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Horseshoe (AZ)

FSU.S. Forest Service — Scottsdale · Arizona · Tonto National Forest

AgencyFSU.S. Forest Service
AreaTonto National Forest
LocationScottsdale · Arizona · Tonto National Forest · 33.97694, -111.71673 · Map
Sites1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 standard nonelectric
Getting a siteReservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below.
HookupsElectric at 0 of 1 sites
Water hookups at 0 of 1 sites
Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites
Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites
Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way.
Max RV lengthNot reported in the federal data
Months openNot in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov.
FeesThis 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

Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →

This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.

From the official listing

Overview Horseshoe Campground is farther up the road from Mesquite Campground. Offering more developed campground sites with picnic tables, fire pits and access to the Verde River at campsites 11 and 12. Gorgeous vistas of surrounding mountains and the Verde River are offered along the path for families to enjoy. Most campsites are less shaded than the favored 11 and 12 campsites, so please feel free to bring canopies and coolers to provide shade and stay hydrated during the day, but this campground does have some large mesquite trees providing shade. Bald eagles are frequently seen in this vicinity.  

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 Fishing Boating (Non-Motorized on the Verde River and a 25 horsepower motor limit on Horseshoe Reservoir.) Birding Photography OHV Routes

Facilities

There are 12 camp sites  First-Come, First-Serve only. No reservations. THERE ARE NO TRASH SERVICES. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT. No potable water services available. 14-day stay limit. Maximum occupancy per individual campsite is 10 people. 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 Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators are not permitted during quiet hours.) Trailers under 16 feet. Use of motorized watercraft on flowing portions of the Verde River is prohibited. Glass containers prohibited. Road to campground is unpaved and unmaintained, recommend high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Natural Features This campground provides some river access for activities like swimming and fishing and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Its proximity to Horseshoe Reservoir makes it a great basecamp for all your lake adventures!

Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (480) 595-3300. Nearby Attractions Horseshoe Lake, Horseshoe Dam, Mesquite Campground, Catfish Point Day Use Site

Directions, from the listing

This site is 23 miles northeast of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road turn right on Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 6 miles to the junction of FR 205 and FR 19. At this junction, FR 205 turns left and becomes an unmaintained unpaved road. Follow FR 205 for 10 miles towards Horseshoe Reservoir. At the junction of FR 205 and FR 205A, turn right and travel an additional ½ mile to the site.

Nearest federal campgrounds

FSU.S. Forest ServiceMesquite (AZ)
1 mi straight-line · Scottsdale Arizona
FSU.S. Forest ServiceC C C (AZ) Tonto NF
9 mi straight-line · Scottsdale Arizona
FSU.S. Forest ServiceCave Creek Group Site
9 mi straight-line · Scottsdale Arizona
FSU.S. Forest ServiceRiverside Campground (AZ)
12 mi straight-line · Arizona
FSU.S. Forest ServiceSycamore Cabin
30 mi straight-line · CAMP VERDE Arizona

Trip Card — Horseshoe (AZ)

Scottsdale · Arizona · Tonto National Forest

AgencyFS · U.S. Forest Service
LocationScottsdale · Arizona · Tonto National Forest
FeesThis 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 ma…
Getting a siteReservable
HookupsNone reported
Max RVNot reported
Months openNot in federal data
Sites1 sites

Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10215884 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.