The best camping near Tonto 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.  

• Best for climbers: Tortilla Campground
• Best for water sports: Cholla Campground
• Best for small RVs and trailers: Windy Hill Campground

1. Many of the campgrounds in Tonto National Forest can be reserved up to six months in advance online. Many also offer a selection of first-come, first-served sites.
2. Not all campgrounds in Tonto National Forest can accommodate large RVs or trailers. Be sure to check each site’s maximum trailer length prior to booking.
3. Group sites can often be reserved up to 12 months in advance.

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.

1. Tonto National Forest visitors are required to purchase either a daily or annual forest pass, available for purchase at kiosks throughout the area.. If you have an America the Beautiful annual national parks pass, it may cover entry to some areas.
2. Amenities vary between Tonto campgrounds but most sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water access. Some campgrounds are more primitive, while others offer showers and boat launch facilities.
3. Pick up maps and information about activities, current road conditions, and camping at the Roosevelt Lake Visitor Center, open year-round near Roosevelt Lake.
4. Tonto National Forest is very dog-friendly, with leashed dogs allowed in almost all areas.