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Arizona
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Tortilla Campround
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TORTILLA CAMPROUND
TORTILLA CAMPROUND
Chandler, Arizona   85224
(lat:33.8733 lon:-111.2733) map location

Phone: 602-225-5200
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 from Tortilla Flat Restaruant and general store, which is just a short walk away.

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 and a vista point perfect for photography and wildlife viewing. The campground is just down the road from Canyon Lake which provides a number of recreational opportunites such as kayaking, fishing, and boating. 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. Use caution as trail conditions can be fair or poor, and several are unsuitable for horses. Also make sure to check out many of the developed recreation sites along Canyon lake for shoreline and fishing dock access, but keep in mind these sites require a day pass not included in the camping fees.

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.

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 vibrant wildflowers. This area is a photographers dream with plenty of opportunities to capture Bighorn Sheep, Deer, and other desert widlife. 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.

Fish Creek Vista Point is approx. 7 miles east on AZ-88, this area provides great views of the desert and an accessible interpretive trail great for learning about the history of the area.

Other Park Areas
Camping
1. Tent Camping: There are numerous tent sites available on first-come-first-serve basis.

2. RV Camping: The campground offers large pull-through and back-in sites suitable for RVs of various sizes with no hookups but there's a dump station nearby at the Lost Dutchman State Park.

3. Group Sites: For larger groups or family gatherings, Tortilla Campground has group campsites that can accommodate more people together.

4. Dispersed Camping: Outside of the main campground area within Tonto National Forest where Tortilla Campground is located, dispersed camping (camping outside designated areas) may be allowed depending upon local regulations and restrictions due to fire danger etc., so it's best to check beforehand if you plan this type of experience.

Please note amenities such as picnic tables, grills/fire rings and restrooms/showers vary by site; some might not have all these facilities while others do - always good idea checking specific details before booking your trip!
Fishing
The campground located in Arizona provides an array of fishing opportunities. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching various species such as rainbow trout, brown trout and largemouth bass from nearby rivers and lakes. The surrounding streams are also home to catfish and carp for those who prefer a different kind of challenge. Whether you're fly-fishing or bait-casting, this location offers something for every fisherman's taste.


Location
Tortilla Campround is located near Payson, Chandler and Gilbert

Picnicking
Tortilla Campground in Arizona offers a variety of picnicking options for visitors. The campground is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, providing an ideal setting for outdoor meals. There are several picnic tables and grills available on site where you can prepare your food while enjoying the scenic views around you. You may also choose to spread out a blanket under one of the many trees or near Superstition Wilderness area within Tortilla Campgrounds if you prefer more privacy during your mealtime outdoors.

Trails
1. Tortilla Flat Superstition Wilderness Trail: This trail is a 9-mile round trip that starts from the campground and leads into the heart of Arizona's rugged wilderness, offering breathtaking views of canyons, cliffs, and desert flora.

2. Peter's Canyon Loop: A moderate difficulty level hike spanning around 4 miles in total length with an elevation gain of about 500 feet; it offers stunning vistas over Tonto Basin as well as glimpses at local wildlife such as deer or javelinas.

3. JF Ranch Hiking Trail: An easy to moderately difficult trail stretching for approximately six miles through beautiful landscapes filled with saguaro cacti forests alongside remnants of old ranching operations.

4. Boulder Canyon Track - Second Water Junctions Route: It covers nearly seven-and-a-half mile loop which takes hikers past scenic creek beds lined by towering canyon walls while providing panoramic views across surrounding valleys below.

5. Black Mesa Loop Trails: These trails offer various options ranging between nine to twelve miles long featuring diverse terrains including steep rocky inclines leading up onto mesas overlooking expansive desertscape panoramas along with lush riparian habitats down within deep gorges cut out by seasonal water flows.

6. Tortilla Creek Overlook Pathway: Short but challenging two-mile trek uphill towards high vantage point overlooking meandering course taken by Tortilla Creek flowing far beneath amidst dense vegetation cover spread all around its banks.

7. Battleship Mountain Climbing Route: For experienced climbers only due their extreme difficulties encountered during ascent upon this iconic mountain peak standing tall above rest landscape features seen throughout entire region.

8. La Barge Box Lower End Circuit: Roughly eight:miles-long circular route passing through narrow box-like gorge formations carved out centuries ago under constant erosional forces exerted on them via La Barge River waters rushing downstream each monsoon season.

9. Peter's Cave Exploration Trail: A short but steep 1.5:mile trail leading to a hidden cave, offering an adventurous hike with rewarding views of the surrounding wilderness and potential for wildlife sightings.

10. Red Tanks Divide Loop: This is one of the longest trails in Tortilla Campground area at around 21 miles long; it offers challenging terrain through canyons, along ridges and across streams while providing stunning vistas over Superstition Wilderness.

11. Tortilla Ranch Historical Site Walk: Easy half mile stroll taking visitors past old ranch buildings dating back early settlement days giving them glimpse into region's rich cultural heritage preserved till date within these structures standing test time against harsh desert conditions prevailing throughout year round.
Birding
The campground offers a variety of birding options. It is home to numerous species, including hummingbirds, woodpeckers and warblers which can be spotted year-round. During the winter months, visitors may see waterfowl such as ducks and geese on the nearby river while spring brings migratory birds like tanagers and flycatchers. The area's diverse habitats - from riparian zones along streams to desert scrubland - provide excellent opportunities for spotting different types of birds in their natural environment.

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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.

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Arizona
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