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.
$25 - $89 / night
Campsite 36
Spent the night close to home as my dog had never been camping and I wanted to see if he liked it (he does!).
and sites nearby whether you are looking for lakes, wild mustangs in the Salt River, a scenic drive to Tortilla Flats or just enjoying the Arizona
$10 - $80 / night
Most of the neighbors were nice, respectful and quiet, but there were several irresponsible dog owners.
$20 / night
Rode the scenic Apache Trail Arizona route 88 looking for some BLM land. Couldn’t find a flat place to pull over.
On the other side of the KOA there is a small fenced dog run. I also saw a stand alone sink near one of the loops.
$32 / night
Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town.
$25 - $50 / night
Cholla Recreation Site is located on Theodore Roosevelt Lake, central Arizona’s largest lake.
GuideIn Tonto National Forest Close to Phoenix located near Bartlett Reservoir Fire Rings and Picnic Tables at some sites next to Verde River below Bartlett Dam
GuideLocation in Tonto National Forest You need Tonto Pass at bottom off Bartlett Reservoir Dam some sites have Picnic Tables & Fire Rings located next to Verde River
TravelerWe got the last spot in the park to stop over for 3 nights. Lots are spacious. We have a view of the tribal land. Other sites have valley views and are more preferable. The amenities are very nice. Large laundry $3/load. Central courtyard with gas grills, a pool and hot tub. DVDs to borrow are available in the office as well as jigsaw puzzles, and books. Walking paths and trails are throughout the park. A dog park is available. Town is about 10 minutes away on a winding back road. The road behind the park is not used much so no traffic noise to speak of. Coffee and donuts in the clubhouse in AM. The only negative would be the goat head stickers! They track in and are painful for the pets as well. We saw wild horses, woodpeckers, and heard the distant coyotes carrying on.
LegendThis camping area is on Saguaro Lake and only offers boat-in camping. You'll need a Tonto National forest permit with watercraft sticker. It's beautiful here. The lake itself can be crowded but I think it's worth a chance, especially considering most are coming for day use. Nearby you can do Salt Water River Tubing or visit the (now second) tallest fountain in the world at Fountain Hills. Once you get off the highway, the drive down is beautiful. The water always looks so blue and seeing wild horses is almost a guarantee!
RangerBox Bar shoreline is located right on the verde fiver. The parking/camping is about two minutes walking distance from the river.
We didn’t camp, just came down for the day. This is a fun spot to swim and picnic. This is free and not on Tonto National Forest, so you don’t need a Tonto Pass.
Fire restrictions are in place. There are no facilities other than three port-a-potty’s. Only 45 minutes from Mesa. We usually go to the salt river but I noticed that this area and water is much cleaner!
ScoutThis is a nice day use spot. Has clean restrooms, ample parking and ramadas for group activities. Handicap ramp with swimming beach access that motorized boats are not allowed to enter. Beautiful desert mountain view. No hook ups or drinkable water. Bring your own. Also a Tonto National Forest use permit placard is needed. Placards are for sale at many Az merchants like Circle K's in Cave Creek which you pass through on the way there for $8 or for $12 at local ranger station and marina. Good boat ramp for launching nearby.
RangerAlmost 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. Dump station on site.
Usery is a great jumping off point for hiking in the National Forest. There is an extensive trail network both in the park and connected to the Tonto National Forest. One of the most popular is Wind Cave Trail.
There is also a world class Archery Range here. There is a usage fee of about $2 (at time of this writing) on top of your park entry fee, but kids are free.
LegendWe were not impressed with this USDA Forest Service operated campground. There are better places to stay in the Tonto National Forest area. I’d only stay here again if everything else was full.
It was toilets. That was about it. No cell service either (T-Mobile). No water or trash. Pack it in, pack it out. There are also some protests going on in the area right now. The land is sacred to Western Apache tribes and it might be opened up to copper mining.
The picnic tables and fire pits are nice. I highly recommend driving along the Gila-Pinal Scenic Route. Breath taking vistas.
ScoutExpensive RV Resort with a LOT of amenities for the price! Live bands 2 pools, shuffle board, adult mini golf, hot tubs, 3 dog parks and so much more...
Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Tonto National Forest in Arizona allows you to enjoy the great outdoors alongside your furry friends. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, you can find the perfect spot for a memorable adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tonto National Forest is Lost Dutchman State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 82 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 176 dog-friendly camping locations near Tonto National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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