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Camping near Tonto National Forest

765 Reviews

Camping areas surrounding Tonto National Forest in Arizona include both established campgrounds and dispersed options across varied terrain. Established sites like Tortilla Campground and Lost Dutchman State Park feature amenities such as water hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, while dispersed areas like Hackamore Road offer free primitive camping with minimal facilities. The region supports various accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and even cabin rentals at locations like Apache Lake Marina & Resort and Mesa-Apache Junction KOA.

Access to many campgrounds varies seasonally, with some areas like Tortilla Campground only open from October through March. Roads throughout the region range from paved highways to rough dirt tracks requiring high-clearance vehicles. "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," noted one camper about Tortilla Campground. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Several campgrounds require permits or reservations, especially during peak periods, while dispersed camping in areas like Bulldog Canyon explicitly requires permits for overnight stays.

Waterfront camping ranks highly among visitors to the area, particularly at locations near Canyon Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Apache Lake. These sites provide opportunities for boating, kayaking, and swimming directly from campsites. A review of the Point Campground mentioned: "Keep on the lookout for lots of birds and Big Horned Sheep as you paddle/boat up river to the Horse Mesa Dam area. The journey upriver is absolutely gorgeous with fascinating geology and beautiful Sonoran Desert cactus!" Most campgrounds in the region permit campfires, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. While many established campgrounds provide toilets and drinking water, dispersed camping areas typically lack these amenities, requiring visitors to pack in water and practice proper waste disposal techniques. Cell service remains inconsistent throughout much of the national forest, particularly in remote camping areas away from major roads.

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Best Camping Sites Near Tonto National Forest (248)

    1. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    84 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4485

    $35 - $99 / night

    "It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade."

    "Close to town and funky roadside attractions. No WiFi but decent cell. Very clean, well maintained and quiet. Lovely hiking in the park."

    2. Tortilla Campground

    16 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $20 / night

    "Rode the scenic Apache Trail Arizona route 88 looking for some BLM land. Couldn’t find a flat place to pull over. Grateful to find a campground near the end of 88."

    "The road is close by, but you don’t hear much of anything after dark.  "

    3. Burnt Corral Campground

    19 Reviews
    Roosevelt, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5395

    $20 - $40 / night

    "There still was plenty of room I was at campsite 64 still had a nice view of the lake and a short walk to it."

    "Fishing within walking distance. Bathrooms are clean and a water spiket/faucet available."

    4. Canyon Lake Marina & Campground

    18 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    "Enjoyed our December visit to Lake Marina campsite 201. Will say campsites are close together. Awesome families close to us made it fun."

    "So if you had sleepless because of noise and did not call for assistants shame.on you not canyon lake. The gentleman i checked in with would corrected the situation."

    5. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $10 - $80 / night

    "Don't park near the gate, the sound from the road can get really loud. 6 am every morning a helicopter comes overhead it's extremely loud, just so you know."

    "I use the north entrance off Bush highway. I've camped here 5 or 6 times. No water or bathrooms. Leave no trace. You need a permit and gate code. Most ATVers but not loud during the week."

    6. Usery Mountain Regional Park

    35 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 984-0032

    "Almost an urban park just due to it's proximity to the city of Mesa, Usery park offers great tent camping, group campsites, as well as RV Sites with Electric and Water hookups."

    "Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. "

    7. Roosevelt Lake - Cholla Campground

    11 Reviews
    Roosevelt, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5395

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Cholla Recreation Site is located on Theodore Roosevelt Lake, central Arizona’s largest lake."

    "Try to get a campsite facing the lake. Tenters beware-- This is heavy duty RV land

    In Cholla loop we had great hosts & very clean pit toilets.

    Our site was outstanding and had plenty of space."

    8. Apache Lake Marina & Resort

    7 Reviews
    Tonto National Forest, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 575-0057

    "But all that aside, it was a beautiful, peaceful drive! Just don't do it in the dark."

    "It's the kind of resort where you plan to spend all day on the lake and come back to a shower and a real bed. You can choose to camp in your tent/RV or start in the motel."

    9. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    18 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4015

    "This KOA sits on the outskirts of Apache Junction, which itself isn't Phoenix proper but an eastern suburb. The RV park has all of the basics: power, water, sewer plus a pool and a level, clean site."

