Tonto National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Arizona camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Tonto National Forest, AZ. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$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."
$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. "
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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. "
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
GuideWe love the Superstition mountains. Lost Dutchman campground is great. Has everything and is close to hwy and Phoenix. Lots to do in the area, lots of hikes straight from the campground. Homes were close to our campsite, but the view of the mountains was great!
TravelerThe park was fine. Not my preference but wanted to be as close to my son visiting as possible so it worked.
However the site I was on wasnt easy at all to get into with my 29ft trailer. After multiple attempts of trying to be on the gravel behind the concrete pad like others I stay partially on the concrete pad since there were no rules specified about this. I arrived on a Friday evening (labor day weekend). Tuesday the manager came by and said something. She was super nice. I explained the events of getting into the spot with the traffic in the park and that I triple checked the rules on it. Since I was leaving the next morning she let me stay as is.
Today though I got an email about a balance. So if you book less than a 30day stay you pay a fee of $4. And the electric charge that is listed for Monthly stays is charged for a few nights as well.
I would stay again though. I mean the location was convenient for my visit. It was a well kept park. Just a few unknowns that I wish I knew before booking
TravelerWas a great site before, but now all the camp sites are blocked and no longer allowed. This area will be missed it was very convenient.
ScoutNice place a lot of trees not much sunshine if you're on solar, host was nice, T-Mobile 5G non-existent
GuideWe stayed 4 nights in July. Staff friendly and helpful. Clean quiet nice level sites FHU everything worked great. Wi-Fi is poor. Will stay here again.
ScoutTowerpoint is not the biggest resort but not the smallest either. It was perfect for us. Everyone was very friendly, often waving to strangers. The price includes so many amenities such as pickleball, a wood shop, pottery, stained glass, shuffleboard, tennis, fitness classes and line dancing, classes for a variety of things including Spanish and sign language. The list just goes on and on. Additional amenities such as massages, laundry services and a grill right at the resort and concert series among so many others are offered at a reasonable price. There is something for everyone. We will be going back this Winter and have recommended it to many others.
GuideNo complaints, we needed to stay near Phoenix, and this did the trick.
GuideWe were there for one night. Quiet place all night long. Our camping lot was wide and very clean. The washroom and the shower were very clean. Free hot shower. Picnic table for 6 to 8 persons.
TravelerI liked staying here. The sites are spacious and spaced well enough apart from each other.
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.
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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