Lower Tonto Creek Campground
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Hours
- Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.; Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Woods Canyon Dump Station · 8.7 mi
- Coordinates
- 34.3309, -111.0938
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
The Tonto Creek Campground has a large open-space parking lot and a paved walkway makes it accessible with only a light hike to the creek. Walk-in tent sites only. Families may enjoy fishing at both Tonto and Horton Creeks or pass time hiking through nearby Horton Creek Trail or Derrick Trail. Both of these trails access the High line National Recreation Trail (#31). The operating season is April-October.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Lower Tonto Creek Campground free?
No. Lower Tonto Creek Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Lower Tonto Creek Campground?
This site is 15 miles northeast of Payson. From Payson, travel 15 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Just east of mile marker 269 at Kohl's Ranch, turn left (north) on Forest Road (FR) 289.
What are the rules at Lower Tonto Creek Campground?
14-day stay limit. No OHV recreational riding within the campground. No firewood sales, no dump station and no shower building. Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash. Please use trash receptacles or pack it in, pack it out. All campgrounds have posted Rules & Regulations at entrance kiosks. Please read and observe all rules. Sites are small, so trailers have to be short or only over camper type mounts. Walk-in tent sites only. Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators are not permitted during quiet hours).
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
