Tonto Basin sits at elevations ranging from 2,250 to 2,450 feet in central Arizona, creating a transition zone between desert lowlands and mountain highlands. Summer temperatures regularly reach 95-105°F during day with overnight lows in the 70s, while winter brings mild 60-70°F days and occasional freezing nights. Most campsites near Roosevelt Lake provide partial shade from mesquite trees and access to water-based activities from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Lake recreation access: Windy Hill Campground connects directly to Roosevelt Lake with multiple boat ramps and fishing docks. "Hot showers, clean bathrooms, boat ramps, and fishing docks. Depending on the time of year it can be rowdy and crowded. Week days are relaxing and quiet," notes camper Candy P.
Hiking trails with elevation: For campers seeking higher elevations and cooler temperatures, Aspen Campground offers access to Woods Canyon Lake with multiple interconnected trails. "Sites are great, semi-private. Lake is beautiful, store available," writes Karen G. The campground sits at significantly higher elevations than Tonto Basin, offering relief during hot summer months.
Historical explorations: Archaeological sites including Tonto National Monument provide opportunities to view ancient cliff dwellings. From Mesquite Campground, visitors can access both historical sites and water recreation. "Travel to the dam and reservoir for great water views!" recommends Gillian C., who appreciated the "steep decline into the river right next to the sites."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Cave Creek Regional Park receives consistent praise for site spacing. "The sites are far enough apart that you have enough room to spread out. You don't feel like you are on top of your neighbors," reports Christopher W. Many sites include electric and water hookups along with picnic tables and fire pits.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the Tonto Basin region offer opportunities to spot desert wildlife. At Houston Mesa Campground near Payson, visitors report hearing elk bugling during early mornings. One visitor shared, "Peaceful and relaxation! Some hiking, read a book, and close to Payson. My android had service to check in with my family."
Natural water features: Campers appreciate access to natural water sources beyond Roosevelt Lake. Knoll Lake Campground provides a quieter alternative to larger lakes. "A favorite of ours. At night you can hear the coyotes and sometimes elk bugleing. Beautiful lake within walking distance," writes Kevin M.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The Tonto Basin area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly in non-summer months. Payson Campground visitors report this challenge: "It was hot the day we left (~March 23rd), night temp was cool and windows left open."
Generator noise levels: Some campgrounds allow generators without significant restrictions. At Windy Hill, camper Shari G. warns, "Despite the area's abundance of sunshine, making it perfect to run your camping rig on solar, this place takes the prize for the most generator impacted site that we've ever stayed in our lifetimes."
Access road conditions: Knoll Lake Campground requires navigating rough forest roads. "This campsite is a bit far away and a good 1/3 of the drive is on switch back fire roads but this campground is worth it," reports Penny A. Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, though standard cars can access developed campgrounds.
Water availability: Several campgrounds have seasonal water restrictions. At Knoll Lake, "Drinking water is a must, the water at the campground is barely clean enough for cleaning, unless it can be boiled ahead of time."
Tips for camping with families
Cooling options: During summer heat, choose campgrounds with swimming access or shade. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA offers "a year round heated pool and jacuzzi. The pool area was fenced and had some chairs, tables, and what appeared to be covered grills."
Wildlife education: Several visitor centers provide educational displays about desert wildlife. At Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, the nearby nature center houses live specimens and educational materials about desert adaptation.
Security considerations: Many family-friendly campgrounds in the region close entrance gates at night. Nicole E. notes about Cave Creek: "Nothing on website said gate closes and can't get back in after 9 pm." Check entrance policies before planning evening activities away from camp.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing concerns: RVers report varied experiences with site spacing at developed campgrounds. At Payson Campground & RV Resort, Norman C. notes, "Nice fairly quiet well kept. Only complaint spaces are tight if you have slide outs on both sides and the only trash disposal is at the office."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds offer dump stations, but availability and fees vary. Windy Hill camper Alejandro shares: "There seem to be one super secret place to dump your trailer water, grey & black. While you can dump there for free; you cannot find it without a treasure map."
