TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
Snuggled along the crest of the Mogollon Rim and stretching 90 miles south, the Tonto National Forest spreads over a spectacular 2.9 million acres of pine and cactus country just northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. To the north along the Rim country, cool, pine-covered slopes and clear trout-stocked streams attract thousands from the cities when summer temperatures soar. Just over the top of the Rim wooded lakes on the Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests beckon hundreds more on weekends. When sun and sizzling urban asphalt push thermometers past the 100 degree mark, only the early birds find vacant Forest Service developed campgrounds.
Burnt Corral Campground 
Burnt Corral Campground and Recreation Area elevation 1914' is about 5.8 miles south of Roosevelt Dam along the Apache Trail AZ Hwy 88 along the shoreline of Apache Lake. It is nestled amongst the saguaros, mesquites, and palo verdes, and offers opportunities to boat, swim, fish, relax, hike, and sightsee.
Burnt Corral Campground includes 76 camp
....moreCholla Campground Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake, is one of several campgrounds on the shores of the largest lake/reservoir located entirely in the State of Arizona. It is situated within a lush sonoran desert landscape at an elevation of 2168'. Cholla Campground is also the largest solar powered campground in the United States. Each of its 206 campsites have shade
....more Christopher Creek Campground With an elevation over a mile-high5640 ft, Christopher Creek Campground's crisp, fresh air and vibrant views are a joy to behold. The facility is tucked along the banks of the spring-fed Christopher Creek, which passes just below the Mogollon Rim.
The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as muggy-own, is a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that
....more Frazier Horse Camp The Frazier Horse Campground is nestled into a Sonoran desert landscape at Roosevelt Lake, one of Arizona's most outstanding water-based recreation areas. The lake is the largest of four reservoirs within a 2-hour drive of Phoenix and Tucson. The facility has the first lakeside horse camp built in the Southwestern Region of the Forest Service. From the
....more Grapevine Group Site - Goose Loop Groups are drawn to Grapevine Campground's unique setting and expansive facilities. The site's location near Roosevelt Lake's shoreline and nestled in the Saguaro cactus-studded Sonoran Desert and facilities such as a boat ramp and event area provide a perfect setting for fishing tournaments, family reunions, and even weddings year-round.
In addition to
....more Houston Mesa Campground Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix.
With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of
....more Lower Tonto Creek Campground 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
....more Ponderosa Campground Named for the towering pines under which it sits, Ponderosa Campground is tucked in the rolling forests of northern Arizona.
As the fifth-largest forest in the country, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited urban forests in the United States, boasting about 5.8 million visitors annually. Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the
....more Schoolhouse Campground Schoolhouse Campground is located in close proximity to the eastern shores of Roosevelt Lake with an elevation of 2,100 feet. Roosevelt is Arizona's largest lake offering a number of great water based recreation opportunities such as fishing, motorized and non-motorized boating, and lakeside hiking.
Two National Scenic Byways AZ Hwy 88 Apache Trail and
....more Sharp Creek Camp Grounds Sharp Creek is a small campground located in an area of central Arizona known for its pleasant temperatures, spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation. There are tent-only, family and group sites to accommodate a wide range of visitors.
Sharp Creek is a small campground with 28 campsites conveniently spread out into 3 loops. Campsites are spacious,
....more Timber Camp Recreation Site Timber Camp Recreation Area has one of the most popular family and group campgrounds in the Tonto National Forest offering both day-use sites and over-night areas.
Brundrett 2 is a group camping area available for advanced reservations for overnight and day use. The stay limit is 14 days, and trailers must be less than 45 feet. Brundrett 2 accommodates
....more Tortilla Campround 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,
....more Upper Tonto Creek Campground The Upper Tonto Creek Campground is tucked away from the main highway where the Tonto and Horton Creeks merge. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are
....more Windy Hill Campground Located on central Arizona's largest lake, Windy Hill offers great water recreation opportunities to the public. Because of its close proximity to the Lake, Windy Hill allows fishing, non-motorized and motorized boating, along with hiking trails. There are plenty of developed campsites available at Windy Hill, which allows for an easy, quick escape during
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Relief from desert heat inspires a great many people to travel to the cool waters of one of the six reservoirs on the Tonto National Forest. There is considerable variation in the scenery, size, and type of opportunities found on these reservoirs.
