Lower Tonto Creek
The Lower Tonto Creek Campground is tucked away right next to the main highway just south of where the Tonto and Horton Creeks merge. Families may enjoy fishing at both Tonto and Horton Creeks or pass time hiking through nearby Horton Creek Trail or Derrick Trail. The Lower Tonto Creek Campground has a large open-space parking lot and paved walkway makes it accessible with only a light hike to the creek.
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you will be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.
You will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as this area has limited or no cellular service.
There is no adjacent parking spot to any camp site. Walk-in access only to all campsites (paved sidewalk is provided).
Map to campground here.
Please note: This campground is right next to Hwy 260 and receives a considerable amount of traffic noise and light throughout the day & night.
Need to Know
There is no adjacent parking spot to any camp site. Walk-in access only to all campsites (paved sidewalk is provided).
Natural Features
Located just South of where the Tonto and Horton Creeks merge. Campsites are dotted along a paved sidewalk surrounded by tall Pines, situated just next to Tonto Creek.
Please note: This campground is right next to Hwy 260 and receives a considerable amount of traffic noise and light throughout the day & night.
Recreation
The union of Tonto and Horton Creeks is at the north end of the Upper Tonto Creek campground. Fishing in both creeks is a popular sport. The trailheads for Horton Creek Trail 285 and Derrick Trail 33 are located in the Upper Tonto Creek campground. Both of these trails access the Highline National Recreation Trail (#31
Contact Information
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: N/A
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
Available Campsites
- Site 003, Loop Lower Tonto Creek, Type Walk To
- Site 005, Loop Lower Tonto Creek, Type Walk To
- Site 002, Loop Lower Tonto Creek, Type Walk To
- Site 004, Loop Lower Tonto Creek, Type Walk To
- Site 007, Loop Lower Tonto Creek, Type Walk To
- Site 001, Loop Lower Tonto Creek, Type Walk To
- Site 006, Loop Lower Tonto Creek, Type Walk To
- Site 009, Loop Lower Tonto Creek, Type Walk To
- Site 008, Loop Lower Tonto Creek, Type Walk To
