Top 10 Most Beautiful Spots Around Tonto National Forest
Get Lost in the Magic of Arizona’s Largest National Forest
With nearly 3 million acres of stunning, rugged landscape, Tonto National Forest offers some of the most incredible lands in the country. Whether you wish to hang out in a cool pine forest or take in the heat at a lake beach, Tonto is full of memorable recreational opportunities year-round.
Hitting the road in an RV rental from RVnGO is the perfect way to experience Tonto, especially when you visit and camp at these ten picturesque scenic spots.
You Have to See Sedona, But Be Careful Of The Vortex
Road tripping is not just about the destination — it’s about the journey. That’s why you must stop in the desert town of Sedona. Surrounded by canyon walls and pine forests, Sedona is considered a geological wonderland. Located just under three hours from Tonto, take some time to explore the local trails and sip on award-winning wines.
Plan to stay at the Rancho Sedona RV Park so you can enjoy the natural, tranquil setting while being close to shops and restaurants. Whether you plan a spa day or rent an ATV, this park’s location offers the best of both worlds!
The View Across the Mogollon Rim Is Breathtaking
Mogollon Rim is a 2000-foot-high escarpment that stretches 200 miles across central Arizona into New Mexico. Many RVers head to the high country of Tonto, located just under the Mogollon Rim, to camp among the tall pines and to fish trout streams. While passing through, check out the mountain village of Strawberry. Sitting at 6,000 feet elevation, this village is full of wild strawberries and is home to Arizona’s oldest standing school, constructed by pioneers in 1885. Then head to the Tonto Natural Bridge, the world’s largest natural travertine bridge.
Christopher Creek Campground is the place-to-be. Located at the base of the Mogollon Rim, this campground provides a creek-side dwelling in Tonto National Forest. Pull up with an RV up to 22-feet after enjoying the nearby recreational lakes.
The San Carlos Apache Reservation Has It All
Plan ahead, securing the permits you need to access the San Carlos Apache Reservation. For just $10 a day, you can picnic, hike, and camp. For those who want to venture off the beaten path to fish and hunt, special permits are available. However, if you’re just passing through on US 60, US 70, Road 800 to San Carlos, or Road 500 to Coolidge Dam, no permit is needed.
For those who want to stay close to nature while enjoying the thrills and entertainment provided by Apache Gold Casino, the RV park offers a mountain-view backdrop, as well as access to luxury amenities and top-notch dining.
Enjoy the Cacti in the Sonoran Desert
The Sonoran Desert offers some of the most diverse and dramatic landscapes. Known as the hottest and greenest desert in the world, it is the only place where the saguaro grows. This giant tree-like cactus is the symbol of the Southwest and Arizona’s state flower. At the base of the Superstition Mountains, you’ll find trails that lead into Tonto National Forest. You may even see a roadrunner, javelina, or mule deer.
Pull up to the Sonoran Desert RV Park, with easy access from both I-8 and AZ 85. Built for RVers by RVers, you’ll appreciate the 100-foot, full-hookup sites. Either relax in the heated pool or enjoy vibrant sunsets from your site. Either way, this place is quiet and peaceful, making it the ideal place to rest before heading out to nearby attractions, such as the ancient Painted Rock Petroglyph Site or the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
Hike and Fish After Viewing the Roosevelt Dam
Located on the Salt River, the Roosevelt Dam was first constructed between 1905 and 1911. Containing 344,000+ cubic yards of masonry, it was an astonishing feat of engineering. Roosevelt Lake was formed by the dam and can be easily accessed through the unpaved Apache Trail. A great family day out, there’s plenty to do at Roosevelt Lake, including Tonto National Monument and Three Mile Wash, a primitive recreational spot, offering shoreline camping.
While at the dam, take a ranger-led tour of the cliff dwelling between November and April, then head 11 miles south to Schoolhouse Campground. Being on Arizona’s largest lake, here you can fish, kayak, boat, shoreline hike, and more!
Appreciate the Lush Riverbanks of Coon Bluff
Coon Bluff is a 2.7-mile trail located near For McDowell. This spot is a popular river-access point for tubers who want to float down the Lowest Salt River. Nearby attractions include the Wild Horse Trail, Saguaro Lake, and Goldfield Ghost Town.
