computer and TV. Your comfort is important. This is a rural area and you will be serenaded by coyotes, mules, and roosters. There are no street lights so the stars are magnificent at night. There is about a mile of dirt road to get to the house, and it is reachable by most vehicles ( but maybe not a low-riding sports car). There are desert dirt pathways so bring appropriate footwear. We are nearby some awesome hiking, mountain biking, horse trail riding, world-class golf course, exceptional places to eat, unique shopping. Great fun! Check for events: https://www.experiencescottsdale.com BARRET JACKSON CLASSIC CAR & AUTO AUCTION SHOW: Jan 20-28, 24 WM PHOENIX OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT TPC, of SCOTTSDALE: FEB 3-11 ARABIAN HORSE SHOW FEB 5-25, 2024 COWBOY COLLEGE HORSEBACK RIDING & ADVENTURES: 480-471-3151 CAVECREEK OUTFITTERS HORSEBACK RIDING/EVENTS/ UTV/ATV RENT Check for events: https://www.experiencescottsdale.com
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$90
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98%
(135)

Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

5 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Cave Creek, AZ
Quiet slice of heaven under the stars on our homestead. Our space offers a tranquil setting with several camping options. Site # 1: Glamping Tent with Queen sized mattress all set to relax! Site #2: Cozy Saguaro camp site. Bring your own tent or rent one of ours. Site # 3: RV Glamping. Queen size bed with a dinette that can be used as an extra bed for the little ones. Site # 4 RV, Pop Ups or LQs with horses Site # 5 Boarding for Horses or Mules Sites 1-3 have their own personal space with seating area, small fire-pit ring and two chairs. Communal spaces with restroom, grill, table, other seating with larger fire-pit. Feel free to visit our horses, chickens or hike our beautiful trails right from the property. Enjoy the horses, the stars at night and our neighboring coyotes sing if you are lucky. Our home is close by, the little white farmhouse on the hill. Please let us know if we can help you enjoy your time here! Check out our extras like firewood, eggs or rent a horse stall during your stay. :) Thank you for looking!
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$22
 / night
96%
(128)

Mountain View Retreat

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ New River, AZ
Experience the ambiance of a boutique resort as you escape to our beautifully landscaped and immaculately maintained private 5 acre property in the North Valley. You will be welcomed into a peaceful, desert oasis with luxurious amenities and find yourself immersed in a tranquil, serene setting surrounded by breathtaking views. Not only will you experience warm hospitality from your hosts, but our friendly farm animals will give you a warm welcome too! Guests are welcome to interact with all of our animals during our "evening chores" 30 minutes before dusk every afternoon. In addition to your personal, spacious full-hook up RV site you are sure to enjoy all the amenities we offer, including shared access to our entire property with many seating areas, covered patios, water fountains, outdoor kitchen, horseshoe pit and hot tub. NON-SMOKING adult guests ONLY! Please review entire listing and house rules prior to booking. ………..Discounts offered for long term stays……….
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$59
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100%
(8)

Peace Acres

1 site ¡ RV5 acres ¡ Scottsdale, AZ
Peace out on our 5 Acre family hosted property to bike, hike and ATV in the Tonto Forest just a half mile away. Wake up daily to the view of 4 Peaks, Weavers Needle and Toms Thumb. RV Slot has 50 amp hookup, water, septic and Wifi. We have an airbnb onsite that fits 2 people if you need extra room. Our pool is no longer available it is getting converted into a pond.
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$45
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98%
(24)

