Upper Tonto Creek Campground, an Arizona National Forest

State of Arizona Parks

State of Arizona Parks

UPPER TONTO CREEK CAMPGROUND

UPPER TONTO CREEK CAMPGROUND
Payson, Arizona 85541

(lat:34.3401 lon:-111.0948)

The Upper Tonto Creek Campground is tucked away from the main highway where the Tonto and Horton Creeks merge. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.

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 campsites 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 prior to your arrival as this area has limited or no cellular service.

This campground contains 6 campsites, 3 picnic sites, and a double vault toilet.

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.

Families may enjoy fishing at both Tonto and Horton Creeks or pass time hiking through nearby Horton Creek Trail or Derrick Trail. Both of these trails access the Highline National Recreation Trail 31.

Other Park Areas

Located in Tonto National Forest.

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Christopher Creek Campground Availability and Reservations

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Houston Mesa Campground Availability and Reservations

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Lower Tonto Creek Campground Availability and Reservations

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....more

Ponderosa Campground Availability and Reservations

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Timber Camp Recreation Site Availability and Reservations

Timber Camp Recreation Area has one of the most popular family and group campgrounds in the Tonto National Forest offering both day-use sites and over-night areas. Brundrett 2 is a group camping area available for advanced reservations for overnight and day use. The stay limit is 14 days, and trailers must be less than 45 feet. Brundrett 2 accommodates....more

Tortilla Campround Availability and Reservations

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Windy Hill Campground Availability and Reservations

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In Park Availability Calendars

PICNIC (Units Available For Upcoming Weekends)

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STANDARD NONELECTRIC (Units Available For Upcoming Weekends)

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TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (Units Available For Upcoming Weekends)

March 2025
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Location

Upper Tonto Creek Campground is

Nearby Parks

Tonto State Fish Hatchery

General George Crook National Recreation Trail

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Directions

This site is 17 miles northeast of Payson. From Payson, travel 16 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Just east of mile marker 268 at Kohls Ranch, turn left north on Forest Road FR 289. Travel one mile and turn right into the site.

Nearby Parks

Tonto State Fish Hatchery

General George Crook National Recreation Trail

April 2025