- Tonto National Forest
The best camping in Tonto National Forest, AZ
89% (41)
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Emily
5 days ago
With kids
It was so much fun staying here! We also loved visiting the town of Cave Creek.
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Ashley
6 days ago
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
What a great spot! We felt secluded for having a full setup; quiet, awesome stargazing, and easy to back-in. The kids loved running around and exploring on the new state land and surrounding saguaro forest. Shawn and Roxy were so kind and helpful to make us feel welcome.
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Christina
6 days ago
25 ft travel trailer
With kids
This spot was fantastic!! Nice and private on our part and the hosts part. We did not feel like we were intruding on her space and she kept her distance making us feel like it was our own private spot. The views were beautiful. It was nice being in town and close to everything but not feeling like we were in the middle of the city! The animals were a huge bonus. Our boys loved seeing them and hearing them every morning. The communication was fantastic. The rules/expectations were very clear and reasonable. We will definitely keep this in mind for future travels.
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James
1 week ago
33 ft travel trailer
We had a wonderful time. The yard was clean . Our dogs were able to play. It was quiet and everything was well maintained. Thanks for an awesome stay.
Jim
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Chris
1 week ago
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
It was perfect. Beautiful sunrises amazing neighbors and a hostess with the mostest.
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Kerri
2 weeks ago
26 ft Class C
With pets
Lovely gracious hosts and a perfect location in Gilbert ! The neighborhood was safe, friendly, and quiet. The trains were not a bother and hardly heard them. The hosts are friendly, welcoming, helpful, and responsive. My dogs loved having the yard to hang out in secured all around and that was a huge plus for us. We would definitely stay again !
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Kara
2 weeks ago
25 ft Class C
With pets
We loved our stay here. So quiet, centrally located, views are stunning and waking up to horse faces and goat stomps is just the best. Will defintely be back!!
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Jasper
2 weeks ago
42 ft fifth wheel
With pets
The owners are super awesome people and extremely accommodating! Loved my time there and i will be back soon!
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Leah
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Phoenix Mountains Treehouse
Loved this treehouse in Phoenix. Was very quiet and clean. Very cute spot for a little getaway
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Kathy
2 weeks ago
23 ft Class B
With pets
Love the convenient location, so close to downtown and stores. Cute little space for a get away. We really enjoyed the sunsets, location, trees and the area.
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Bruce
3 weeks ago
25 ft Class C
With pets
Jared was a great host, his property was perfect for our needs. A nice larger property with a country feel, but right in the middle of the city and close to all. Would definitely stay again, highly recommended!
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Robb
3 weeks ago
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
Awesome spot! The host was there to greet us, plenty of room for our truck and 25’ trailer. Nice, quiet location and meticulously well-kept! The pups were super happy to be able to run around. Absolutely would recommend and hopefully will be able to stop again next time we are through the area.
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Anna
3 weeks ago
2 nights at Phoenix Citi StarGazer A-Frame
Wonderful, safe and beautiful space to rest in the big city of Phoenix.
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cait
3 weeks ago
42 ft Class A
With pets
Our second time staying here . Close to downtown and the hosts are so lovely’
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James
3 weeks ago
26 ft travel trailer
This most recent stay was our 4th time at Shantel’s. Convenient to local restaurants and hiking parks. After a full day, returning to our site really allows us to unwind. We can’t wait to go back
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Keri
3 weeks ago
19 ft campervan
With pets
Lovely private spot on the host’s property. Quiet desert setting yet close to stores, restaurants etc. Easy in and out set back from the road and the neighborhood was pleasant to walk my dogs in.
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Tom
3 weeks ago
23 ft Class B
Very gracious host. The place is well kept and area is quiet.
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Dawn
3 weeks ago
18 ft campervan
Great stop and a great location! The animals are all so friendly and the spot is perfect, quiet but still near town and lots of activities. Make sure you order some eggs!!
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Mary Ellen
November 2025
26 ft travel trailer
With pets
Sherry was an amazing host. Very kind, very accomodating. The area where we stayed was extremely clean, we had access to everything we needed, and their location is the absolute best. We would absolutely stay again! This is an absolute gem!
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Joe
November 2025
21 ft campervan
Loved this secluded canyon! Met Andrew by the highway, which was already way out there, then followed him on his quad in my 21' class-B van for 3 or 4 miles to campsite #2. Dislodged my low hanging generator on the rough road, but I knew it was a risk. Well worth it. This property had absolutely no noise or light pollution. It was an old mining town with several old mines still open to explore. I had an unforgettable few days secluded on this property. Zero cellular coverage with Verizon and Wi-Fi wasn't on while I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed my unplugged time. I will definitely be returning.
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Tonto National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Tonto National Forest, AZ 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
- Best for climbers: Tortilla Campground
- Best for water sports: Cholla Campground
- Best for small RVs and trailers: Windy Hill Campground
Tips for snagging a campsite
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Pick up maps and information about activities, current road conditions, and camping at the Roosevelt Lake Visitor Center, open year-round near Roosevelt Lake.
- Tonto National Forest is very dog-friendly, with leashed dogs allowed in almost all areas.
89%
41 ratings · 19 reviews
November 2023
Nice little campground with a pit toilet, picnic tables and shade. Next to the lake so you have easy access for kayaking.
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Doug D.
