Larry Forbis Group Site
01 review5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Larry Forbis Group Site
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Each unit costs $75 per reservation. Reservation fees may apply. Special Use Authorization required for groups over 75 people.
About this campground
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.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationElevation is not specified for the campground.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering saguaro cacti stand sentinel alongside vibrant palo verde trees, creating the quintessential Sonoran Desert tableau. The campground's riverfront location creates a remarkable ecological crossroads where desert meets water, supporting majestic cottonwood groves and swaying eel grass that provide habitat for an impressive array of wildlife. Watch for mule deer browsing at dawn, scan the cliffs for desert bighorn sheep, and cast a line for bass and trout in the river's cool waters. The dramatic Bulldog Cliffs rise majestically in the background, their ancient rock faces glowing golden at sunset and providing a stunning backdrop for your desert adventure.
Geological RegionSet within the heart of the legendary Sonoran Desert, Larry Forbis showcases one of North America's most biologically diverse ecosystems. The imposing Bulldog Cliffs tower above the campground, their weathered faces telling stories of millions of years of geological history. The Lower Salt River carves through this ancient landscape, creating a vital riparian corridor where desert species like the iconic saguaro and prickly pear cacti thrive alongside water-loving cottonwoods and willows. This unique convergence of desert and river ecosystems creates an extraordinary natural laboratory where visitors can experience the full spectrum of Southwestern biodiversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are noted.
Sites SizeEach unit includes space for group camping with features like ramadas, picnic tables, and grills.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited as picnic areas are visible from passing cars, according to user reviews.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroups should consider reserving multiple units for larger gatherings. Sites near vault toilets may have easier access to shared facilities.
Best CampsitesUnits A, B, and C are available; no specific 'best' sites mentioned.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Units accommodate up to 75 people
- larger groups require permits.
Groups
Each group unit includes 2 large ramadas, 4 picnic tables, 4 pedestal grills, 3 fire rings, 10 designated parking stalls, and access to shared vault toilets and a tent camping loop trail. Groups larger than 75 people require a Special Use Authorization.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree units (A, B, C), each equipped with ramadas, picnic tables, pedestal grills, fire rings, and parking stalls. Shared vault toilets and trail access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for overnight camping October 1 – March 31. Day use only April 15 – September 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up/first-come-first-served availability not mentioned. Reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations must be made 7 days prior to arrival and can be canceled according to Recreation.gov policies. Specific penalties are not detailed.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
Day hiking opportunities are available, though details about specific trails are not provided.Fishing
Fishing in the Lower Salt River is available with species like bass and trout mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can observe local wildlife such as rattlesnakes, horned lizards, coyotes, roadrunners, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.Winter Activities
The area is open for overnight camping during the winter months (October to March), offering cooler temperatures and clear skies.Water Sports
Seasonal water sports like kayaking and tubing are popular during the summer.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is home to desert wildlife such as rattlesnakes and coyotes. Harsh summer temperatures and occasional lightning storms are potential risks.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are Mesa Ranger Station (5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ) for ranger assistance (open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), and nearby hospitals/police stations in Mesa.
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober 1 – March 31 for camping; April 15 – September 15 for day use only.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are located near the restrooms, not at individual sites, which some users found inconvenient.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the Lower Salt River and near Saguaro Lake, which is 5 miles northeast.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention lack of privacy due to proximity to parking lots and insufficient trash cans at individual sites.
HostHosts or on-site staff availability not mentioned. Mesa Ranger Station provides support.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Larry Forbis Group Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 1 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 1 reviewsCommon 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 1 reviewsPro 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 1 reviewsSeasonal 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 1 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
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 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mentioning pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025