Established Camping
Upper Tonto Creek Campground
About
National Forest
Upper Tonto Creek Campground The union of Tonto and Horton Creeks is at the north end of the campground. Fishing in both creeks is a popular sport. The trailheads for Horton Creek Trail 285 and Derrick Trail 33 are located in the campground. Both of these trails access the Highline National Recreation Trail (#31). Tonto Fish Hatchery is four miles north of Highway 260 on Forest Road 289. The Arizona Game & Fish Department welcomes visitors and has a self-guided tour of the hatchery.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
ScoutNot Open when reccreation.gov said it is First come, First Serve
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.
TravelerNo. 5 is Alive
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.
TravelerGreat campsite
Really quiet and maintained campground. Occasional sounds off the freeway but not a big deal.
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Location
Upper Tonto Creek Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
This site is 17 miles northeast of Payson. From Payson, travel 16 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Just east of Mile Marker # 269 at Kohl’s Ranch, turn left (north) on Forest Road (FR) 289. Travel one mile and turn right into the site.
Coordinates
34.33996382 N
111.09548267 W