The Best Hotels To Book Near Tonto National Forest Arizona

While we don’t typically think of Arizona as lush and green, it has pockets that are just that. Tonto National Forest is the largest of the six national forests in Arizona – and full of luscious greenery. Surprising, right?

Tonto National Forest is also the fifth-largest national forest in the United States, so there’s plenty of exploring to do. The real question is, where to base yourself? Town or country? Budget or boujee? Luckily, we’ve got options to suit every taste and budget on our list of favorite places to stay near Tonto National Forest – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Majestic Mountain Inn

Inn

Holder of the prestigious Best of the Rim title from a local readers’ poll, Majestic Mountain Inn has steadily and carefully built up its reputation over the years as the go-to spot for anyone visiting Payson. Staff are courteous and welcoming, there’s complimentary breakfast and the accommodation, decorated in earth tones, is relaxing and comfortable. Upgraded rooms feature bonuses such as hot tubs and patios; there’s even a stone fireplace in the king deluxe room.

2. Out of Africa Safari Glamping Village

Glamping

Pretty far out of Africa indeed, this fantastic glamping village is located in Camp Verde, with Fort Verde State Historic Park and Clemenceau Heritage Museum being local cultural highlights. The Glamping Village itself offers eight shared glamping tents with separate dining areas and access to shared bathrooms. Local activities include Alcantara Vineyards, Agave Highlands Golf Course and the wildlife park itself – along with hiking and biking trails, horse riding and zip lining.

4. 38th St Vista Verde

Hotel

If you’re going to Arizona for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you might as well go all-in. This magnificent home features stunning views of Cave Creek, as well as its very own tennis court. Be the master or mistress of your domain as you gaze over sweeping desert vistas while lounging in the pool – or rest easy in the ample beds upon luxurious marble floors. It sleeps 15, so you don’t even have to choose your friends wisely.

5. Kohl's Ranch Lodge by Diamond Resorts

Resort, Hotel

They really have thought of everything here at Kohl’s Ranch. This lodge sits alongside Tonto Creek, surrounded by pine forests, and is 18mi (29km) from the Mogollon Rim escarpment. This retreat offers a friendly, casual atmosphere, with cozy interiors decorated with local materials. Amenities include a pool, putting green, casino, fitness center and basketball court. Nearby, you can hike, fish, bowl, boat or even shop till you drop – or you could just sit back and breathe in that mountain air.

6. Christopher Creek Lodge

Lodge

One of the oldest continuously operated businesses under the Mogollon Rim, the first cabin constructed at Christopher Creek Lodge was built in 1950 and served as the original Christopher Creek Store and Bar. Since then, it has expanded to include everything from waterfront cabins and dorms to rustic motel-style rooms. The lodge prides itself on being an affordable place, where people can get away from the congestion of the cities and enjoy the beauty of the Arizona high country.

7. Cave Creek Retreat

Guesthouse

This luxury villa is just a seven-minute drive from Desert Ridge Marketplace, 14 minutes from Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club and just under half an hour from Cave Buttes Recreation Area. Marble floors, high-end fixtures and indulgent fabrics feature heavily in this house, as do huge comfy bedrooms with ensuites. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, beautiful outdoor pool, built-in barbecue and gas fireplace.

8. Roundhouse Resort

Resort

Looking to incorporate a feeling of luxury and comfort into the great outdoors, this family-friendly resort is a winner. Facilities include an indoor recreation center with a heated pool, hot tub, weight rooms, lockers and showers. You can picnic or barbecue at one of the firepits, and there’s also a bocce ball court, horseshoe pit and two playgrounds for the kids to enjoy as you relax.

Looking for somewhere different? Book into one of the best hotels in nearby Phoenix, or, if you’re catching a flight, choose one of the best hotels near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Inspire you itinerary with the top things to do in the Arizona state capital, including the best day trips. And don’t miss the best restaurants in Phoenix.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.