Indian Point

3.84

16 reviews

Indian Point, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,734 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,734 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Indian Point

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This is a free campsite; no fees are required for use.

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$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(602) 225-5395

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What Campers Say

3.84

Mixed Reviews

Based on 16 reviews

20 Google reviews

"User reviews provide insight into the campground's current state, emphasizing its primitive and unmaintained condition. Santiago notes, 'It’s a Dispersed Campground, so no frills except that there is a boat ramp,' highlighting the basic nature of the site. Another reviewer, Katherine, mentions that the 'main campground is closed,' leaving behind a gravel lot with only a basic bathroom."

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Campground Map

Indian Point, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Indian Point

Indian Point, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Driving directionsThis site is approximately 13 miles northwest of Theodore Roosevelt Dam. From Mesa: Take State Hwy. 87/Beeline Highway north for about 60 miles to the junction of State Hwy. 87 and State Hwy. 188. Turn right and follow State Hwy. 188 for 23 miles to its junction with Forest Road (FR) 60/A Cross. Turn left and continue across Tonto Creek for 2 miles to FR 661/Indian Point. Continue on FR 661 for one mile to the site. The entire route (except for the first ¾ mile of FR 60 where it crosses Tonto Creek) is paved. From the Globe area: Take State Hwy. 188 north for 30 miles to the junction of State Hwy. 188 and State Hwy. 88. Continue on State Hwy. 188 over the bridge for another 11 miles to Forest Road (FR) 60. Turn right onto FR 60 and continue to site as described above.

Road access to the campground is mostly paved except for the first ¾ mile of FR 60 where it crosses Tonto Creek. Seasonal difficulties may arise when Tonto Creek is flowing, making crossing challenging. Trailers under 16 ft are permitted.

Nearby places

Roosevelt (approx. 13 miles), Globe (approx. 41 miles), Mesa (approx. 83 miles).

Nearby supplies

Roosevelt (approx. 13 miles) offers basic supplies including groceries and fuel. For larger-scale camping needs, travelers may need to drive to Globe or Mesa.

Best Time to Camp at Indian Point

Indian Point transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, refreshing mornings with temperatures dipping to 35°F, perfect for campfire gatherings, before warming to comfortable mid-50s by afternoon. Summer unleashes the full power of the Arizona sun, with temperatures soaring above 90°F, making early morning hikes and afternoon swims in the lake particularly rewarding. The warmer months promise endless blue skies ideal for stargazing, while winter occasionally treats visitors to dramatic weather displays with passing rain showers and, on rare occasions, a dusting of snow that transforms the desert landscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Arizona summers likely hot; minimal shade at dispersed gravel sites can be uncomfortable.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers pleasant temps for boating and hiking; site is open year-round.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely mild and good for water and trail activities though specifics aren't provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winters bring crisp mornings (~35°F) good for campfires; site remains open year-round.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Indian Point

Escape to Indian Point, where the vast expanse of central Arizona's largest lake meets the rugged beauty of the high desert. This dispersed campground offers adventurers a rare combination of waterfront camping and backcountry freedom, with miles of hiking trails winding through the landscape and direct access to pristine lake shores. A well-maintained boat launch invites water enthusiasts to explore the lake's hidden coves, while modern restrooms provide essential comfort. Best of all, this laid-back camping haven remains completely free, letting you experience Arizona's natural splendor without the crowds or fees of developed campgrounds.

Indian Point primarily caters to dispersed camping, with two types of campsites described in user reviews. One area is an open space with small rock fire rings, while another consists of remnants of structured but unmaintained numbered campsites. Despite the rugged nature, both areas can accommodate large rigs, making it suitable for RV camping in certain capacities.

Historical SignificanceIndian Point sits in the shadow of engineering marvels that shaped modern Arizona. The nearby Roosevelt Dam, a testament to early 20th-century ambition, forever changed the region's landscape and created the recreational paradise visitors enjoy today. Tonto Creek, which feeds into the lake, has sustained life in this arid region for millennia and played a crucial role in Arizona's water story, from ancient peoples to modern settlers who transformed the desert into thriving communities.

