Tortilla Campground

“The town too tough to die,” reads the slogan of the tiny village just about a half mile from this wonderful campground. On any night of the week, the campground boasts more residents than the village, at only 6, but during the day it’s a different story. People come from all over just to hang out, have lunch, or shop at this little speck on the map that could be adequately described as a “tourist trap.” 

For all the commotion nearby, the campground hears none of it. Tucked neatly under the road, the tiers of camping loops simply face out to a view that is magical and the rest of the world can just roll on by. This campground is unique in that each space has water and sewer, but no electrical…so bring those solar panels and leave the generators at home. The bathrooms are clean and offer a flush, but only accommodate one person at a time, which is great during a pandemic year.

For some reason, the people at this campground are extra friendly…each and every time we come here, we’ve made some new friends. If you go up the road, there is some incredible hiking and hardcore cycling. Down the road, and you’ll find gorgeous Canyon Lake and the Salt River. We’ve paddled all over the US and other parts of the world, and the Salt River Canyon still remains one of the most beautiful and most accessible. If you want to avoid boat traffic, go in the early morning or just before sunset. It’s divine!

The closest services for prepared food and ice are in the quaint town of Tortilla Flat, but you won’t find a grocery store. Further down the valley 15 miles or so is the Phoenix suburb of Apache Junction which has all the usual stuff for groceries, gas, and more RV parks than you can shake a stick at.

For the price of $12 per night, this National Forest campground in the Superstition Mountains can’t be beat.  Sites are medium-sized with no privacy in between, but each site has a water hookup and a sewer dump. There are a couple of bathrooms with running water as well.  Just hook up your solar panel and you have everything you need for your RV. The views in the area are jaw dropping, from just about every angle. The road is close by, but you don’t hear much of anything after dark.  

Within walking distance is the hamlet of Tortilla Flat, a funny little tourist trap of a place with a general store (don’t go seeking groceries though), a restaurant, live music, a post office, and the ubiquitous ice cream and fudge shop.  The road up to this campground is full of crazy twists and turns and very narrow, so would only recommend it for the experienced cyclists not for kids/families. There are beautiful off the beaten track trails and backroads to hike or mountain bike.  And, bring your kayaks for a phenomenal day on Canyon Lake and a paddle up the Salt River -- very easy (with the exception of wind) and beautiful!

The closest town with a grocery store and gas station is Apache Junction, about 17 miles from the campground.