Larry Forbis Overnight Group Site
Larry Forbis Overnight Group Site 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, 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 adjacent to the Pebble Beach Recreation Site and is just a short walk down to the Lower Salt River.
The Group site is large, yet compact. While the facilities, such as bathrooms and ramadas, are close to one another, the loop trail with permitted dispersed camping is large with ample space to allow for privacy at your chosen site. The facility accommodates dispersed tent camping or trailer/RV, but provides no hookups. There are two sets of vault toilets in the site. There are no trash services, however, you may utilize dumpsters at the adjacent Pebble Beach Recreation Site.
Each Reservation includes:
• 2 Ramadas
• 4 picnic tables
• 3 fire rings
• 4 grills
• 10 designated parking spaces*
• access to the camping loop trail
• access to vault toilets.
*see Need to Know section for more information
Need to Know
Each reservation includes 10 designated parking spaces. These spaces can be used at your discretion for what you bring, however, you may not exceed 10 vehicles per reservation and you may not encroach on the roadway with any vehicle or equipment. For example if you have a trailer that exceeds the length of a single parking space, you may "pull through" multiple parking spaces. However, that will limit the amount of other vehicles that can fit properly in those 10 parking spaces. If you have more than 10 vehicles, extra vehicles may park in the Pebble Beach Recreation Site, but they are required to have a separate Tonto Pass. Total parking area dimensions are approximately 20 feet deep by 100 feet wide. Vehicles must stay on pavement.
Groups of 75 or more people will require a separate Special Use authroization. Please contact the Mesa Ranger Station ahead of time for further details
Gate security is the responsibility of reservation holders. Gate must be locked and secured after each entry/exit to keep access limited to those holding a current reservation. Gate combination should not be given to anyone outside of your reservation.
Stay limit is 14 days
Trash services are not provided at this site. Pack it in, Pack it out or use the dumpsters at the Pebble Beach Recreation Site
Each vehicle must have a copy of the reservation left on the dashboard of their vehicles.
Natural Features
The stark contrast between the nearby Bulldog Cliffs and the Lower Salt River create a unique desert landscape. The desert is spotted with Saguaro and Prickly Pear cacti, wildflowers, and grasses which provide habitat for "desert dwellers" such as rattlesnakes, horny toads, coyotes and roadrunners. The riparian area provides for large cottonwoods on the shore and eel grass in the river. These create habitat for bass, trout, great blue heron, and owls while also serving as a watering hole for wildlife such as deer and bighorn sheep. Even with its proximity to the Phoenix metro, 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.
Nearby Attractions
Saguaro Lake is approximately 5 miles Northeast on Bush highway. Scenic views, fishing, boat rentals, tours, and a restaurant provide opportunities that can easily fill the day.
Recreation
The Lower Salt River is known for its beautiful desert landscapes and its ample recreation opportunities. Photographers will find no shortage of subjects, whether they be dramatic landscape, desert wildflowers, or wildlife in a natural setting. Fisherman will find many deep holes well suited for fish habitat year round. Water- enthusiasts will find boating, kayaking and paddle boarding year round at nearby Saguaro Lake, and river float trips during the summer. Mountain biking is popular in the nearby Hawes Trail system, and Bulldog Canyon can offer opportunities for OHV trail rides for those with a permit. If going to other recreation sites, users should be sure purchase a day pass not included in the camping fee.
Contact Information
Mailing
5140 E Ingram St Mesa AZ 85205
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 480-610-3300
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Mesa (Power Rd):
- Take Power Rd Northbound until it becomes Bush Highway, then follow Bush Highway for approximately 9 miles. After crossing the bridge, enter the Pebble Beach Recreation Site on the right hand side. Follow the entry road South where you will see a double sided gate. Use the combo provided in your reservation on the inbound gate and follow the road down to the parking spaces.
From Mesa/ Apache Junction (Ellsworth Rd)
- Take Ellsworth Northbound until it becomes usery pass. Turn right onto Bush Highway at the four-way intersection and follow for approximately three miles. After crossing the bridge, enter the Pebble Beach Recreation Site on the right hand side. Follow the entry road South where you will see a double sided gate. Use the combo provided in your reservation on the inbound gate and follow the road down to the parking spaces.
From Highway 87 (Beeline Hwy)
- Take the Bush Highway exit heading South. Follow Bush Highway for approximately 7.5 miles and turn into the Pebble Beach Recreation Site (just before the bridge) on the left hand side. Follow the entry road South where you will see a double sided gate. Use the combo provided in your reservation on the inbound gate and follow the road down to the parking spaces.
Available Campsites
- Site Larry Forbis Group Site- C , Loop C, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site Larry Forbis Group Site- B , Loop B, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site Larry Forbis Group Site- A, Loop A, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