    "We had plenty of space between us and adjacent sites. The whole KOA has some nice touches as far as landscaping, sites with grills, etc. Very clean and well kept."

    10. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "It's on BLM land, so you are out of the reach of the Arizona Land Permits. The road is a bit tricky."

    "It’s got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tonto National Forest

230 Photos of 248 Tonto National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tonto National Forest

765 Reviews of 248 Tonto National Forest Campgrounds

  • April H.
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    Iconic Camping

    This is a state campground not too far from Phoenix.  It is well maintained and almost every site has a nice view of the iconic monolith.  The sites are graveled, which I like as it helps manage dust and mud.  There are a lot of quail-my favorite desert bird-and the rangers actually have a quail feeding area near the entrance.  It has the standard amenities however no camp store.  The bathrooms were a little far from my site which was somewhat inconvenient.  The other thing I don't care for is that the fire ring was located right next to the table.  This can be a problem not only for cooking and it also for "sitting around the campfire".  There are trails you can take right of the campground, including Siphon Draw to Flatiron.  Before dawn, I could sit facing east toward the monolith and actually see the lights of headlamps heading up Siphon Draw before the heat of the day.

  • Jaimy M.
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Box bar rec area

    Three pretty small parking lots to choose from. Mostly just open space that you camp in. There are dumpsters for trash and a vault toilet. There was so much trash around the entire recreation area even next to the river! I’ll never understand the thought process of people littering especially in nature! There’re wild horses and a few people fishing but still very peaceful!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

    Fun Ghost town and Camping

    We happened upon this cool campground on our way to the state park that doesn’t have check in until 2 even though when I called at 9 they had tons of sites open. The Goldmine sites are clean and level. All have fire pits and most have a picnic table. It was fun to walk right up to the town and walk around. Cowboy Dan who owns and runs the steakhouse is hilarious and his wait staff was helpful and accommodating. They have train rides and you can visit a mine. The coffee shop opens at 9 and they have a great menu for breakfast, lunch and snack time. The restrooms are clean and the camp host was very helpful. We were able to unload our side by side and we traveled up to Tortilla Flats where you can have lunch and then onto Apache Lake and campground. That road does require 4 WD but we did see a Tesla on it so I guess if you like a challenge and don’t have 4WD then anything is possible!!
    Great spot and cheaper than the state park for dry camping $30 here and the same price for hook ups here $50.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Apache Lake Marina & Resort

    Middle of no where but amazing

    This is out in the middle of nowhere but simply amazing location. The lake has amazing views and park is nice and level. Has a grocery store and restaurant as well. Worth the trip to stay at this lake.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Canyon Lake Marina & Campground

    Nice location on the water

    This campground is right on the water. Close to Tortilla Flat which is a cool spot for the whole family. Lots of boats in the marina but we never say one on the lake. We did see kayakers and paddle boards those were venturing up the river. Road is very twisty on the way here but paved the whole way. Great spot!

  • N
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Hackamore Road Dispersed

    The Beginning

    I went and personally checked out this dispersed camping area that's about half a click or so away from the Goldfield Ghost Town.

    Hackamore Road is a straight up OHV Trail, and last night I learned that on a total whim.

    I'm confident enough to hop on here and say that it was a pretty nice experience overall. There were some dudes shredding it pretty late last night, (pretty sure I overheard them mentioning their tire got flat).

    So expect a little bit of company; although no one bothered me

    The coyotes started howling around 4am, but they started dying down after they had migrated.

    I'm a country guy so the sounds don't really bother me, but if you're particular about your sleep I would recommend bringing a camping trailer + earmuff combo.

    The ground is hard as concrete, but I have no complaints. I got some of the best sleep I've had in a long time.

  • CJ V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Payson Campground & RV Resort

    Nightly RV Sites Very Expensive

    We are new to RVing (1st trip) but this place was $129 for a 28' back in 30 amp site. It does have wifi, water, power, and sewer, but that's the same as a hotel.

    It is nice and well maintained, but it seems very expensive.

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Cave Creek Regional Park

    Cactus place

    Nice campground, serene with a large cactus next to every spot. Power and water at the spot, toilets & bathrooms available.

