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.

What is the best time to visit Upper Tonto Creek?

Upper Tonto Creek is open April 01 to October 31. 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 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.

Upper Tonto Creek

3.13

53 reviews

Top 12% in AZSpring

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Arizona

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

5,522 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

This location is ava...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,522 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

This location is ava...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Tonto Creek

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

N/A

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Upper Tonto Creek

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Upper Tonto Creek

34.3393, -111.0942

Nearby places

Payson, AZ: 17 miles

Weather at Upper Tonto Creek

Current alerts(2)

Sites are small in this campground so trailers have to be short or only over camper type mounts.
This campground is small with 6 sites sitting above Tonto Creek. The campground road is tight with no turn around options.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Tonto Creek

Best season: spring. Spring is the best time to visit Upper Tonto Creek for mild temperatures, active creeks, and peak wildflower and migratory-bird activity — expect daytime highs around 55–75°F and chilly nights in the 30s–40s at 5,522 ft. Creeks are fuller from snowmelt, making fishing and creekside hikes especially rewarding, and trails through the pine canopy are lush and fragrant. Crowds are generally low to moderate (busier on holiday weekends), so you get solitude without the extremes of winter or the monso Peak months: April, May, June, March Avoid: December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in AZ

Spring is described as best: mild temps, snowmelt keeps creek full and enhances fishing/hikes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: This location is available only through reservation May 1through November 3rd.

About Upper Tonto Creek

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.

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 SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring is the best time to visit Upper Tonto Creek for mild temperatures, active creeks, and peak wildflower and migratory-bird activity — expect daytime highs around 55–75°F and chilly nights in the 30s–40s at 5,522 ft. Creeks are fuller from snowmelt, making fishing and creekside hikes especially rewarding, and trails through the pine canopy are lush and fragrant. Crowds are generally low to moderate (busier on holiday weekends), so you get solitude without the extremes of winter or the monso Peak months: April, May, June, March Avoid: December, January

Elevation5522 ft above sea level

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.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. The campground offers primitive camping with basic facilities.

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

Best Campsites

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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

Best Campsitesnull

Need help booking Upper Tonto Creek?

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Amenities available

Upper Tonto Creek Campground offers a combination of natural features and basic amenities that make it a picturesque and accessible destination for campers. Among the highlights are fishing opportunities at the merging of Tonto and Horton Creeks, access to nearby hiking trails such as Horton Creek Trail and Derrick Trail, and six campsites located in a shaded pine forest. The campground is described as clean and well-maintained, with a dedicated host who oversees its operations. There are picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets available for use.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.1

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

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

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

Accessibility Features

No detailed reviews focus specifically on accessibility features.

Based on 53 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Tonto National Forest

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.