Marguerita Ranch

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Cave Creek, AZ
Want to feel like you're in the middle of nowhere but be only 1 mile from town? Pitch your tent or park your camper among numerous towering Saguaro Cactus and stunning mountain views. Bring your camera or your horses! Perfect spot for relaxing, stargazing, and a fantastic view of the famous AZ sunsets! My 2.2-acre private horse ranch has mountain views in all directions, a large private campsite, and 8 rescue horses, 2 donkeys, and 5 pigs to meet and greet on the property. Please note we are located in a neighborhood so please respect the neighbors. There are hiking/horseback riding trails right off of my property that take you to the Spur Cross Conservation Area, or you can head 10 minutes north to the trailhead. The Black Mountain Hiking Trail is also awesome, you can see the whole valley from the top! Or, you can even ride your horses to the cowboy bars in town! Note: I have 2 spots available: 1 Campsite; 1 Glamping Trailer. I will try to block off campsites that are not in use after your booking in order to keep the site as private as possible. Wanting some adventure? Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake, Tonto National Forest, Seven Springs, and more are all just a easy drive from the ranch. Need to stock up on supplies? Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, Tractor Supply and more are just a 10-minute drive. Want to explore a unique cowboy town? Cave Creek is an Old West-style town where it’s just as common to see horseback riders trotting along Main Street as it is to see a motorcycle cruising by. There is a variety of shops, restaurants, and great drinks. It's easy to find something you'll love! Please note that landscape varies depending on time of year and rain. There will be no green grass in the summertime. Tag us on instagram! @margueritaranch Horse corral (50 ft roundpen) available to rent at extra cost. Message me!!
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$45
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96%
(56)

Phoenix Citi StarGazer A-Frame

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Phoenix, AZ
Darling camping A-Frame located in NE Phoenix, just 15 minutes from the airport, perfect for a short stay in Phoenix, or if you're heading up to the Grand Canyon or Sedona. The A-Frame is super cozy and has large clear panels above the bed for night time stargazing. If clouds obscure the stars then simply enjoy the unique star lighting strategically placed in the Citi StarGazer. Super comfortable queen sized bed, and wonderful bedding make for the perfect night's sleep. Linens are provided. Campers may use the onsite swimming pool. Small secondary building with portable toilet and outdoor shower with hot water included. Perfect economical stay for adventurers in the Phoenix area, the fifth largest city in the US with tons of things to do! Located close to great hiking such as Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The A-Frame is located in the large backyard of our Phoenix home in a nice neighborhood. We live onsite and look forward to hosting you! Happy (and economical) travels, y'all!
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$60
 / night
100%
(42)

Palo Verde Retreat

1 site ¡ RV1 acres ¡ Cave Creek, AZ
Learn more about this land: Park your RV, trailer, or camper van on our 1.5 acre property. We are located near the cities of Cave Creek, Scottsdale, and Phoenix AZ. There is close access to numerous trails for mountain biking and hiking in the beautiful Sonoran Desert! This spot is partial hookup with water and both 30 amp and 50 amp power. There is a dumping station approximately 2 miles away for your septic needs. Enjoy the beauty of the nearby desert and mountains. It is common to hear the coyotes and owls and other wildlife at night. The javelina herd often passes through as well as an occasional bobcat. Feel free to say hello to Luna, our Belgian Malinois! She hangs out in our fenced-in backyard which is separate from the RV location! Welcome!
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$30
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98%
(40)

Field of Dreams RV in Mesa

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Mesa, AZ
I’m Tammii, my husband Kevin (of 42 yrs. ) were missionaries for the past 17 yrs. And we felt it was time to get off the Fast lane and begin using the access road. In other words slow down a bit. While trying to figure out what the next season would look like we felt God encourage us that we weren’t finished yet just gonna do hospitality a bit differently then we had while working abroad in many different countries with many different cultures and people. So we made homebase Mesa AZ. And developed “The Field of Dreams”. After all If you build it they will come! Our Hipcamp site is new but very very nice. We look forward to many guests coming and getting much needed rest and peace and a breakaway from the stresses of life. We look forward to welcoming you to “The field of Dreams”Learn more about this land:Paved level RV spot with full hook ups. Can fit up to 40 feet in length. Has a nice paved patio area with chairs and umbrella or picnic table. Propane fire pit with 2 chairs. Laundry available. Close to Costco and local restaurants, breweries, and a mall. Nearby mountain biking, hiking and site seeing. 30 minutes to downtown Phoenix. Great place for a stop over or short stay.
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$55
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Booked 1 time

