Uncovered Campground in Tonto National Forest

An unmarked dirt trail in Tonto National Forest has led to a much grimmer reality than authorities previously anticipated. In the summer of 2025, about an acre of land was under investigation, and one officer described it as one of the “worst” situations he had encountered. In June of this year, forest rangers faced unexpected challenges.

“I was surprised by the amount of debris at the site,” one ranger commented.

Trash Discovered

This June, two U.S. National Forest rangers stumbled upon an illegal campsite in central Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, where they found 65-year-old Mark Aaron Gatz at the center of it all. Reports indicate that Gatz was managing an unauthorized campground complete with a wood fire—a significant violation—and an astonishing 1,000 pounds of trash.

Over the two years of his occupancy, Gatz accumulated a vast amount of waste. He mentioned to officers that he had spent eight years living in this forest. The reported trash, spanning about half an acre, included tires, bags—both plastic and regular—and aluminum cans, which have caused lasting harm to the ecosystem.

In addition to the illegal campfire, authorities uncovered a canopy built over an SUV tucked away in the woods. The responding officer expressed disbelief at the sheer volume of trash found.

A Troubling Record

This alarming discovery was just the tip of the iceberg regarding Gatz’s extensive history. It soon emerged that he had six outstanding federal warrants linked to past violations related to the forest. The issues first came to light in May 2025 when forest officials followed a dirt path to the disheveled campsite, finding clothing, tools, and assorted refuse, which had apparently been accumulating for at least a month.

By early July 2025, officers had received complaints about a sprawling, chaotic campsite filled with years’ worth of garbage. One police officer at the time labeled it “one of the worst residential incidents” he’d witnessed in the entire forest.

The accusations against Gatz included having household waste spread throughout the area and creating unsanitary living conditions.

Then, in February 2026, rangers came across a red and white trailer surrounded by tarpaulins and makeshift lines, probably hung to dry towels and sleeping bags. This trailer belonged to Gatz, who also maintained a small campfire made from stone and clay.

Camping Violations

The actions of this persistent camper flouted regulations set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture concerning camping in national forests. Specifically, camping for more than 14 days within a 30-day span or 30 days in a 365-day span is prohibited.

As reported, Gatz pleaded guilty to breaking fire regulations and residing in the forest without authorization. He received a sentence of three years’ probation.