Camping is free with a Tonto Pass, which can be purchased at outdoor stores in Phoenix or at many convenience stores. While sites at Coon Bluff come with limited amenities, this camping area offers something special. Attracting the wild horses that roam Tonto National Forest and excellent water access, this spot is perfect for RVers who love to paddle and enjoy wildlife. Perched on the bluff, the scenic views are picture-perfect. RVs up to 40 feet are welcome, as well as pets on a leash.
Kayak and Climb Near the old Canyon Lake Apache Trail Science Byway
The old Canyon Lake Apache Trail Scenic Byway is the former stagecoach route that once served the Superstition Mountains. It is now a rugged trail with beginner and intermediate level canyoneering opportunities. Tortilla Campground is close by and is a popular spot for kayakers and climbers. Open from October through April, this campground is within walking distance to the same community of Tortilla Flat. It’s a must-see for history buffs.
Check Out the Bartlett Reservoir, an Anglers Paradise
First built in 1939, the Bartlett Dam is a great place to fish, and occasionally, state records are broken for catfish, bass, and carp. The carp state record remains at 37 lbs 5 ounces. Whether you’re hiking along the Jojoba Trail or enjoying a picnic with your family, end your day at the Bartlett Reservoir Campground. This area has spectacular views of the Desert Mountains.
Some essential features include a vented roof space, clever door designs, ample storage, integrated clock, two-function tables and work surfaces, a built-in stove and refrigerator, and curtains/shades on all windows.
Wildlife Enthusiasts Love Point Boat Dock
Located on the Salt River, between the Horse Mesa Dam and Mesa Flat, Point Boat Dock is where wildlife enthusiasts come to enjoy everything from bighorn sheep to quail. It is accessible by boat only, offering a remarkable picnic area with tables and grills. If you don’t have access to a boat, head straight to Canyon Lake Marina Campground. Not only can you camp with your RV, but you’ll be able to jet ski, waterski, and wind sail. This is your opportunity to jump in an RV and enjoy wonderful shorelines.
Explore Tonto Creek, Then Camp Under the Stars at Picture Mountain RV Park
Tonto Creek is a year-round stream that flows from the wooded foothills of the Mogollon Rim through the Sonoran Desert. For those who are up to it, the two-day backpacking hike is a memorable experience. Whether you stay for a few hours or the entire day, Picture Mountain RV Park is nearby. Offering direct access to Tonto Creek and miles of ATV trails, guests of Picture Mountain RV Park come for the adventure and stay for the top-notch amenities.
Whether you’re going on a soul-searching adventure in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or making family memories in this 2019 Eclipse 2715SF Attitude Iconic, there are plenty of RVs for rent in Phoenix, AZ.
PS – Smart People Try Before They Buy an RV
Plan to stay a couple of extra days because once you reach Tonto National Forest and all the beauty that surrounds it, you won’t want to leave. Go to RVnGO.com to book the perfect RV for your upcoming road trip!
Happy camping!
With an RV, it takes more than a single test drive to really know if you are selecting the right one for you and your family. A fantastic way to try before you buy is to rent an RV through an RV Rental Company like RVnGO to get a firm grasp for which one is right for you. In any case, RV Rental Damage Protection will be required and don’t be fooled by some companies that offer a cheap rate. Make sure you are completely covered for your trip.
You may be asking Who is RVnGO? I never heard of them before. Is RVnGO Legit? Well, I would recommend that you ask the 1,000s of people who list their RVs and rent RVs on that website and that will give you your answer.
You may want something to haul your RAZR or Quads or Dirt Bikes. In that case, you need to look at a Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel and tow behind a truck or your mid size RV. When you’re ready to upgrade to the next level, you will want to know the difference between a Class C and a Class A RV which is the larger recreational vehicle and offers a lot more space and amenities. All of them can be rented through RVnGO. After you rent a few models, you may consider buying an RV and when you buy, the chances are that you will need to finance and you will want to look into RV Financing Companies.
Take on a new adventure with these top 20 state park passes for RV campers. Rent an RV with RVnGO to explore your state or make new memories in iconic destinations.