Saguaro Stables Private RV

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Rio Verde, AZ
Escape to your private RV oasis near North Scottsdale! Discover the tranquility of a private RV space available for rent, complete with full hookups, including water, electricity (50A), and sewage. Additionally, optional internet connectivity is available for your convenience. The RV space boasts its own private entrance, nestled on a serene 1-acre property. Indulge in relaxation as you take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains: • Four Peaks: Marvel at the majestic quartet of peaks, providing a stunning backdrop for your morning coffee or evening sunset watch. • McDowell Mountains: Appreciate the rugged beauty of these ancient mountains, a natural wonder that transforms with the changing light. Unwind in this peaceful setting, and when you're ready to explore, discover nearby attractions that make North Scottsdale a premier destination: • McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Hike, bike, or horseback ride through stunning desert landscapes. • Old Town Scottsdale: Immerse yourself in the vibrant district with dining, shopping, and art-gallery hopping. • Taliesin West: Explore Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece. • WestWorld: Attend exciting events, shows, and equestrian competitions. • Scottsdale's renowned golf courses: Tee off at top-rated courses such as Troon North or Grayhawk. Experience the best of both worlds – a serene RV retreat and proximity to exciting experiences. Reserve your spot today and embark on an adventure exploring North Scottsdale and its surrounding areas.
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$59
 / night

Kelly H.’s Land

3 sites ¡ RVs3 acres ¡ Apache Junction, AZ
We are just steps from the beautiful Superstition Mountains. We cater to people with horses. 30 and 50 amp hookups. Water, power and portable septic. Hiking , trail riding, Goldfield Ghost Town . Roping, riding and camping. Plenty of room for large rigs. Lots of jackpots near. Just 2 miles of of the 60 freeway.
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$50
 / night

The best camping near Tonto National Forest guide

Overview

About

Arizona’s Tonto National Forest encompasses a huge range of scenery from the saguaro cactus-studded Sonoran Desert to the rugged cliffs of the Mogollon Rim, just northeast of Phoenix. Tonto’s varied landscapes offer outstanding camping, hiking, and boating in every season. Six man-made reservoirs on the Salt and Verde rivers provide an abundance of water sports recreation, while over 900 miles of trails feature terrain for hikers and mountain bikers. Dozens of designated campgrounds are scattered throughout the national forest and include waterside tent sites and RV-friendly spots. Solitude seekers will also find plenty of dispersed camping areas.  

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Many of the campgrounds in Tonto National Forest can be reserved up to six months in advance online. Many also offer a selection of first-come, first-served sites.
  2. Not all campgrounds in Tonto National Forest can accommodate large RVs or trailers. Be sure to check each site’s maximum trailer length prior to booking.
  3. Group sites can often be reserved up to 12 months in advance.

When to go

Due to Tonto’s varied landscapes and altitudes, different parts of the national forest are best to visit at different times of year. Spring and fall are best times for camping and hiking in the lower elevation desert areas, and summer is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming in the reservoirs. Winter can bring occasional snow and cold temperatures to the upper elevation areas of the park, but much of the forest remains open. Winter is also a great time for hiking, camping, and climbing in the lower elevations.

Know before you go

  1. Tonto National Forest visitors are required to purchase either a daily or annual forest pass, available for purchase at kiosks throughout the area.. If you have an America the Beautiful annual national parks pass, it may cover entry to some areas.
  2. Amenities vary between Tonto campgrounds but most sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water access. Some campgrounds are more primitive, while others offer showers and boat launch facilities.
  3. Pick up maps and information about activities, current road conditions, and camping at the Roosevelt Lake Visitor Center, open year-round near Roosevelt Lake.
  4. Tonto National Forest is very dog-friendly, with leashed dogs allowed in almost all areas.

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