Larry Forbis Group Site

Star2.00
6 reviews
5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205

Quick Facts

1,398 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open for overnight c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mesa Ranger Station site

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Larry Forbis Group Site
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Each unit costs $75 per reservation. Reservation fees may apply. Special Use Authorization required for groups over 75 people.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(480) 610-3300
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What Campers Say

2.00

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocation

"Reviews are mixed, with users appreciating the large group facilities but noting issues like limited privacy, lack of nearby trash cans, and mediocre views."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205

Larry Forbis Group Site

5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205

Driving directionsFrom the city of Mesa, Arizona, gain access to Bush Highway via Power Rd. or Usery Pass Rd. and head East. Proceed until you reach the Pebble Beach Recreation Site. Turn right into the recreation site. The Larry Forbis entrance will be located straight ahead on the southern end of the parking lot.
The site is accessible via paved roads, including Bush Highway from Mesa. There are no seasonal closures mentioned, but travelers should be prepared for potentially harsh weather, especially in summer.
Nearby places
Mesa (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes)
Phoenix (approximately 40 miles, 50 minutes)
Scottsdale (approximately 35 miles, 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are accessible in Mesa, Arizona, where groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available. Saguaro Lake offers fishing, boating, and dining options about 5 miles northeast.

Best Time to Camp at Larry Forbis Group Site

Experience the dramatic contrasts of desert seasons at Larry Forbis, where summer brings intense, dry heat that makes the nearby river especially inviting for cooling off. Winter transforms the campground into a mild paradise with comfortable daytime temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration, though evenings require warm layers as temperatures plummet under star-filled skies. Occasional rain showers and dramatic lightning storms sweep across the landscape, offering spectacular displays of nature's power and bringing brief, welcome relief to the arid terrain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is hot; river activities (tubing/kayaking) are popular but overnight camping is restricted (day use).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall marks start of camping season (Oct 1) with pleasant weather and full site availability.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Early spring falls into camping season, but by mid-April site switches to day-use and temps rise.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in AZ

Open for overnight camping Oct–Mar; reviewers note pleasant winter camping and clear skies.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: October 1 – March 31 for camping; April 15 – September 15 for day use only.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for overnight camping October 1 – March 31. Day use only April 15 – September 15.

About Larry Forbis Group Site

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Lower Salt River, Larry Forbis Group Site offers an extraordinary desert camping experience where the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert meets the life-giving waters of the river. This thoughtfully designed group camping destination welcomes families, friends, and organizations to gather beneath the shade of traditional ramadas while enjoying modern amenities including grills and fire rings. With the flexibility to reserve one, two, or all three units, groups of any size can create their perfect desert retreat in this spectacular riparian oasis.
The Larry Forbis Group Site is designed exclusively for group camping with three reservable units that accommodate large gatherings.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 p.m. noon
Check-out
10:00 a.m.
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to October 1st – March 31st.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers recreational opportunities such as picnicking, fishing, and day hiking. Seasonal activities like tubing or kayaking are popular during the summer months when the river flow is high.
HikingDay hiking opportunities are available, though details about specific trails are not provided.
FishingFishing in the Lower Salt River is available with species like bass and trout mentioned.
Wildlife viewingVisitors can observe local wildlife such as rattlesnakes, horned lizards, coyotes, roadrunners, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is home to desert wildlife such as rattlesnakes and coyotes. Harsh summer temperatures and occasional lightning storms are potential risks.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Larry Forbis Group Site

Reviews

2.0
6 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Larry Forbis Group Site has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with users appreciating the large group facilities but noting issues like limited privacy, lack of nearby trash cans, and mediocre views.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

The site is well-equipped for group camping, with ample picnic tables, grills, and ramadas. It is described as a peaceful location for large gatherings.
Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Users mention a lack of privacy, limited scenic views from the picnic areas, and the inconvenience of having trash cans located only near restrooms.
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers should bring their own drinking water and prepare for limited privacy. Consider booking during cooler months for overnight camping.
Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Users highlight summer for water activities like tubing and kayaking, while winter offers pleasant camping conditions with cooler temperatures and clear skies.
Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The shaded roof is great for the hot summers, and each picnic area has 2 tables along with 2 grills." - A Z. "However the views from most of the pavilions are pretty meh—you can see the cars passing...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Each unit is similarly equipped with ramadas, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. No specific unit is highlighted as better or worse.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mentioning pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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