Campground · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Tonto National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Riverside Campground offers more peace and tranquility than the busier recreation sites at Bartlett Lake. With the campground’s proximity to water, fisherman and avid water recreationalists enjoy this spot all year long. There are designated grills, fire rings and picnic tables where families can enjoy the day together along the river, not far from the dam. Keep a look out for fish jumping along the river!
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.
Plenty of trees provide ample shade and the calming sound of the river flowing makes Riverside Campground a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Keep a lookout for wildlife!
| 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 east of Carefree. Take Cave Creek Road for 7 miles then turn right on Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 13 miles. Just before reaching the Jojoba Boating site, FR 19 becomes a maintained gravel road that turns south (right). Follow it for another 3 miles to Riverside.
33.80987, -111.64649 · 33°48'35.5"N 111°38'47.4"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 1.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Campsites 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.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
Riverside Campground (AZ) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Riverside Campground (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.
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