Campground · Arizona · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Tonto National Forest (NF) · Open Access
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.
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!
Horseshoe Lake, Horseshoe Dam, Mesquite Campground, Catfish Point Day Use Site
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ScanPay 2 | Scan and Pay | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| ScanPay 3 | Scan and Pay | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| ScanPay 4 | Scan and Pay | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| Standard | Scan and Pay | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — |
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.
33.97694, -111.71673 · 33°58'37.0"N 111°43'0.2"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 1.7 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
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.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
Horseshoe (AZ) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Horseshoe (AZ)'s operator.
Restrictions:
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments