How much does camping cost at Lower Tonto Creek?

Camping fees at Lower Tonto Creek range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lower Tonto Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Lower Tonto Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lower Tonto Creek before I book?

Yes! Lower Tonto Creek has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lower Tonto Creek?

Lower Tonto Creek is open April 03 to November 02. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lower Tonto Creek?

Lower Tonto Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Lower Tonto Creek have?

Lower Tonto Creek has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lower Tonto Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lower Tonto Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lower Tonto Creek?

Lower Tonto Creek offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lower Tonto Creek?

Popular activities at Lower Tonto Creek include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lower Tonto Creek

4.27

85 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,636 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Campground open seas...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,636 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Campground open seas...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Tonto Creek

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Scan & Pay: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Lower Tonto Creek

34.3325, -111.0973

Nearby places

Payson (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive)

Weather at Lower Tonto Creek

Current alerts(2)

There is no adjacent parking spot to any camp site. Walk-in access only to all campsites (paved sidewalk is provided).
This campground is close to Highway 260.

Best Time to Camp at Lower Tonto Creek

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F / 13–24°C), crisp nights (30s–40s°F / near freezing to ~7°C), and excellent wildlife activity and riparian color along Tonto Creek. Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as water levels calm after summer and before potential winter freezes, while crowds thin after the late-summer holiday stretch. The campground is fully open through early November, making October especially reliable for clear Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is popular during open season; mild weather and trail access make it an excellent time to visit.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 03 to November 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground open seasonally from April 3, 2025 - November 3, 2025.

About Lower Tonto Creek

Lower Tonto Creek sits in mid-elevation forest within Tonto National Forest, offering primitive camping alongside a riparian corridor. This very small campground features vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with direct access to fishing and hiking along Tonto Creek. Reviewers praise the clean sites and scenic creekside setting, though Highway 260 traffic noise is noticeable.

Lower Tonto Creek Campground caters to a variety of campers with its walk-in tent sites. The campground is designed for primitive camping with minimal facilities, and no RV hookups or group camping sites are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F / 13–24°C), crisp nights (30s–40s°F / near freezing to ~7°C), and excellent wildlife activity and riparian color along Tonto Creek. Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as water levels calm after summer and before potential winter freezes, while crowds thin after the late-summer holiday stretch. The campground is fully open through early November, making October especially reliable for clear Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5636 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTonto Creek cuts through pine-covered slopes here, creating a riparian corridor where smooth stones and gentle rapids define the water's edge. The pines provide decent shade and the characteristic scent of high-country Arizona. The creek supports fishing and allows wading in calmer sections. Surrounding terrain shows the typical geology of the Tonto National Forest, with the creek's flow carving channels through bedrock over centuries. The forest density varies, but the creek corridor stays lush year-round.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or hotel-style accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the available materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 13 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are made using Recreation.gov app's Scan and Pay feature upon arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground features paved walkways providing accessibility to all campsites. However, access to the creek may require a light hike.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, accommodating standard-sized tents and small setups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites vary, though the proximity to a busy highway introduces noise and light pollution, reducing the sense of seclusion.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for campsites further from the main road to avoid highway noise. Campsite 008 is highly recommended for cleanliness and beauty.

Best CampsitesSite 008 gets mentioned for cleanliness and creek views. Site 001 sits farther from Highway 260, reducing road noise compared to sites closer to the pavement. Reviewers consistently recommend choosing sites away from the highway if you're sensitive to traffic sounds.

Need help booking Lower Tonto Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Lower Tonto Creek Campground offers a range of basic amenities designed to provide convenience for campers. These include campfire rings, grills, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The campground is accessible via paved walkways, but it should be noted that there are no adjacent parking spots to the campsites, requiring walk-in access for all visitors. There is no potable water available on-site, and visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water. Shower facilities are also absent. "The bathrooms were as clean as you can get for a pit-toilet," according to one user review, while another camper described them as "super CLEAN bathrooms!!! They smell great and no spiders!!!" However, firewood is not available for purchase on-site, as highlighted by a user who noted, "We couldn’t figure out where to get firewood." The campground also lacks electricity, sewer hookups, and Wi-Fi, and cell phone reception is described as limited or nonexistent in most areas.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lower Tonto Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Fishing in the nearby Tonto and Horton Creeks is a popular pastime. Hiking opportunities are abundant, with trailheads for Horton Creek Trail (#285) and Derrick Trail (#33) accessible from the nearby Upper Tonto Creek Campground. Wildlife viewing is also a notable activity, as the campground is surrounded by tall pines and natural water features.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this site.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers provided on-site.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00pm to 6:00am

Trash & RecyclingThe campground features trash collection services, with one user noting that the "forest ranger will even pack out your trash for you." However, there are no dedicated recycling facilities mentioned.

Cell CoverageCellular service is limited or non-existent, requiring campers to download the Recreation.gov app prior to arrival to facilitate payment.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

85 reviews

Satisfactory

Lower Tonto Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives consistently positive reviews for its cleanliness and natural beauty. Visitors appreciate the scenic surroundings, proximity to creeks, and well-maintained facilities. However, noise from the nearby highway and the lack of amenities like potable water and showers are common drawbacks highlighted by visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 85 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 85 reviews.

Site #008Loved
Site #008: Rated excellent for cleanliness and overall experience.
Site #001Mentioned
Site #001: Convenient but noisy due to highway proximity.
Site #003Mentioned
Site #003: Very loud due to nearby traffic.
Site #002Issues noted
Site #002: Connectivity issues with the Recreation.gov app reported.

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the campground's cleanliness, scenic location next to creeks, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking. "The campgrounds were nice, and well kept....

Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints are the traffic noise from the adjacent highway and the lack of essential amenities like potable water and firewood. Some visitors also noted issues with the Recreation.gov...

Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing potable water, firewood, and extra supplies such as toilet paper due to the walk-in nature of the sites and limited on-site conveniences. One user advised, "Next time, I...

Based on 85 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground mostly receives visitors during its open season (April to November). Spring and fall are particularly popular for their mild weather, making these ideal times for camping.

Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great secluded place to camp. My family has camped here many times." "Clean campground, with hiking trails. Restrooms are available and limited cellular data." "The bathrooms were as clean as you...

Based on 85 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is generally accessible due to its paved walkways, but some users noted challenges with the walk-in nature of the campsites. "The host was awesome and helpful, only drawback was the...

Based on 85 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one user noted, "I walked to Hortencia trail and walked my dogs. Make sure you let do the leg miles because after one mile, my dog kept sitting."

Based on 85 reviews

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Go if

You want budget-friendly primitive camping with creek access for fishing and fall hiking.

Skip if

You need cellular service, quiet surroundings away from highway noise, or modern amenities beyond vault toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

Tonto National Forest

Upper Tonto Creek sits in the pine forests of Tonto National Forest at 5,522 feet, where a small cluster of sites serves tent campers, RVs, and primitive setups along a seasonal creek. The Forest Service operates this quiet campground with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors fish the creek, hike nearby trails, and enjoy the shaded canopy during spring and summer months.