Camping prohibited near Payson area streams

[chumley]

Tonto National Forest has issued an order to protect overused streamside campsites in the greater Payson area.

“Riparian areas are rare in the desert southwest, and we are working to protect these fragile stream banks, while continuing to allow for summer fun ... The Tonto National Forest is working hard to protect the streams and rivers for enjoyment now and in the future”.

These restrictions will not affect day use, or scenic driving along the road corridors, only overnight camping within a 200-foot buffer on either side of the streams

As a result, camping is now prohibited at the following locations:

Bear Flat
Christopher Creek at See Canyon Trailhead
East Verde at Flowing Springs
East Verde at Verde Glen / Dude Creek
East Verde at Washington Park
Webber Creek

News Release: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/ne ... EPRD629172

Please note that the news release also indicates camping closure along Tonto Creek somewhere in the area of the Fish Hatchery road. However, this is not clearly defined in the news release, and is not mentioned at all in the Closure Order or accompanying maps. This post will be updated to address this discrepancy later.

[Tough_Boots]

Christopher Creek at See Canyon Trailhead

Christmas came early this year

[SpiderLegs]

That used to be some of my favorite camping spots, but the last few years I knew the jig was up. Glad I got to enjoy it while I could. Sadly others couldn't and I saw evidence of the worst that campers can throw at a camping area. One spot had been fenced off with split rail, someone took apart the split rail and threw it into the creek.