Upper Tonto Creek — Tonto National Forest

Drove nearly 15 hours to this area and both the upper and lower Tonto Campgrounds said First come, first serve, but both were closed with no explanation or notice of any kind.

Yeah yeah, you might be too young for that movie about a robot that gains consciousness and saves the weirdo girl from The Breakfast Club. It’s just the phrase that matters:

No. 5 is alive.

Alive because this is a great little spot in the woods with easy access to Horton Creek. Camp host was charming and helpful. Relaxing days, chilly beautiful nights.

No. 5 because that’s the spot we stayed at. If you can choose, pick 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Those are the good ones.

Really quiet and maintained campground. Occasional sounds off the freeway but not a big deal.

Sometimes you come across a campground that makes you feel like you are 12 again, just hanging out with the family in the beautiful surroundings of the Arizona Rim Country, roasting marshmallows. The sites have these awesome, monolithic, USFS, stone, picnic tables next to a solid cooking campfire pit, which makes me think of my earliest road trip memories. 

With only 9 spaces, and just a few that could accommodate an RV of any size beyond our compact 15 feet, this is the ideal place to easily car-camp near highway access.  No electrical hook-ups but the bathrooms are clean and there is good water.  Bring your solar panel as there is plenty of sun among the pines!

The uber-popular Horton Springs Trail starts right across from campsite #1, and it can lead you up and onto the rim for adventures lasting an afternoon or a week. Many backpackers began or ended their adventures at the trail sign. 

While it was super busy on the weekend, the mid-week peace of this place was priceless. There are a few lesser-known trails just around the corner which offer privacy and similar experiences. The creek is stocked with trout for fly fishing enthusiast and the trails are also multi-use for mountain bikers as well. The fresh water is palatable and the pit-toilets are efficiently kept clean by the annual resident camp host Ken, an amiable guy who loves the area as much as his job. He’ll chat you up or get you some firewood, but don’t bother on Wednesdays or Thursdays which are his day’s off. 

The town of Payson is less than 20 minutes away and has all the services and restaurants you could want. We highly recommend going to the Alfonso’s Mexican take out– absolutely worth it.

Favorite place to camp. No RVs allowed Great campsites, bathrooms always cleaned. Great fishing and hiking.

I camped with my friends, and this was a great site for us. It was clean, and very well situated near the trail. Though the ground was slightly uneven and parking our truck was a challenge, it was comfortable and well laid out. Furthermore, are camp host went above and beyond to help us feel welcomed.

Great campsites walking distance to Horton Creeek trail, has fire ring, table, and level tent area for easy set up. 9 campsites which are at first come basis. Camp Host was friendly and kept place outstanding!

Camping nearby the Horton Creek made for a nice and easy trip. The area was secluded enough we were able to find a great spot to set up and let the dogs play without hassle. The hike up to the falls was worth the climb, not at all difficult and fairly shaded as their is a good amount of tree cover. We love this area and will be back again as soon as time will allow.