Guide to Tonto National Forest

Camping near Tonto National Forest, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, biking, or just soaking up the beauty of nature, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Loved staying at Lost Dutchman. We are full time in our RV, stayed for a full week and had access to the bathrooms, showers, dump & fill stations." The park has trails for all skill levels, making it a great spot for everyone.
  • Mountain Biking: If you’re into biking, check out Usery Mountain Regional Park. A visitor shared, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun! Definitely a great basecamp for MTB and hiking."
  • Water Activities: For those who love the water, Canyon Lake Marina & Campground is perfect. One reviewer said, "You can launch your boat and then bring it to the campsite and tie off for easy access."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. A happy camper noted, "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Burnt Corral Campground mentioned, "There is access to the bathroom, which were clean and trash, which didn’t smell."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness at Tortilla Campground. One reviewer said, "Sites are close together without much privacy but they are spacious."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, have few amenities. A camper warned, "CLOSED TO CAMPING," indicating that it’s essential to check ahead before heading out.
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell service in areas like Peralta Canyon. One camper noted, "I got occasional T-Mobile service but mostly no cell service for anyone."
  • Road Conditions: If you're driving to Bartlett Flat, be aware of the road conditions. A visitor mentioned, "If you want to be more secluded keep following the shoreline NW, however the more you travel the more ground clearance you’ll need."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: At Mesa-Apache Junction KOA, families can enjoy a mix of amenities. One parent said, "The campground has a mix of available sites. Day use also. Large grassy area for kids to play."
  • Safety First: When camping at Usery Mountain Regional Park, keep an eye on kids near the trails. A camper noted, "The people are mostly quiet, and to themselves."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to bring enough food and snacks. A visitor at Burnt Corral Campground mentioned, "There’s no grocery store nearby, so plan ahead."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: If you’re staying at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, be aware that sewer hookups are not available. A camper pointed out, "The park offers spacious campsites with convenient power and water hookups."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours at campgrounds like Canyon Lake Marina & Campground. One reviewer said, "A lot of kids especially ill-behaved little demons running around like they are entitled to the place."
  • Plan for Crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at McDowell Mountain Regional Park noted, "The overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."

Camping near Tonto National Forest, Arizona, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique experiences each campground offers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cabins available in Tonto National Forest?

Tonto National Forest has limited cabin accommodations. While most camping options are traditional tent or RV sites, you can find some cabin-like accommodations at Apache Lake Marina & Resort, which offers cabins along with traditional camping. For more comfortable accommodations with amenities, Mesa-Apache Junction KOA near the forest boundary provides cabin options with modern facilities. Most locations within the forest itself are primarily campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, or boat-in sites without permanent structures. If cabins are a priority, consider making reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as availability is limited compared to traditional camping options.

Where are the best campgrounds in Tonto National Forest?

Tonto National Forest offers diverse camping experiences near Phoenix. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground is a popular choice located near Bartlett Reservoir with sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables alongside the Verde River. For those seeking a more remote experience, Peralta Road Dispersed Camping offers beautiful Sonoran Desert views with multiple pull-offs where you can find secluded spots. Other excellent options include Roosevelt Lake's Cholla Campground, Burnt Corral Campground, and Canyon Lake Marina & Campground. Most locations require a Tonto Pass for entry. The forest offers everything from developed sites with amenities to primitive dispersed camping areas, with options for both tent campers and RVs.

What should I know about Bagley Flat Campground in Tonto National Forest?

Bagley Flat Campground and Boat Dock is unique as it offers boat-in camping only on Saguaro Lake. You'll need a Tonto National Forest permit with a watercraft sticker to access this campground. While the lake itself can get crowded with day users, the camping area provides a beautiful experience away from the usual drive-in sites. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. The isolation of boat-in camping means you should come prepared with all necessary supplies. Despite the day crowds on the lake, the campground itself provides a rewarding experience for those willing to make the boat journey, especially for campers seeking a more adventurous outdoor experience.

Is camping available near Tonto Natural Bridge?

While there are no campgrounds within Tonto Natural Bridge State Park itself, several camping options are available nearby. Oak Flat Campground in Tonto National Forest is approximately 90 minutes from Phoenix and offers basic facilities including vault toilets, though no water or trash service is available. For a free alternative, Kearny Lake City Park offers complimentary camping with some sites even featuring electrical hookups. The closest developed campgrounds to the natural bridge are in Payson, about 10-15 minutes from the park. Most nearby camping options are rustic, so come prepared with water and supplies. Day visits to the natural bridge are popular, with camping serving as a base for exploration.

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