How much does camping cost at Upper Tonto Creek?

Camping fees at Upper 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 Upper Tonto Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper 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 Upper Tonto Creek before I book?

Yes! Upper Tonto Creek has 6 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.

Are there showers at Upper Tonto Creek?

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

How many campsites does Upper Tonto Creek have?

Upper Tonto Creek has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Tonto Creek?

Pets are not allowed at Upper Tonto Creek. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Upper Tonto Creek?

Upper Tonto Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Upper Tonto Creek?

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

Upper Tonto Creek

3.29

53 reviews

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Arizona

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

5,522 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

5,522 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Tonto Creek

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.29

Mixed Reviews

Based on 53 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshadehiking

"User reviews for Upper Tonto Creek Campground are mixed, with the majority of campers praising the natural beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities. The campground host, Ken, receives polarized feedback, with many users commending his helpfulness and maintenance efforts, while others criticize his demeanor as rude or overbearing. The campground itself is frequently described as scenic, clean, and well-maintained."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Upper Tonto Creek

34.3393, -111.0942

Nearby places

Payson, AZ: 17 miles

Best Time to Camp at Upper Tonto Creek

Spring delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs around 55–75°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Snowmelt keeps the creek running full, making fishing and creekside hikes especially rewarding. Wildflowers peak during this window, and migratory birds are active. Crowds stay low to moderate except on holiday weekends. The pine canopy is lush and fragrant after winter moisture.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Reviews highlight spring and summer as ideal: creeks and trails accessible, good fishing.

Planning Tips

Current Alerts: null

About Upper Tonto Creek

Upper Tonto Creek sits at 5,522 feet on the Mogollon Rim in Tonto National Forest, offering six small campsites among mature pines. The campground charges $20 per night and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. A crystal-clear creek runs through the forest floor, and the host maintains the sites well, though reviews of his demeanor vary widely.

Upper Tonto Creek Campground offers primitive camping facilities suitable for tents and small trailers. Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned, and the limited number of campsites suggests it is best for individual or small-family use.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs around 55–75°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Snowmelt keeps the creek running full, making fishing and creekside hikes especially rewarding. Wildflowers peak during this window, and migratory birds are active. Crowds stay low to moderate except on holiday weekends. The pine canopy is lush and fragrant after winter moisture.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines create a shaded canopy over the campground, with crystal-clear Tonto Creek meandering through the forest floor below. The Mogollon Rim's ancient geological formations frame the landscape, and the creek network sustains a rich ecosystem of wildlife. At 5,522 feet, the elevation keeps temperatures moderate and supports dense forest vegetation. The combination of running water and thick pine cover makes for a classic rim-country setting.

Geological RegionPerched high atop the dramatic Mogollon Rim within the expansive Tonto National Forest, this campground sits among towering mature pines that have stood sentinel for generations. Crystal-clear creeks meander through the forest floor, creating a network of waterways that sustain the rich ecosystem. The rim's ancient geological formations tell a story millions of years in the making, while the surrounding forest canopy provides natural shade and shelter for wildlife and visitors alike.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

13 days

Groups

No group sites are mentioned in the authoritative data.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityThe campground features vault toilets, ample parking areas, and clear trails, though no specific accessibility adaptations for people with disabilities are explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeSites are described as small, making them suitable for short trailers or camper mounts. This is emphasized by the tight road and limited turn-around options.

PrivacySome reviews mention that certain campsites are close to neighbors, which might reduce privacy. However, the presence of mature pines provides some natural seclusion.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Need help booking Upper Tonto Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Tonto Creek Campground offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Highlights include fishing in Tonto and Horton Creeks, hiking trails such as Horton Creek Trail and Derrick Trail, which connect to the Highline National Recreation Trail, and exploring the scenic environment of the Tonto National Forest.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alertsnull

Active Alertsnull

Weather at Upper Tonto Creek

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.3

53 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Upper Tonto Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Upper Tonto Creek Campground are mixed, with the majority of campers praising the natural beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities. The campground host, Ken, receives polarized feedback, with many users commending his helpfulness and maintenance efforts, while others criticize his demeanor as rude or overbearing. The campground itself is frequently described as scenic, clean, and well-maintained.

Review Summaries

Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users highlight the natural beauty of the area, particularly the creek and shaded pine forest. The proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities also receives positive attention. The...

Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported negative interactions with the campground host, citing rude behavior. Campsites being small and occasionally too close to neighbors were other noted issues.

Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure the best campsites, especially on weekends. Bringing downloaded maps, as cell service is limited, and being aware of the campground's two-tent site limit...

Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most reviews highlight spring and summer as the ideal camping seasons, with the creeks providing excellent fishing opportunities and the trails being easily accessible. Fall reviews note the beauty...

Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Ken was outstanding... made us dinner and even cleaned fish for us!' - Guy Brown 2. 'The Horton Creek trailhead is right next to the campground and provides lots of fun exploring.' - Dwight...

Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific information in reviews is limited, but references suggest that some of the larger campsites tend to fill up early on weekends. Close proximity to Horton Creek Trail is a noted advantage...

Based on 53 reviews