Box Bar Recreation Area, Tonto National Forest

Went to this location to check it out for hiking and camping and a picnic. It was beautiful down by the River. There was some very loud music coming from a campsite that was irritating. It is hit or miss on the music issue. There are many areas by the river so you can find your own serenity. It would be a great place to meditate or fish or do photography or cool down on a warm summer day.

We go there often. The river is not accessible by vehicle anymore which is a pain but also necessary because people are so lazy and destructive. You have to walk to the river which is fine unless you have a lot of stuff. You can camp in the parking lot with your rig or pack all your stuff in to tent camp nearer the river. We usually just go for the day. Really pretty area, always have to pick up trash that is left behind; people are nasty. You can swim, kayak, canoe and fish there as well as hike and just relax.

This is a great hidden gem close to the Phoenix area, but away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I would suggest getting here early. We got here on a Friday around 3pm and found a great camping spot. We should've claimed a spot closer to the water, because we had to jockey for a spot the first day. We decided to hike the trail north and (after about 1 mile) we found some cool rapids. We sit and watched people tube and kayak down. Played in the water some. The next morning we ate our breakfast by the water to secure our spot by the rope swing. Several times people tried to walk right up on us with no regards to privacy. I suggest bringing a big dog along. It worked for us 😊. There are very clean Port-o-Johns and 3 dumpsters. So there's no reason whatsoever to leave your trash behind.

Mixed use site with camping options and day use amenities. Road is unpaved but it's short and no car should have any issues with it. Great place to cool of in the Verde River. Make sure to buy your Tonto pass ahead of time as it is required here. There's a kiosk about 4 miles up the road where you can purchase. Plenty of parking!

Get your Tonto pass to "day use" this recreational site managed by the Tonto National Forest!