Lower Tonto Creek

Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order

Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick Trail.

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "Described Area"):

Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e)
Entering or using a recreation site or portion thereof within the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(b)

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with Forest Service Permit Form FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
Forest Service volunteers and partners operating under a signed volunteer agreement or partnership performing official project work (i.e. sign installation, trash pickup) in the Described Area.

DESCRIBED AREA

The Described Area consists of the entirety of National Forest System (NFS) Recreation areas, Upper Tonto Creek and Lower Tonto Creek campgrounds and the Horton Creek Trailhead parking area within Township 11 North, Range 12 East, Sections 16 and 21.

PURPOSE

For public health and safety, to facilitate a large-scale bridge construction project on NFS Road 289 in proximity to Upper Tonto Creek, Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead parking area.

Note:
NFS Road 289 will remain open; however, travelers should anticipate potential delays. Closures or schedule changes may occur as directed by state or local highway authorities in coordination with the ongoing construction project.

Derrick Trailhead will remain open to access the alternate route for Horton Creek Trail.

IMPLEMENTATION

This Order shall be in effect from March 9, 2026, at 5 a.m. through December 31, 2026, at 6 p.m., unless rescinded.
A map identifying the Described Area and trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/alerts
Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.§§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Contact the Payson Ranger District in Payson, AZ, (928) 474-7900, for more information about this Order.
This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in and/or on the same Described Area.

Overview

The Lower Tonto Creek Campground is tucked away right next to the main highway just south of where the Tonto and Horton Creeks merge. Families may enjoy fishing at both Tonto and Horton Creeks or pass time hiking through nearby Horton Creek Trail or Derrick Trail. The Lower Tonto Creek Campground has a large open-space parking lot and paved walkway makes it accessible with only a light hike to the creek.

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 will 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.

You will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as this area has limited or no cellular service.

There is no adjacent parking spot to any camp site. Walk-in access only to all campsites (paved sidewalk is provided).

Map to campground here.

Please note: This campground is right next to Hwy 260 and receives a considerable amount of traffic noise and light throughout the day & night.

Recreation

The union of Tonto and Horton Creeks is at the north end of the Upper Tonto Creek campground. Fishing in both creeks is a popular sport. The trailheads for Horton Creek Trail 285 and Derrick Trail 33 are located in the Upper Tonto Creek campground. Both of these trails access the Highline National Recreation Trail (#31

Natural Features

Located just South of where the Tonto and Horton Creeks merge. Campsites are dotted along a paved sidewalk surrounded by tall Pines, situated just next to Tonto Creek.

Please note: This campground is right next to Hwy 260 and receives a considerable amount of traffic noise and light throughout the day & night.

Camp site features

Across 9 camp sites:

Pets allowed: all 9 sites
Largest party: 10 people

Directions

This site is 15 miles northeast of Payson. From Payson, travel 15 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Just east of mile marker 269 at Kohl’s Ranch, turn left (north) on Forest Road (FR) 289.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

14 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Crystal R

Loop:Lower Tonto Creek

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

I love taking my little family camping at this location so meant beautiful things to see and enjoy

Charles G

Loop:Lower Tonto Creek

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Really nice place .the grounds super clean and gotta be cleanest bathroom I know of

Erickson A

Loop:Lower Tonto Creek

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Really enjoyed my stay here, very quiet and under the bridge. Small creek just steps away.

Ana-leeza R

Loop:Lower Tonto Creek

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Campsite was beautiful and well maintained with clean bathrooms. Campsites are a bit of a walk in from parking lot, but easy to get to with paved sidewalk. Lots of shade during the day, but you will be hearing the cars pass the bridge on the highway. We were able to fish and wade in the water near this campsite and water was easily accessible

Jenny H

Loop:Lower Tonto Creek

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

When we arrived at the campsite, we saw a sign with instructions on how to book a site, so we followed the instructions and booked a campsite through the app. However, when we went to the site we reserved, there were already people occupying it. There was food, backpacks, and water stored inside the cabinet, so we couldn’t use the lot. I don’t understand why the app still allowed us to reserve that spot when it was clearly already taken.

Rocy R

Loop:Lower Tonto Creek

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

I loved this campsite with the exception of the noise from cars/trucks driving on the highway during all time of day & night. Unfortunately the site is located right next to the highway so that is out of anyone's control. the area is so beautiful . Lots of pine trees surrounding the area so there is plenty of shade & freshness in the air. Restrooms are clean. There is little to no reception . Camp site is first come first serve so arrive early. there is a huge parking that is spacious if you need to bring multiple vehicles. will be coming back soon!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve