Upper Tonto Creek

Star4.37
16 reviews
Upper Tonto Creek
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$20.00

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About this campground

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the wilderness, Upper Tonto Creek offers an intimate camping experience where solitude meets natural beauty. This small, secluded site provides a peaceful retreat far from the crowds, with access to a pristine creek that winds through the landscape. Here, campers discover a hidden gem where the sounds of nature replace the noise of everyday life, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking a genuine escape into Arizona's backcountry.
Upper Tonto Creek Campground offers primitive camping facilities suitable for tents and small trailers. Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned, and the limited number of campsites suggests it is best for individual or small-family use.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and Seasonsnull
Natural Features and Scenerynull
Geological RegionPerched high atop the dramatic Mogollon Rim within the expansive Tonto National Forest, this campground sits among towering mature pines that have stood sentinel for generations. Crystal-clear creeks meander through the forest floor, creating a network of waterways that sustain the rich ecosystem. The rim's ancient geological formations tell a story millions of years in the making, while the surrounding forest canopy provides natural shade and shelter for wildlife and visitors alike.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground features vault toilets, ample parking areas, and clear trails, though no specific accessibility adaptations for people with disabilities are explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites are described as small, making them suitable for short trailers or camper mounts. This is emphasized by the tight road and limited turn-around options.
Sites PrivacySome reviews mention that certain campsites are close to neighbors, which might reduce privacy. However, the presence of mature pines provides some natural seclusion.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Best Campsitesnull

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
13 days
Groups
No group sites are mentioned in the authoritative data.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed


Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Tonto Creek Campground offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Highlights include fishing in Tonto and Horton Creeks, hiking trails such as Horton Creek Trail and Derrick Trail, which connect to the Highline National Recreation Trail, and exploring the scenic environment of the Tonto National Forest.
Hiking
Hiking is a popular activity, with access to nearby trails such as Horton Creek Trail and Derrick Trail. These trails also connect to the Highline National Recreation Trail, offering options for different skill levels and exploration.
Fishing
Fishing in Tonto and Horton Creeks is a well-loved activity, with some users reporting successful trout catches. The union of the two creeks at the north end of the campground adds scenic value to the experience.
Wildlife viewing
The shaded pine forest and nearby creeks are home to various wildlife species, creating opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation. Visitors have noted enjoying the undisturbed habitat of the area.
Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned; the campground appears to primarily operate during warmer months.
Water Sports
No mentions of non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsnull
Active alertsnull

Weather forecast

57
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 51%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 2.5 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Good to know

Trash and recyclingThere is no explicit mention of trash and recycling facilities in the authoritative data or user reviews. However, the campground is noted for being clean and well-maintained.
Common complaintsnull

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Payson, travel 16 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Just east of mile marker 268 at Kohl’s Ranch, turn left (north) on Forest Road (FR) 289. Travel one mile and turn right into the site.
The site is 17 miles northeast of Payson, Arizona. Roads leading to the campground are described as tight, with no turnaround options and better suited for smaller trailers.
Nearby places
Payson, AZ: 17 miles

Camper Reviews

4.4
16 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Upper Tonto Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Upper Tonto Creek Campground are mixed, with the majority of campers praising the natural beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities. The campground host, Ken, receives polarized feedback, with many users commending his helpfulness and maintenance efforts, while others criticize his demeanor as rude or overbearing. The campground itself is frequently described as scenic, clean, and well-maintained.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users highlight the natural beauty of the area, particularly the creek and shaded pine forest. The proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities also receives positive attention. The...
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Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported negative interactions with the campground host, citing rude behavior. Campsites being small and occasionally too close to neighbors were other noted issues.
Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure the best campsites, especially on weekends. Bringing downloaded maps, as cell service is limited, and being aware of the campground's two-tent site limit...
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Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most reviews highlight spring and summer as the ideal camping seasons, with the creeks providing excellent fishing opportunities and the trails being easily accessible. Fall reviews note the beauty...
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Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Ken was outstanding... made us dinner and even cleaned fish for us!' - Guy Brown 2. 'The Horton Creek trailhead is right next to the campground and provides lots of fun exploring.' - Dwight...
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Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific information in reviews is limited, but references suggest that some of the larger campsites tend to fill up early on weekends. Close proximity to Horton Creek Trail is a noted advantage...
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Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed reviews focus specifically on accessibility features.
Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There is no explicit mention of pet policies or experiences in the reviews.
Based on 16 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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