Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Tonto National Forest adventure.
Hike, bike, and camp in Arizona’s largest and most diverse national forest.
Arizona’s Tonto National Forest encompasses a huge range of scenery from the saguaro cactus-studded Sonoran Desert to the rugged cliffs of the Mogollon Rim, just northeast of Phoenix. Tonto’s varied landscapes offer outstanding camping, hiking, and boating in every season. Six man-made reservoirs on the Salt and Verde rivers provide an abundance of water sports recreation, while over 900 miles of trails feature terrain for hikers and mountain bikers. Dozens of designated campgrounds are scattered throughout the national forest and include waterside tent sites and RV-friendly spots. Solitude seekers will also find plenty of dispersed camping areas.
Due to Tonto’s varied landscapes and altitudes, different parts of the national forest are best to visit at different times of year. Spring and fall are best times for camping and hiking in the lower elevation desert areas, and summer is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming in the reservoirs. Winter can bring occasional snow and cold temperatures to the upper elevation areas of the park, but much of the forest remains open. Winter is also a great time for hiking, camping, and climbing in the lower elevations.