Tonto Natural Bridge State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located about halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park features some of the most unique rock formations in Arizona. Of course, the star of the show is the park's natural arch that resembles a bridge. The arch at Tonto is considered to be one of the largest natural travertine bridges on the planet.
The most pleasant time of the year to visit Tonto Natural Bridge is in the springtime, where high temperatures sit in the mid to high 80s, and fruit trees within the park blossom with colorful flowers. The late fall is also quite pleasant and produces the same temperatures as the spring as well as some beautiful colors of its own. As for extremes, the park's summer temperatures hover in the high 90s and drop to around 30 degrees in the winter.
Spring 37-87 F
Summer 52-88 F
Fall 28-71 F
Winter 27-61 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Camping is prohibited at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park; however, there is a decent selection of camping spots in the area, most of which cater to RVs. In an RV, you'll be primed to take advantage of the park and enjoy an overall more comfortable and delightful experience.
If you don't have an RV, then you can rent one from RVshare. The platform has practically every type of RV imaginable for rent. When you rent from RVshare, you also get the benefit of a support team, which includes 24-hour customer service and roadside assistance.
Pine Creek RV Park
Pine Creek is a clean facility with gorgeous views of Pine Creek and the Mogollon Rim. It features an unending population of tall ponderosa pines that provide beauty and shade. The RV park has an elevation of 5,500 feet, making it a cool destination in the summer months. Pine Creek pricing starts at $45 a night or $175 a week.
• Website: Pine Creek RV Park
• Location: Pine, AZ
• Water hookup: Yes (potable water is available)
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, fire pits
Houston Mesa Campground
This campground is located in Tonto National Forest, which encompasses nearly 3 million acres of space and has many hiking and horseback riding trails. It's situated at 5,200 feet and features lots of trees, shrubs, and wildlife. Fees for camping at Houston Mesa range from $8-$24 per night.
• Website: Houston Mesa Campground
• Location: Payson
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Drinking water, flush toilets
Payson Campground RV Resort
Payson Campground RV Resort is located in downtown Payson, making it a convenient place to set up camp for a while. Although within town, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding forests and mountains. Pricing starts at $42 a night and $256 a week.
• Website: Payson Campground RV Resort
• Location: Payson, AZ
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, playground, basketball hoop, hot showers, pool, sun deck
What to Do at
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
There are four developed trails at Tonto Natural Bridge: Pine Creek Trail, Waterfall Trail, Gown Trail, and Anna Mae Trail. While they're all are steep and strenuous, they're not very long (the longest is about half a mile).
Inside Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
The on-site museum contains informative exhibits that detail the area's history, flora and fauna, and the historic Tonto Lodge. There's also a slideshow and paintings dedicated to the natural bridge. If you want to enjoy a meal after hiking and enjoying the museum, you can break out the picnic basket and post up at any one of the many picnic tables around the park.
How to Get to
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Highway 260 provides the only route to get to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. The 260 is accessible from Highway 87 from both the north and the south. Highway 260 is also accessible from I-17 when coming from the north. Once on the 260, you'll drive until you get to Nf-583, which only heads west. Take this road and follow it as it turns into Nf-583a, which leads directly to the park.
By Car
Entering Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
The park is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. The cost to enter the park is reasonable, and it is based on age.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Adults (14+) : $7.0
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Children (7-13) : $3.0
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Children (under 7) : $0.0
You'll have a great travel experience at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park — one you won't soon forget. Don't forget to send your favorite snapshots from your trip to [email protected]. Your pic may make it up on the travel blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a great place to visit year-round. However, many people prefer spring and autumn when daytime temperatures are typically in the 70s.
Temperatures at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park can range from the mid-20s during the winter up to 100 degrees in the summer. The area stays relatively dry but typically experiences at least one day of rain each month. Snow is common in winter.
The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including an active community of hummingbirds. A park bird list is available at the entrance station. Javelina, deer, and rabbits are also often spotted in the park.
Although camping is not permitted within Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, there is a good selection of camping locations in the surrounding area. In the park, RVers can enjoy the parking lot viewpoints, picnic areas, and group day-use areas.
Pets are allowed at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. They are restricted to the parking lots and viewpoints and can't be taken on trails or in the picnic areas.