Tonto National Forest Camping Articles

Tonto National Forest Guide: Camping

With 347 campsites, Windy Hill Recreation Site is the largest campground in the Tonto National Forest. Located in the Tonto Basin Ranger District six miles southeast of Roosevelt Dam, the campground has all services and is open year-round. Boat ramps in the campground provide access to Roosevelt Lake. Activities include fishing, boating, water skiing, and hiking.
Located five miles north of Roosevelt Dam, Cholla Campground is the largest all-solar powered campground in the United States. It has 206 campsites and is open all year. Hiking, fishing, boating, birding, and wildlife viewing are all available.
Jones Water is a primitive campground located in the Globe Ranger District 16 miles east of Globe. Only 12 tent sites are available and no services are on hand. This campsite truly is a primitive or rustic camping experience: some sites are accessible only on foot or by a four-wheel-drive high clearance vehicle.
Tortilla Campground is located within the Mesa Ranger District, off the historic Apache Trail Scenic Byway. There are 77 campsites open October 1 through September 31. Canyon Lake is just a couple of miles away where fishing, boating, and other water sports are available. Take advantage of the scenery at Tortilla—it is a perfect base for hiking, scenic overlooks and vistas, and scenic car tours.
Horseback riding and camping with horses is available. Try the Houston Mesa Horse Camp in the Payson area, or the Timber Camp Equestrian Group Site in the Globe area.

By Travel Expert: Kim Lipker