Coon Bluff Campground is a river access point and picnic area with winter camping on the flowing Salt River on the eastern end of the Phoenix Area in Tonto National Forest. Coon Bluff does not offer a traditional campground and is primarily a day use area, but camping is available in Coon Bluff’s parking lot from October 15th through April 15th.
Tubers that are floating down the Salt River often use Coon Bluff as a spot to exit the river. The recreation area is shaded by mesquite trees and offers 5 paved picnic areas with bathrooms. Campers are only allowed to stay a maximum of one night at a time.
Coon Bluff Campground Features
| Campground Type: | Overflow, Primitive |
| Number of Campsites: | Not Difined |
| Cost: | $9/Night/vehicle via Tonto Pass |
| Use Level: | Low |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Fire Rings: | None |
| Drinking Water: | None |
| Toilets: | Yes |
| Showers: | None |
| Trash/Dumpsters: | None |
| Hiking Access: | Yes – Hiking Trails nearby |
| Beach/Lake Access: | Yes – River beach access |
| RV/Trailer Length: | 40 Feet |
| RV/Trailer Amenities: | None |
| Cell Phone Service: | None |
| Wifi: | None |
| Operating Season: | Parking Lot Campground October 15 – April 15 |
| Other: |
Getting There
| Address: | |
| Geo Coordinates: | 33.547035, -111.645255 |
| Nearest City/Town: | Mesa, Arizona |
| Elevation: | 3200 Feet |
| Location: | Maricopa County, Arizona |
| Paved Road Access: | No |
| Proximity to Stores: | 10 Miles to Mesa, Arizona |
| Directions: | From Mesa, travel 7 miles east on Superstition Freeway (US 60), to Power Road/Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn north. Follow Bush Highway for 12 miles and turn north (left) on FR 204E and follow it one mile to Coon Bluff. |
Pack List
Connect
| Phone: | (480) 595-3300 |
| Web: | Tonto National Forest |
| Reservations: | Not Available |
When To Go
Fall – Spring – This one of the ideal spots to camp through the central Arizona Winter. It may approach freezing at night like most places in Arizona in the Winter, but the days will be nice and sunny. Highs in October and April can exceed 100 degrees and lows in December and January can dip below freezing.
The Salt River can be deadly, fallen trees and other materials in the river can trap swimmers and floaters in the river.
What To Do
Tubing – Salt River Recreation Area is just to the east and offers several miles of tubing all the way back to Coon Bluff.
Image Credits: Jasper Nance via Flickr
Thank you for offering some clarity about these camping areas. Safe travels;)