2 years on Hipcamp
November 2020
Warning...Locals break into campers and steal everything They also vandalize cars and rv's. It's a canyon with very few camping spots and the one that exist are right next to the road which atv fly by and make dust all day and night.. loud .. Drunks stay up all night getting rowdy... need a code for lock to get in...
Alfred P.
5 years on Hipcamp
Good morning fellow. Campers! I just wanted to post an advisory about bulldog canyon. Now I don't get allot of space to write all the details in this review but, on 5/6/18, I went to the access gate on usery pass road, I posted my bulldog canyon pass in my window and had time to watch two movies, after 45 minutes I looked up to see a sheriff and a Tonto ranger, eyeballing me, I was told to produce ID, and while the ranger called in my plate info and license info and ran every check known to man on me the sheriff stared at me with the look of death. After he cleared me, the crime I was told I committed was I had not parked 1/4 mile in past the gate. I was treated like a criminal when I had the proper pass. A simple " you need to move"!
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Jim W.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
Nice spot by the lake to cool down after biking on the Arizona Trail
Sara L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
Be sure to get there early, spots fill up fast.
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Bryan M.
7 years on Hipcamp
September 2017
I camped here September 24, 2017. Conditions were cold (the good kind of cold), and the campground was completely empty, granted it was a Sunday night. The biggest surprise to me was finding Rose Creek flowing, under 1 cfs. Beautiful setting for camping.
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Drew M.
8 years on Hipcamp
July 2017
I stayed here for one night in July 2017 with a group of friends from my Yoga Teacher Training Program. Just down the road from Box Canyon Trail (which is an awesome 2 mile hike roundtrip and straight down the mountain), and about 15 minutes from downtown Payson, the campground is clean, quiet, and the hosts are as friendly as can be. We had plenty of room to practice at each site for our upcoming Practicums as a group, and they are spacious enough for 2 very large tents per. The sunset and sunrise views between the ponderosa pines are breathtaking, and the air is crisp, clean and fresh. Tons of hiking options, and definitely plenty of amazing outdoor vibes!
Danica L.
9 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
This place is amazing. My all-time favorite spot. I've taken a Honda Accord in, you don't need 4x4 unless it's been muddy.
Hike the creek!
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Violet M.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2017
There is a smaller campground a bit further that is less crowded.
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Violet M.
8 years on Hipcamp
April 2017
The specs for this campground (above) indicate pets aren't allowed, but I didn't see any signs to that effect at the site, and my dog seemed to be welcomed by other campers. Also, if memory serves, there was potable water available there. Most of the campers were there for the fishing, which I understand is quite good. Watch the weather -- the bridge over the creek is low and can be flooded if there has been a lot of rain. Good space between sites, good hiking along the creek and through the woods.
Solveig M.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
You'll need 4x4
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Brianah W.
8 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Flowing Springs provides free, dispersed camping. The surrounding area is beautiful, especially in the autumn! However, some of the sites had trash in the fire rings. We also came across two campfires left burning, so make sure to douse your coals until they are cool to the touch to prevent forest fires.
Emy G.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 2016
This is a super sweet little campground tucked in next to the highway. It has two large loops of campsites with lots of water readily available and decent vaulted restrooms. We staked out the site on the turn of the loop so we could pitch our tents far off the road and hang up our hammocks amidst the trees. A short few minutes of exploring a path leading away from the grounds brought us easily to Christopher Creek so we spent a few hours "creek walking". We found some fun areas to climb around and a couple swimming holes. This is a great campground for both small single-tent families and big groups like ours! We will be going back again soon.
Erica M.
10 years on Hipcamp
April 2016
This campground is pretty big...I think there are 5 loops, possibly more. There are tent only sites as well as sites for trailers. Each site has a fire pit and a shade ramada above the table which was a great feature. We had a tent only site and ours was HUGE but set up pretty close to the road. Most sites are small but can accommodate a decent size tent and many are set away from the road if you want more privacy. Bathrooms were clean and we had pump water and trash nearby.
If you like exploring, there are a good amount of trails to walk, although there is not direct path down to the water that we could find. Playgrounds for the kids. Boat launch off to the right when you pull in with ample parking.
Happy camping!
Kristin W.
3 reviews
February 2016
Great spot, make sure you get a pass first its not close. Views are great with lake access and many good camp sites.
Erik W.
10 years on Hipcamp
February 2016
It's a great site. It can be busy on the weekends. I would suggest getting there early to pick out a great spot. There are bathrooms, running water areas, Punic table on each site. The beach access allows for easy access with kayaks and canoes. There is a boat ramp close by in the campground with parking. There are trees for shade but you might want to consider bringing your own. The scenery is very beautiful.you must have a Tonoto Forest pass which you can buy online or at a gas station on your way out.
Halee J.
9 years on Hipcamp
December 2015
The tent sites here are amaaaaazing! Right on the lake with a small path down. We came at the end of December and had the whole tenting circle to ourselves. Really chill spot to kick back. Plus- there are Arizona trail trailheads close by so plenty of hiking. The vineyard section gives gorgeous views of the lake, four peaks and superstitions.
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Alliy G.
10 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
We've tent camped there on several occasions. It currently costs $3.00 for a 6 minute shower. Sites are OK, but not a lot of shade.
Richard F.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Came here on a saturday evening (early August) just at sundown for a hopeful night away from the city. Despite the very hot temps this place was jam packed, and trash littered the entire bank of the river. Turned right around with an armful of trash. Shame.
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Joel O.
10 years on Hipcamp