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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, 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. 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. Facilities: 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. 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. 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. Theodore Roosevelt Dam Tonto National Monument
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.
Very clean and great sites with excellent views. The Camp hosts are on it! Restrooms are a little dated but serve the purpose.
Tortilla Flat never disappoints!
Road getting up there: it is winding and a single lane in each direction. The speed limit is 15 mph in spots. We pull a 31 ft bumper pull and have had no problem the few times we’ve been here. We’ve seen 5th wheels and a diesel pushers. It’s worth the drive!
Town of Tortilla Flat: Historical town on the Apache Trail. It’s a very small town, with a Post Office, restaurant and saloon, outdoor BBQ with live music on occasion, a small gift shop that serves gelato and ice cream, and a larger gift shop. There are lots of antiques off the boardwalk and gorgeous views. There isn’t much to do, but the camping is great! There is no fuel or groceries available other than beer and sodas.
Campground: within walking distance to the town. At the entrance is a kiosk where you pay for your site and purchase an annual Tonto National Park pass for a small fee. Most sites appear level and have sewer and water but no electricity. Bathrooms are available as well as dumpsters. The hosts are very helpful and friendly! They keep the sites raked and clean. I believe firewood is available for purchase. Each site has a metal picnic table and a metal fire pit and curbing. Most of the upper part of the loop is closed for renovation. Every site has a beautiful view and there are lots of trails and places to hike. We saw hummingbirds and red cardinals. The gate to the campground closes at 8 pm at night.
This place is so relaxing and chill! The campground is quiet and beautiful. Brave the short ride up and you’ll be glad you did!
Easy drive from Apache Junction. Slow, winding road, but well paved and not too steep anywhere. Campground roads are paved and easy. Sites are VERY well maintained by volunteer staff. Wider than normal, but not very deep. Only a few can fit 28’+. Water and sewer at site. Nice clean restrooms too. Lots of nice helpful staff available all the time. Prices are excellent. Pay station is CC only. No cash. Surrounding area has epic hiking, Jeep and bike trails, rivers, etc. plenty to do. Bring all the food and supplies you’ll need. Store is 1.5 hour round trip.
The campground host told us there were 2 campsites available. We went and paid for the campsite and found that they were both for disabled campers. In our frustration we accidentally drove about 50 ft down a campground road with only a 10mph speed limit the wrong way. The road doesn't have a one-way sign, only an arrow on the pavement which isn't visible if you're parked near it. One of the hosts gave us a very rude warning that if we go down the one way again we'll be kicked out of the campground. Then we see the other host come down the wrong way two times with his vehicle.
Campground rules / laws only apply to campers and not to campground hosts here.
Unprofessional campground hosts and the fact that they lock you in the campground takes a lot away from this stunningly rugged beauty.
We camped here with our camper trailer for 2 nights. We totally loved the place. They have decent bathrooms for campers camping in tents. There is a little hiking trail that takes you down to the creek which was extremely nice and enjoyable.
The only downside was some of the campsites are somewhat small for campers/RVs... Campsite #68 was where we stayed in, and it was extremely tight to back our camper in. The cement/dividers/curves are way up front and doesn't give you enough space to turn your wheel without hitting the front curve. It took SEVERAL minutes for us to back in, and we had never had an issue with this before.
Besides that, we loved it. Would definitely go back, but would just have to look for one with a lot more space ( which there was, but were taken)
