Tonto National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Tonto National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
The campground has 138 sites: 68 sites with electric (50/30/20 amp service) and water and the remainder non-hookup sites on paved roads for tents or RVs. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit with an adjustable grill gate. There are no size restrictions on RVs. Well-mannered pets on leashes are welcome, but please pick after your pets.
The office at Lost Dutchman is open until 7 p.m. for campsite check-in, but after hours (with campsite reservations) you can grab a map by the ranger station and head straight to your campsite! If you are staying multiple nights, check-in with the camp host, or a ranger to get a vehicle tag.
$25 - $89 / night
Welcome to Mesa-Apache Junction KOA, a cozy spot nestled near Apache Junction, AZ. This campground is a great place to set up camp whether you're in a tent, RV, cabin, or looking for a glamping experience. It's open all year, so you can enjoy the Arizona sunshine whenever you please.
One of the standout features here is the friendly and helpful staff. Visitors often mention how the team goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The campground is impeccably maintained, with clean facilities and well-kept grounds. You’ll find all the basics you need, including electric and water hookups, showers, toilets, and a sanitary dump station.
For those traveling with pets, there's a small dog park that gets the job done. If you're into grilling, some sites come with a grill and sink, perfect for a cookout. And if you’re looking to cool off, the year-round heated pool and jacuzzi are a hit among guests.
The campground is conveniently located about 45 minutes from Phoenix, making it a good base for exploring the area. Old Town Scottsdale is also within reach for a day trip. While the campground itself is peaceful, you might hear some traffic noise at night, but that's pretty common for most campgrounds.
Overall, Mesa-Apache Junction KOA offers a comfortable and friendly environment with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay. Whether you're passing through or planning a longer visit, this place has got you covered.
Located on central Arizona's largest lake, Windy Hill offers great water recreation opportunities to the public. Because of its close proximity to the Lake, Windy Hill allows fishing, non-motorized and motorized boating, along with hiking trails. There are plenty of developed campsites available at Windy Hill, which allows for an easy, quick escape during any time of the year for families and individuals.__
Fishing is popular activity where anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish species, such as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel and Flathead Catfish. This campground is also situated right on the shore of Roosevelt Lake which is open to boating, kayaking, and other water-related activites. A fully accessible boat ramp and fishing dock are available for easy lake access, and maps and other important site details can be found at the kiosks at the entrance to the campground.__
Fishing is popular activity where anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish species, such as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel and Flathead Catfish. This campground is also situated right on the shore of Roosevelt Lake which is open to boating, kayaking, and other water-related activites. A fully accessible boat ramp and fishing dock are available for easy lake access, and maps and other important site details can be found at the kiosks at the entrance to the campground.__
Two National Scenic Byways (AZ Hwy 88 Apache Trail and AZ Hwy 288 Spines to Pines Highway). Roosevelt Dam, Tonto National Monument, the Arizona Trail, endless miles of jeep trails, Towns of Payson and Globe, Superstition, Sierra Ancha, and Four Peaks Wilderness'. Don't forget to stop by the Tonto Basin Environmental Center learn about the history of the area.__
$50 / night
Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails nearby. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
$20 - $22 / night
Cave Creek Regional Park is a gem for campers looking for a mix of comfort and natural beauty. This campground offers a peaceful retreat with clean facilities, hot showers, and friendly staff. The sites are spacious and well-maintained, with picnic tables and fire pits at each spot. If you're planning to stay here, consider booking a site with a canopy, especially if your rig lacks solid air conditioning—shade can be a lifesaver in the Arizona sun.
One of the standout features of this campground is its direct access to hiking trails. You can step right out of your tent or RV and hit the trails, exploring the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. The park is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
Located near the quaint town of Cave Creek, the campground is close enough to civilization for convenience but far enough to offer a serene escape. The sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular, painting the sky in vibrant hues. Plus, with amenities like electric and water hookups, a dual-lane dump station, and reservable sites, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Visitors have praised the campground for its cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Cave Creek Regional Park provides a fantastic backdrop for making lasting memories. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready to enjoy some quality time in the great outdoors.
Welcome to Payson Campground & RV Resort, a convenient and well-maintained spot near the town of Payson, AZ. This campground is a great place to park your RV or pitch a tent, especially if you're looking for a mix of comfort and accessibility.
One of the standout features here is the full hook-ups available at many sites, including sewer, electric, and water. This makes it a breeze for RV travelers to settle in without any hassle. The campground also boasts a nice pool, perfect for cooling off on those warm Arizona days. The staff here are known for being friendly and helpful, which adds a welcoming touch to your stay.
The campground is close to town, so if you need to grab supplies or want to explore local shops and restaurants, you're just a short walk or drive away. This proximity does mean you might hear some road noise, but many visitors find the convenience outweighs this minor drawback.
For those traveling with pets, you'll be glad to know that pets are allowed. However, the dog park is on the smaller side, so keep that in mind if your furry friend needs a lot of space to run around.
If you're bringing the family, there's a playground, though it's pretty basic. The campground is also big-rig friendly, so no worries if you're rolling in with a larger setup.
Overall, Payson Campground & RV Resort offers a comfortable and convenient camping experience with clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you're just passing through or planning a longer stay, it's a solid choice for your next camping trip.
Pioneer Pass Pioneer is a large site composed of dispersed campgrounds located in the Globe Ranger District of Tonto National Forest. Set in the cool Pinal Mountains South of Pioneer Pass is the Squaw Springs Trail that leads to Pinal Peak along with the East Mountain Trail. These trails are fun for nature viewing, day hikes, and family outings. ACTIVITIES Camping: 23 camp units with tables and fire pit grills Picnicking: tables and fire pit grills available
Mesquite Horseshoe Reservoir and Verde River are nearby. Opportunities abound for water activities such as fishing. This site is located along Verde River and is wooded with large mesquite shade trees. Bald eagles and great blue herons are frequently seen in this vicinity.
Cave Creek Group Site is located 20 miles north of Cave Creek and Carefree, Arizona. It is a historic campground constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This site is a short drive from the blistering heat of Phoenix offering cooler temps, a clear running creek, and plentiful shade to relax and enjoy nature. With food prep areas, grills and covered picnic tables, you're all set for a weekend with your loved ones you'll never forget!
At this site you'll enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, sightseeing, exploring, bird and wildlife viewing, and there is even a game area for volleyball and horseshoes.
At this site you'll enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, sightseeing, exploring, bird and wildlife viewing, and there is even a game area for volleyball and horseshoes.
This group campsite is nestled in a narrow valley of juniper and sycamore trees providing abundant shade. Water flowing through seven springs is minimal and only several inches in depth. The area has one large open camping area and a nearby trailhead offering access to over 48 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Bring your camera during springtime to get photos of the desert wildflowers in bloom.
Across the road, Cave Creek trailhead offers over 48 miles of hiking trails - great for overnight backpacking trips. Bronco Trailhead further south, offers parking for 40 vehicles plus trailers and six horse pens. Just seven miles south is Sears-Kay ruin. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this site features the remains of an ancient Native American tribe's hilltop village. For spectacular scenic views take Forest Road 562 to Humboldt Mountain. Or, you can simply stay on site and observe nature and hunt for crawdads in the nearby creek.
$150 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Tonto National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Tonto National Forest is Lost Dutchman State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 76 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Tonto National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 glamping camping locations near Tonto National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
