Phon D Sutton Campground is a river take out point and picnic area with winter camping on the flowing Salt River in Tonto National Forest, east of Phoenix, Arizona. The recreation area is primarily a day use area, camping is only available at Phon D Sutton during the winter. The area is also popular with birders that due to the Lower Salt River Nature Trail which winds through an adjacent riparian area.
The recreation area is located at the confluence of the Verde River and the Salt River and is one of the furthest spots down river that tubers can take out of the river. The recreation area is shaded by mesquite trees and offers several 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 Defined |
| 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: | 44 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: | 33.545912, -111.659651 |
| Nearest City/Town: | Mesa, Arizona |
| Elevation: | 3200 Feet |
| Location: | Maricopa County, Arizona |
| Paved Road Access: | No |
| Proximity to Stores: | 11 Miles to Mesa, Arizona |
| Directions: | From Mesa, travel 7 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to Power Road /Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn north. Follow Bush Highway for 9 miles to FR 169, and turn left. Follow FR 169 for 1 mile to Phon D Sutton. |
Pack List
- Sun Screen
- Firewood
- Drinking Water
- Shade Canopy
- Portable Fire Ring
- Handheld GPS
- A good Ice Chest
- Lantern
- Camping Stove/Grill
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 Phon D Sutton.