Weather and SeasonsIndian Point transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, refreshing mornings with temperatures dipping to 35°F, perfect for campfire gatherings, before warming to comfortable mid-50s by afternoon. Summer unleashes the full power of the Arizona sun, with temperatures soaring above 90°F, making early morning hikes and afternoon swims in the lake particularly rewarding. The warmer months promise endless blue skies ideal for stargazing, while winter occasionally treats visitors to dramatic weather displays with passing rain showers and, on rare occasions, a dusting of snow that transforms the desert landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the shores of Arizona's magnificent inland sea, Indian Point showcases nature's artistry at every turn. The shimmering waters stretch to the horizon, reflecting the ever-changing colors of desert sunrises and sunsets. Ancient saguaros and hardy mesquite trees dot the rugged terrain, while ocotillo and palo verde add splashes of green to the bronze and ochre landscape. The surrounding hills of Tonto National Forest rise dramatically from the water's edge, their weathered faces telling geological stories millions of years in the making.

Geological RegionIndian Point rests within the remarkable Tonto National Forest, a 2.9-million-acre wonderland in central Arizona that encompasses diverse ecosystems from Sonoran Desert lowlands to pine-forested mountains. The campground's prime location on Arizona's largest lake places visitors at the intersection of ancient geological forces, where volcanic activity, erosion, and human engineering have combined to create one of the Southwest's most spectacular recreational landscapes.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit is 14 days. Trailers under 16 ft are permitted.

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground has two main dispersed camping areas: one open area with rock fire rings and another resembling a structured campground with remnants of 40 numbered campsites.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyThis site does not require reservations; cancellations do not apply.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not addressed or described in any of the sources provided.

Site SizeUser reviews describe campsites as capable of accommodating rigs of all sizes. Santiago notes that both campsite areas can 'handle any size rig.

PrivacyReviews indicate minimal privacy as one area is an open space with small rock fire rings, while the other consists of remnants of numbered campsites. Santiago describes the open area as capable of accommodating many campers, suggesting limited seclusion.

Total Campsites42 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid crossing Tonto Creek during flow seasons. The site offers a choice of two main dispersed camping areas: one with small rock fire rings and another with remnants of 40 numbered campsites.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Indian Point offers a variety of outdoor activities heavily focused on water-based recreation, including motorized and non-motorized boating and fishing. Several miles of hiking trails are also officially noted. User reviews do not elaborate on these activities.

HikingHiking opportunities include several miles of trails that wind through the site, as per official sources. No additional details such as difficulty levels or specific trail names are provided.

FishingFishing is mentioned as an available activity by authoritative sources, specifically within lakes and ponds. However, details about fish species or typical fishing conditions are not included.

BoatingBoating opportunities are explicitly mentioned, accommodating both motorized and non-motorized boats. A paved boat launch is highlighted in the authoritative content.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCrossing Tonto Creek during its flow is strongly discouraged due to potential dangers. Lack of potable water at the site may also pose challenges for campers.

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

Fire PolicyRestrictions apply to fire usage, with small rock fire rings available in the dispersed camping areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesTonto Basin Ranger Station, 28079 N. AZ Highway 188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545. Phone: (602) 225-5395. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.). Closed on weekends and federal holidays.

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities is provided by either authoritative sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesSituated directly adjacent to the lake, offering motorized and non-motorized boating opportunities.

Weather at Indian Point

Reviews

3.8

16 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Indian Point has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews provide insight into the campground's current state, emphasizing its primitive and unmaintained condition. Santiago notes, 'It’s a Dispersed Campground, so no frills except that there is a boat ramp,' highlighting the basic nature of the site. Another reviewer, Katherine, mentions that the 'main campground is closed,' leaving behind a gravel lot with only a basic bathroom.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the availability of a paved boat ramp and the ability to accommodate rigs of all sizes. Santiago appreciates the dispersed camping experience and mentions the presence of...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center around the lack of maintenance and closure of the main campground. Katherine describes the campground as 'a gravel lot with a basic bathroom,' emphasizing the minimal facilities...

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Santiago’s review suggests that campers should be prepared for the dispersed nature of the site, noting that it can handle campers 'if you’re really friendly' due to limited privacy.

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not address seasonal variations in camping experience directly. Official data indicates year-round operation, but user reviews provide no further insights on seasonal usability.

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Santiago: 'It’s a Dispersed Campground, so no frills except that there is a boat ramp.' 2. Santiago: 'Either site will handle any size rig.' 3. Katherine: 'The main campground is closed, so all...

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Santiago highlights two campsite types: 'One is an open area with small rock fire rings...another is the remains of 40 or so numbered campsites.' Specific site numbers are not provided.

Based on 16 reviews