Some people choose the larger lakes for water-skiing and power boating. Others opt for the quiet seclusion of a narrow lake arm extending between two near-vertical canyon walls. The Tonto National Forest has much to offer for boating enthusiasts. Enjoy your boating experience--but play it safe.
Boating on the Tonto National Forest is possible during all four seasons during good weather. Related recreational opportunities available at the reservoirs include: camping, picnicking, fishing, water-play, hiking, wildlife viewing, personal watercraft use, and interpretive programs.
Caution: Lake levels vary daily and are controlled by Salt River Project (SRP). For current information, phone the SRP at (602) 236-5929. These fluctuations result in rocks and other obstacles near the water surface. Be aware that this involves a degree of risk and the boat operator assumes all such responsibilities.
Fishing:
The Cave Creek Complex burned over 248,310 acres and is the largest fire recorded in the Sonoran Desert . Due to the fire's large size, multiple watersheds were affected by ash flows once the monsoons arrived. Tonto Forest fishery personnel Todd Willard, Bob Calamusso and Carol Engle in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Arizona Game and Fish Department conducted fish salvage operations at Lime Creek, Silver Creek, and Camp Creek. Salvages were conducted in order to preserve rare southwestern fishes which exhibit unique genetic variability. Endangered Gila topminnow occupied Lime Creek for over 20 years, and are one of the thirteen populations on the Tonto. Gila chub, a species that has been petitioned for listing by US Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered species act, were successfully salvaged from Silver Creek. Both species are being held at the Bubbling Ponds State Fish Hatchery. Additionally, Forest Service sensitive speckled dace that inhabited Camp Creek were captured and transported to the Phoenix Zoo. This race of speckled dace found in Camp Creek, are particularly unique due to their large size as compared to other stocks on the Tonto Forest . All three species will be held in captivity until stream conditions improve. All agencies involved are commended on the proactive approach to saving unique species before they are removed by ash flows.
Tonto National Forest is located near Fountain Hills, Payson and Scottsdale
Tonto National Forest in Arizona offers a variety of picnicking options for visitors. There are numerous picnic areas scattered throughout the forest, many with tables and grills available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Some sites also offer amenities like restrooms and drinking water facilities. The locations vary from lakeside spots to shaded groves among towering trees or near streams, providing stunning views of the diverse landscapes including mountains, deserts and forests that Tonto has to offer. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking trails nearby most picnic spots before settling down for their meal.
The Tonto National Forest has a collection of nearly 900 miles of National Forest System Trails. Their primary purpose is to provide a variety of opportunities for hikers, bikers and equestrians to enjoy the beauty and challenge of nature.
The trail conditions range from good to very poor; most are not suitable for motor vehicles of any type. A trailing experience can include anything from the fulfilling opposition of steep grades and heavy brush, to the exciting discovery of spectacular scenic views and memorable and peaceful seclusion from the pressures and congestion of society.
Exploring a trail in the forest can be both relaxing and exhilarating, and sometimes even dangerous. With summer temperatures averaging in the mid 90s throughout most of the forest, no trail adventures should be made without the appropriate precautionary measures. Make sure that you have an adequate supply of drinking water, as well as a general idea of the time needed to complete the trip. It's also a good idea to take someone with you. You can run into trouble on any adventure, and sometimes the best defense is a partner or group. Remember to be safe when trailing, and avoid unnecessary danger in all forms.
For more information on a particular trail contact the managing RANGER STATION.
Birding enthusiasts have a variety of options in this Arizona location. The forest offers diverse habitats, including desert scrub, chaparral, and pine forests that attract different bird species throughout the year. Popular spots include Roosevelt Lake for waterfowl sightings or Pinal Mountains for higher elevation birds like warblers and hummingbirds.
Several trails are also available to explore such as Horton Creek Trail where you can spot wild turkeys or Four Peaks Wilderness Area which is home to raptors among other species. Birders may even catch sight of rare breeds depending on migration seasons; these could range from bald eagles during winter months to summer visitors like vermilion flycatchers.
In addition, there are guided tours provided by local organizations offering expert knowledge about native avian wildlife while exploring various parts of the park's vast terrain.
From Phoenix, State highway 87 north bisects the heart of the forest.
While Canyon Lake is MAGICAL, the campground, managed by Westrec marine is in awful condition. Do NOT tent camp at this lake!!!!
Cayon lake was peaceful, Beautiful views, and was less littered than many others. 
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