Riparian Area

Larry Forbis Group Site- Tonto National Forest

Larry Forbis Amenities (Ramadas, picnic tables, grill, fire pit)

Larry Forbis Group Site sign with desert background

Entry gate to Larry Forbis

Desert Wildflowers

Panoramic view of the Lower Salt River

Trail with Tent/Hiking signs

Larry Forbis Overnight Group Site

## Overview

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.

## Recreation

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.

## Facilities

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.

## Natural Features

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.

## Nearby Attractions

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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>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. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>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. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>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.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>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.</p>

Bird's eye view of the campground

Larry Forbis Day Use Group Site

## Overview

Tortilla Campground is a winter campground just outside of the Phoenix
metropolitan area. From October through April each year, urban dwellers take
advantage of cooler temperatures and enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, rock
climbing and scenic driving throughout the surrounding Tonto National Forest.
Campers awake to a scenic backdrop of rugged bluffs, saguaro cactus and desert
skies. The campground is located directly across from Tortilla Flat Restaruant
and general store, which is just a short walk away.

## Recreation

The area is rich with human history, scenery and outdoor recreation. The
campground lies along the Canyon Lake Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a former
Apache Tribal route turned stagecoach road. Visitors may hear stories of lost
cowboys and gold mining. The drive to the campground provides ample scenery
and a vista point perfect for photography and wildlife viewing. The campground
is just down the road from Canyon Lake which provides a number of recreational
opportunites such as kayaking, fishing, and boating. The Superstition
Wilderness has a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the
wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. Use caution
as trail conditions can be fair or poor, and several are unsuitable for
horses. Also make sure to check out many of the developed recreation sites
along Canyon lake for shoreline and fishing dock access, but keep in mind
these sites require a day pass not included in the camping fees.

## Facilities

The area is rich with human history, scenery and outdoor recreation. The
campground lies along the Canyon Lake Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a former
Apache Tribal route turned stagecoach road. Visitors may hear stories of lost
cowboys and gold mining. The drive to the campground provides ample scenery
and a vista point perfect for photography and wildlife viewing. The campground
is just down the road from Canyon Lake which provides a number of recreational
opportunites such as kayaking, fishing, and boating. The Superstition
Wilderness has a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the
wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. Use caution
as trail conditions can be fair or poor, and several are unsuitable for
horses. Also make sure to check out many of the developed recreation sites
along Canyon lake for shoreline and fishing dock access, but keep in mind
these sites require a day pass not included in the camping fees.

## Natural Features

The Superstition Wilderness Area is starkly beautiful and untamed. A series of
dams has created numerous lakes along the Salt River. Blossoming plants bring
the desert to life each spring with vibrant wildflowers. This area is a
photographers dream with plenty of opportunities to capture Bighorn Sheep,
Deer, and other desert widlife. 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 rain or snow.

