Tortilla Campground

Tortilla Campground is a winter campground just outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area. From October to March 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 the historic Apache Trail from Tortilla Flat, Arizona, which has a general store and restaurant.

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

Site reservations must be made at least 7 days prior to arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance. To reserve one of these five sites, please visit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Campsites 55 through 59 are earmarked for advanced reservation. All remaining sites are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

General Information

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 colorful flowers. 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.

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, though taking a day trip to Lake Roosevelt allows for even more breathtaking views. The 21,500-acre Roosevelt Lake is 25 miles away, and the 990-acre Canyon Lake is just down the road. Both provide fishing and boating options. 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. Trail conditions can be fair or poor, and several are unsuitable for horses.

Nearby Attractions: The 327-ft. Theodore Roosevelt Dam and lake are 25 miles beyond Tortilla Flat along the scenic byway. Tonto National Monument, which has well-preserved Puebloan cliff dwellings from the 13th to 15th centuries, is about 8 miles south of the dam.

Area Amenities

The campground is large yet compact, with campsites in close proximity of one another. Every campsite has a view of the surrounding desert, some with views of mountain peaks and cliffs. The facility accommodates RVs and has sewage hookups. Each campsite comes with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a cooking grate. The campground also includes flush toilets, a dump station, and trash service.

Services at the end of Tortilla Flat include a post office, restaurant, gift shop and public cellular credit card phone (emergency 911). Canyon Lake and Marina is located two miles west and includes public boat launches and picnic/fishing sites, a restaurant, excursion boats and boat rentals.

Open Season: October 1 - March 31

Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Check-In: 12:00 pm, Check-Out: 10:00 am

Advanced Reservation Campsites: Available on Recreation.gov.
First Come, First Serve Campsites: An automated fee machine at the entrance of the campground must be used to purchase camping passes. Cash and checks are not accepted. Credit/debit only.
- America the Beautiful Interagency Senior or Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on a single campsite. Passholders must be present.

Restrictions

14-day stay limit.
Maximum trailer length is 30 feet.
Campsites must be occupied the first night.
Camping equipment/personal property may not be left for more than 24 hours (without permission).
All vehicles operating within the campground must be registered and street legal.
Recreational OHV riding is not permitted within the campground.
Pets are allowed, but must be crated or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Campfires are permitted in approved fire rings only.
Fires must always be attended.
Dead and down vegetation may be collected for your campfire; however, cutting or removing live vegetation is prohibited.
Please use provided trash receptacles or pack it in, pack it out.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators is not permitted during quiet hours).
Regulations are posted at the entrance kiosks. Please read and observe all campground rules.

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $20 per night

Front view of the Mesa Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

Address: 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 610-3300
Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 12:30 p.m.) Passes, permits and products not sold after 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 33.5290515

Longitude: -111.3962403

Elevation

1,800 Feet

Directions

From Mesa, Arizona, take U.S. Highway 60 to the Idaho Road exit. Go north to State Route 88 (Apache Trail) and turn right. Continue for 18 miles on Route 88 to Tortilla Flat (the campground is two miles past Canyon Lake). Tortilla Campground is directly across from Tortilla Flat, on the left side of the road. The entire route is paved, narrow and has sharp curves; traffic can be heavy.

View and download a map