Mesquite (AZ)

FS USDA Forest Service · Scottsdale, AZ · Primitive

View on Recreation.gov Google Maps

Conditions

Road Access High Clearance
Season Not recorded
Campfires Not recorded
Boondock Access Rough High clearance or 4WD may be required

The managing agency hasn't published season or campfire rules for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.

Features

Warning High Clearance Remote No Cell
Style Primitive Generator Mentioned Potable Water Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites4
Overnight Sites4

Location

33.965917, -111.71818 · 40202 N Cave Creek Rd , Scottsdale , AZ 85262

Description

Overview

Mesquite Campground provides privacy and shade. Here you can relax under the shaded canopies of mesquite trees while listening to the sounds of water flowing from the Verde River just a short distance from your site. Designated camp sites have fire rings, grills and picnic tables where families can enjoy time together. There are hiking, fishing, swimming opportunities and more.  

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.

Recreation

  • Swimming
  • River and Stream Fishing
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Nearby Hiking Trails
  • Nearby OHV Routes

Facilities

  • 12 campsites 
  • First-come, First-serve only. No reservations. 
  • Maximum occupancy per individual campsite is 10.
  • Maximum number of vehicles per individual camp unit is three. All vehicles must completely fit within the designated parking area.
  • Check-in time is 12:00 pm, and check-out time is 10:00 am.
  • 14-day stay limit.
  • Portions of the Verde River are deep. Use of motorized watercraft on flowing portions of the Verde River is prohibited.
  • Road to campground is unpaved and unmaintained.
  • Recommend high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles.
  • Not reccommended for trailers.
  • Potable water is not available. 
  • Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators are not permitted during quiet hours).
  • THERE ARE NO TRASH SERVICES. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT.

Natural Features

The Verde River is just a short distance from the campground, with swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating access. Large trees provide plenty of shade. 

Nearby Attractions

  • Horsehoe Reservoir
  • Towns of Carefree and Cave Creek

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (480) 595-3300.

Directions

The site is 22 miles northeast of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road to Bartlett Dam Road. Turn right and continue for 6 miles to the junction of FR 205 and FR 19. Continue on FR 205 which turns left and becomes an un-maintained, unpaved road to Horseshoe Reservoir. Continue approximately 9 miles more on FR 205, following the route to Horseshoe Reservoir. Watch for the sign marking the site. 

Activities

CAMPING CANOEING FISHING HIKING KAYAKING OFF ROAD VEHICLE TRAILS PADDLING PHOTOGRAPHY WATER ACCESS

Details

FeeCampsites are $16 per night, per site. America the Beautiful Senior or Access Disability passholders are eligible for a 50% discount. Pass must be valid and present with passholder at time of stay. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.
PhoneN/A
EmailN/A
ReservableYes

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