Best Tent Camping near Kohls Ranch, AZ

The pine-covered forests surrounding Kohls Ranch, Arizona offer diverse tent camping options within Tonto National Forest. Lower Tonto Creek Campground provides established tent sites with creek access, while more secluded primitive tent camping can be found at Bearhide Group Site about 2 miles from Tonto Creek. For tent campers seeking panoramic views, Molitor Spot Along Rim Road offers dispersed camping along the Mogollon Rim with multiple pull-offs for privacy. Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground, though farther east near Forest Lakes, provides a small tent-only campground with lake access via a hiking trail.

Road conditions vary significantly between campgrounds, affecting tent site accessibility. Lower Tonto Creek sites are easily reached via paved roads but experience highway noise from nearby Route 260. Bearhide Group Site features well-maintained forest roads accessible by standard vehicles. Dispersed tent camping areas like FR95 and Molitor Spot require higher clearance vehicles on rougher forest roads. Most tent sites include fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during summer months. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds, but dispersed areas require pack-in, pack-out practices for all supplies and waste. Water must be carried in at all locations except Lower Tonto Creek, which offers water hookups.

Tent campers frequently note the solitude available at dispersed sites compared to established campgrounds. According to reviews, Molitor Spot Along Rim Road provides exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. "The starry sky at night was one of the best we've seen anywhere," reported one visitor. At Chevelon Canyon Lake, campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere despite the challenging hike to water. "The silence here was stunning, only interrupted by the bugling of elk," noted another camper. Most tent sites feature pine tree coverage providing partial shade, though exposed rim sites experience stronger winds. Proximity to fishing at Tonto Creek and hiking trails like Horton Creek make these tent campgrounds popular during summer months when valley temperatures soar.

Best Tent Sites Near Kohls Ranch, Arizona (35)

    1. Lower Tonto Creek

    5 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    1 mile
    Website

    $20 / night

    "My son and I left Mesa around 6:00 PM - we drove up to the campsite - got there just before dark we found an open campsite - we set up our tent started a fire and the enjoyed the evening-

    Having such"

    "I actually like Tonto Creek better as the campgrounds seem a little bit more spacious and the parking lot is huge, paved and is a dedicated space."

    2. Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "We arrived around noon on Friday, and within an hour or two there were two others who arrived--but thankfully turned around to find another spot.  "

    "A ton of pull offs to choose from and far enough away from other campers. I had service there with AT&T. It gets cold- low of 30s and windy"

    3. Bearhide Group Site

    2 Reviews
    Sun Valley, AZ
    2 miles

    "The individual campsites here are not really well defined, but there are probably 5-6 fire rings spread out over a pretty wide area."

    "Bearhide is a group site located on FS Rd 405A on the way to Bear Flat day use area. I found this on the way there and intend to go with a larger group."

    4. Forest Road 195 Campground

    2 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    7 miles

    "Off the beaten path. Spacious and quite with little wildlife"

    5. Alderwood Campground

    1 Review
    Young, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 467-3200

    "Exactly what we were looking for with much appreciated privacy and no one else around. Fires were allowed and there was a peaceful spring nearby."

    6. Airplane Flat Campground

    3 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 462-4300

    "Vaulted toilets are available, picnic tables and fire rings. First come first served. There is a camp host usually... not sure why? Plenty of firewood to gather."

    "The spots are spaced out decently."

    7. Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 333-4301

    "This campground has 6 sites which each have a fire pit (with grill piece), picnic table, and room for 1-2 vehicles. There are two pit toilets on site, no water, trash service, or electrical."

    "This is a small very primitive, four space campground off the beaten track. The three nights I stayed here in September, I was the only overnight camper."

    8. FR95 Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Pine, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Our small group (8 people/4 vehicles) had a great time at one of the secluded dispersed sites located off the forest road."

    9. First Crossing

    1 Review
    Sun Valley, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7901
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Kohls Ranch, AZ

560 Reviews of 35 Kohls Ranch Campgrounds



Guide to Kohls Ranch

Tent camping near Kohls Ranch, Arizona, offers a serene escape into nature with stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several excellent options to consider.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kohls Ranch, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kohls Ranch, AZ is Lower Tonto Creek with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Kohls Ranch, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Kohls Ranch, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.