Is Riverside Campground (Az) first-come first-served or reservation?

Riverside Campground (Az) operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Riverside Campground (Az)?

Riverside Campground (Az) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Riverside Campground (Az) have?

Riverside Campground (Az) has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Riverside Campground (Az)?

Pets are not allowed at Riverside Campground (Az). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Riverside Campground (Az)

3.93

29 reviews

Top 22%Winter

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,611 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,611 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Riverside Campground (Az)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$16.00

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Campground Map

Riverside Campground (Az)

33.8099, -111.6465

Nearby places

Carefree, 23 miles east.

Weather at Riverside Campground (Az)

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground (Az)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather for riverside camping — daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s — and it’s when cottonwoods along the river turn golden, creating scenic views. Water temperatures are dropping, which improves fishing and makes boating and wildlife viewing especially productive, while insect activity declines. Crowds are moderate (weekends busier, weekdays quiet) and most monsoon thunderstorm risk has passed by October. Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 22% in US

Winter daytime temps around 70°F; visitors report comfortable winter stays.

Planning Tips

About Riverside Campground (Az)

Riverside Campground sits in the Tonto National Forest foothills along a river corridor where cottonwoods turn golden in fall. This small, rustic campground offers tent and RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables, managed under a 14-day stay limit. Campers come for fishing, stargazing, and quiet riverside access away from developed amenities.

Riverside Campground caters to first-come, first-served campers with options for tent and RV camping. It does not support reservations or group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather for riverside camping — daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s — and it’s when cottonwoods along the river turn golden, creating scenic views. Water temperatures are dropping, which improves fishing and makes boating and wildlife viewing especially productive, while insect activity declines. Crowds are moderate (weekends busier, weekdays quiet) and most monsoon thunderstorm risk has passed by October. Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Elevation1611 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a riparian corridor where cottonwoods, sycamores, and willows line the riverbanks, providing heavy shade and creating a lush contrast to the surrounding Sonoran Desert. The river has carved through ancient rock formations over millennia, exposing layers where volcanic remnants meet sedimentary stone. At 1,611 feet elevation, the microclimate runs several degrees cooler than nearby desert areas. In fall, the cottonwoods turn golden along the water. Despite some light pollution from Mesa-Phoenix and Globe, the night sky is clear enough for astrophotography.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground is strictly for camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

10 guests/site

Groups

No group camping facilities are available at this site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platformsnull

Site SizeSites are designed for standard-sized camping setups, and trailers must be under 16 feet. Vehicles must fit entirely within designated parking areas.

PrivacyThe campground provides a tranquil setting with ample shade from trees, contributing to a sense of privacy.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Amenities available

Riverside Campground (AZ) offers numerous facilities aimed at providing comfort and convenience to campers. The campground is equipped with designated campfire rings, grills, and picnic tables. Notably, potable water services are not available on-site, requiring visitors to bring their own water supply. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and running generators during these hours is prohibited. There are no motorized boating activities allowed, and trailers must be under 16 feet. The campground provides a peaceful atmosphere with ample shade and the calming sounds of the flowing river.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Key activities include camping, fishing, birding, and non-motorized boating. The campground's proximity to the river provides ample opportunities for canoeing, photography, and wildlife viewing. "Keep a lookout for fish jumping along the river!" notes the description, highlighting the area's vibrant aquatic life.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

29 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Riverside Campground (Az) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Riverside Campground highlight its peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for stargazing, fishing, and photography. Guests appreciate the natural setting and the proximity to water.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Users have praised the campground for its tranquility, clean environment, and excellent opportunities for fishing and astrophotography. One review mentioned, "Perfect!! Despite a 'little' light...

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

One user mentioned the bumpy ride to the campground due to the maintained gravel road, stating, "The drive on the dirt road can get bumpy." Another noted the lack of cell phone reception.

Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews were provided.

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

It's recommended to bring your own water and prepare for a lack of cell phone service. Astrophotographers are encouraged to visit due to the clear skies, despite some light pollution.

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are noted for comfortable daytime temperatures around 70°F. Summer reviews highlight the sweltering heat, with maximum temperatures reaching over 100°F.

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I was there for a night shooting stars but ran into a cloudy + thunder storm night. Definitely be back." - Ton Tran. "Fee Free currently according to the Forest Service employee who stopped by to...

Based on 29 reviews