## Nearby Attractions

Fish Creek Vista Point is approx. 7 miles east on AZ-88, this area provides
great views of the desert and an accessible interpretive trail great for
learning about the history of the area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Tortilla Campground is a winter campground just outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area. From October through April each year, urban dwellers take advantage of cooler temperatures and enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and scenic driving throughout the surrounding Tonto National Forest. Campers awake to a scenic backdrop of rugged bluffs, saguaro cactus and desert skies. The campground is located directly across from Tortilla Flat Restaruant and general store, which is just a short walk away.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The area is rich with human history, scenery and outdoor recreation. The campground lies along the Canyon Lake Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a former Apache Tribal route turned stagecoach road. Visitors may hear stories of lost cowboys and gold mining. The drive to the campground provides ample scenery and a vista point perfect for photography and wildlife viewing. The campground is just down the road from Canyon Lake which provides a number of recreational opportunites such as kayaking, fishing, and boating.  The Superstition Wilderness has a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. Use caution as trail conditions can be fair or poor, and several are unsuitable for horses. Also make sure to check out many of the developed recreation sites along Canyon lake for shoreline and fishing dock access, but keep in mind these sites require a day pass not included in the camping fees. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The area is rich with human history, scenery and outdoor recreation. The campground lies along the Canyon Lake Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a former Apache Tribal route turned stagecoach road. Visitors may hear stories of lost cowboys and gold mining. The drive to the campground provides ample scenery and a vista point perfect for photography and wildlife viewing. The campground is just down the road from Canyon Lake which provides a number of recreational opportunites such as kayaking, fishing, and boating.  The Superstition Wilderness has a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. Use caution as trail conditions can be fair or poor, and several are unsuitable for horses. Also make sure to check out many of the developed recreation sites along Canyon lake for shoreline and fishing dock access, but keep in mind these sites require a day pass not included in the camping fees. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The Superstition Wilderness Area is starkly beautiful and untamed. A series of dams has created numerous lakes along the Salt River. Blossoming plants bring the desert to life each spring with vibrant wildflowers. This area is a photographers dream with plenty of opportunities to capture Bighorn Sheep, Deer, and other desert widlife. 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 rain or snow.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Fish Creek Vista Point is approx. 7 miles east on AZ-88, this area provides great views of the desert and an accessible interpretive trail great for learning about the history of the area. </p>

Views from Tortilla Campground

Prickly Pear Blooms

Views of Canyon Lake

Tortilla Prev. 3

Tortilla Campground, Tonto National Forest

Tortilla Campground

Tortilla Campground Campsite and View

Tortilla Flat

Tortilla Campground Site 35

Tortilla Campground Entrance

Entrance to Tortilla Campground

Tortilla Campground Restrooms On Site

Sunset at Tortilla

Tortilla Prev. 2

Tortilla Campground Water Source Adjacent to Restrooms

Tortilla Prev. 1

Tortilla Campground Campsite

## Overview

Riverside Campground offers more peace and tranquility than the busier
recreation sites at Bartlett Lake. With the campground’s proximity to water,
fisherman and avid water recreationalists enjoy this spot all year long. There
are designated grills, fire rings and picnic tables where families can enjoy
the day together along the river, not far from the dam. Keep a look out for
fish jumping along the river!

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors
are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a
site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a
QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If
this option is available, you will need to first download the free
Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your
arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping
passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per
night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.

## Recreation

  * Camping
  * Fishing
  * Non-Motorized Boating
  * River Access
  * Birding

## Facilities

  * Camping
  * Fishing
  * Non-Motorized Boating
  * River Access
  * Birding

## Natural Features

Plenty of trees provide ample shade and the calming sound of the river flowing
makes Riverside Campground a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Keep a
lookout for wildlife!

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Riverside Campground offers more peace and tranquility than the busier recreation sites at Bartlett Lake. With the campground’s proximity to water, fisherman and avid water recreationalists enjoy this spot all year long. There are designated grills, fire rings and picnic tables where families can enjoy the day together along the river, not far from the dam. Keep a look out for fish jumping along the river!  </p>
<p>This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app" rel="nofollow">https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app</a> prior to your arrival as some remote  areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<ul>
<li>Camping</li>
<li>Fishing</li>
<li>Non-Motorized Boating</li>
<li>River Access</li>
<li>Birding</li>
</ul>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Camping</li>
<li>Fishing</li>
<li>Non-Motorized Boating</li>
<li>River Access</li>
<li>Birding</li>
</ul>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Plenty of trees provide ample shade and the calming sound of the river flowing makes Riverside Campground a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Keep a lookout for wildlife!</p>

Campsites are $16 per night, per site. America the Beautiful Senior or Access
Disability passholders are eligible for a 50% discount. Pass must be valid and
present with passholder at time of stay.

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors
are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a
site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a
QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If
this option is available, you will need to first download the free
Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your
arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping
passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per
night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.

Larry Forbis Overnight Group Site

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Larry Forbis Day Use Group Site

Tortilla Campground

Riverside Campground (AZ)