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Larry Forbis Day Use Group Site is a summer day-use site just outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area. From April through September each year, urban dwellers take advantage of long days and rising temperatures and enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding and scenic driving throughout the surrounding Tonto National Forest. Vistors are surrounded by a scenic backdrop of rugged bluffs, saguaro cactus and desert skies. The campground is adjacent to the Pebble Beach Recreation Site and is just a short walk down to the Lower Salt River.
The Group site is large, yet compact. While the facilities, such as bathrooms and ramadas, are close to one another, there is ample space for privacy in the nearby desert, including a short loop trail of the site. The facility accommodates group sizes of up to 75 people and 10 vehicles. There are two sets of vault toilets in the site. There are no trash services, however, you may utilize dumpsters at the adjacent Pebble Beach Recreation Site.
Each Reservation includes:
• 2 Ramadas
• 4 picnic tables
• 3 fire rings
• 4 grills
• 10 designated parking spaces*
• access to the loop trail
• access to vault toilets.
*see Need to Know section for more information
During weekends at peak hours, it is not uncommon for the day use sites throughout the Lower Salt River Corridor to fill to or beyond capacity, resulting in site closures and even highway closures. These closures are intermittent and unpredictable, as they are based on usage at the time of the decision. During these closures, it may not be possible to accommodate access to the group site, even if you are holding a valid reservation. It is strongly recommended that those with a reservation on weekends plan on all members of their party being in the site before 9am, and to not anticipate re-entry until after 2pm.
Each reservation includes 10 designated parking spaces. These spaces can be used at your discretion for what you bring, however, you may not exceed 10 vehicles per reservation and you may not encroach on the roadway or leave the asphalt with any vehicle or equipment. For example if you have a trailer that exceeds the length of a single parking space, you may "pull through" multiple parking spaces. However, that will limit the amount of other vehicles that can fit properly in those 10 parking spaces. If you have more than 10 vehicles, extra vehicles may park in the Pebble Beach Recreation Site, but they are required to have a separate Tonto Pass. Total parking area dimensions are approximately 20 feet deep by 100 feet wide
Each vehicle with the group needs to have a copy of the reservation placed on their dash.
Groups of 75 or more people will require a separate Special Use authroization. Please contact the Mesa Ranger Station ahead of time for further details
Gate security is the responsibility of reservation holders. Gate must be locked and secured after each entry to keep access limited to those holding a current reservation. Gate combinations may not be shared with anyone outside of your reservation.
Reservation can be made for multiple days in a row. However, overnight occupancy is not permitted. All persons and personal equipment must be vacated from the site between the hours of 10pm and 6am
Trash services are not provided at this site. Pack it in, Pack it out or use the dumpsters at the Pebble Beach Recreation Site
The stark contrast between the nearby Bulldog Cliffs and the Lower Salt River create a unique desert landscape. The desert is spotted with Saguaro and Prickly Pear cacti, wildflowers, and grasses which provide habitat for "desert dwellers" such as rattlesnakes, horny toads, coyotes and roadrunners. The riparian area provides for large cottonwoods on the shore and eel grass in the river. These create habitat for bass, trout, great blue heron, and owls while also serving as a watering hole for wildlife such as deer and bighorn sheep. Even with its proximity to the Phoenix metro, the area can be harsh for travelers not equipped to meet nature on her own terms. Soaring temperatures and little water are typical conditions in the summer. In winter, temperatures are typically pleasant during the day but drop significantly at night. Visitors should come prepared for anything, even the occasional summer monsoon.
Saguaro Lake is approximately 5 miles Northeast on Bush highway. Scenic views, fishing, boat rentals, tours, and a restaurant provide opportunities that can easily fill the day.
The Lower Salt River is known for its beautiful desert landscapes and its ample recreation opportunities. Photographers will find no shortage of subjects, whether they be dramatic landscape, desert wildflowers, or wildlife in a natural setting. Fisherman will find many deep holes well suited for fish habitat year round. Water- enthusiasts will find boating, kayaking and paddle boarding year round at nearby Saguaro Lake, and river float trips during the summer. Mountain biking is popular in the nearby Hawes Trail system, and Bulldog Canyon can offer opportunities for OHV trail rides for those with a permit. If going to other recreation areas, users should be sure purchase a day pass or OHV permit not included in the camping fee.
5140 E Ingram St Mesa AZ 85205
For campground inquiries, please call: 480-610-3300
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
From Mesa (Power Rd):
Take Power Rd Northbound until it becomes Bush Highway, then follow Bush Highway for approximately 9 miles. After crossing the bridge, enter the Pebble Beach Recreation Site on the right hand side. Follow the entry road South where you will see a double sided gate. Use the combo provided in your reservation on the inbound gate and follow the road down to the parking spaces.
From Mesa/ Apache Junction (Ellsworth Rd)
Take Ellsworth Northbound until it becomes usery pass. Turn right onto Bush Highway at the four-way intersection and follow for approximately three miles. After crossing the bridge, enter the Pebble Beach Recreation Site on the right hand side. Follow the entry road South where you will see a double sided gate. Use the combo provided in your reservation on the inbound gate and follow the road down to the parking spaces.
From Highway 87 (Beeline Hwy)
Take the Bush Highway exit heading South. Follow Bush Highway for approximately 7.5 miles and turn into the Pebble Beach Recreation Site (just before the bridge) on the left hand side. Follow the entry road South where you will see a double sided gate. Use the combo provided in your reservation on the inbound gate and follow the road down to the parking spaces.
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