Off Highway 260 near Kohls Ranch, Lower Tonto Creek sits within Tonto National Forest along the creek corridor. The US Forest Service manages this established campground with sites accessible by both drive-in and walk-in access, though campers report the road can be rough in places.
Sites spread across open terrain with water hookups available for RVs. The campground allows pets, campfires, and alcohol, with fishing as the primary activity along Tonto Creek. Andy K. notes "Great trout fishing and the hatchery is right up the road." Multiple reviewers mention the proximity to the fish hatchery, which features large rainbow trout in feeding ponds and serves as a popular stop for visitors.
Highway 260 runs close to the campground boundary. Several campers point out road noise from passing traffic, including semi-trucks and motorcycles that can disturb sleep during nighttime hours. The paved parking area provides dedicated space for vehicles, distinguishing it from nearby alternatives. Sites closer to the creek tend to fill first, with the water access being a consistent draw for campers.
Costs range from free to $20 per night depending on site selection and amenities used. For those seeking a quieter alternative, Upper Tonto Creek sits just half a mile north with different site configurations and spacing.
Description
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.
Recreation
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
Natural Features
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLower Tonto Creek is located in Arizona
Directions
This site is 15 miles northeast of Payson. From Payson, travel 15 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Just east of mile marker 269 at Kohls Ranch, turn left (north) on Forest Road (FR) 289.
Coordinates
34.332549 N
111.097312 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/24/26
VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 3/24/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/24/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/24/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 3/24/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 46 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 56 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 3 min from Tucson, AZ
