Is Riverside Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Riverside Campground 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?

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

How many campsites does Riverside Campground have?

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

Are dogs allowed at Riverside Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Riverside Campground?

Riverside Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Riverside Campground (Az)

4.24

109 reviews

C-Report Card

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

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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Provider

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I manage this campground

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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

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is best season: comfortable highs and cottonwoods turning golden.

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

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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

Vault toilets

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.

No Flush ToiletsNo information available regarding flush toilets.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

109 reviews

Satisfactory

Riverside Campground (Az) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 109 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 109 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 109 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews were provided.

Based on 109 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 109 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 109 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 109 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features.

Based on 109 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences with pets.

Based on 109 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Riverside Campground (Az)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$16.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

nullN/A

Go if

You want a quiet riverside spot for fishing and astrophotography with basic amenities and fall foliage.

Skip if

You need hookups, showers, or a campground without any light pollution from nearby cities.

Nearby Campgrounds

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Mesquite sits along the Verde River in Tonto National Forest foothills, 30 miles northeast of Scottsdale. This small, primitive campground operated by the Forest Service offers shaded sites near the water where families fish, boat, and explore riparian habitat. Spring brings mild days, blooming desert wildflowers, and peak bird migration along the river corridor.

Riverside Campground (Az)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Riverside Campground (Az)

Campground Map

Weather at Riverside Campground (Az)

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground (Az)

Planning Tips

About Riverside Campground (Az)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Ask Camp Sage about Riverside Campground (Az)

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground (Az)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews