Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area

4.25

8 reviews

40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Summer Destination

Featured in:Winter Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

1,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Cave Creek Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Cave Creek Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(480) 595-3300

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 8 reviews

85 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"The reviews for Catfish Point highlight its remote nature, excellent fishing opportunities, and peaceful environment. However, the lack of services and difficult road conditions are common concerns among users."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area

40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Driving directionsFrom Carefree, take Cave Creek Road to the junction of Bartlett Road/Forest Road (FR) 19. Turn right and travel 7 miles to the junction of FR 205. Turn left onto an unmaintained, unpaved road. Continue for 11 miles to Horseshoe Reservoir.

The road to the campground includes unmaintained, unpaved sections. One user review mentioned: 'the road is terrible so plan for about 1hr on gravel going 15mph.' Another stated: 'I would recommend taking a vehicle with some clearance.'

Nearby places

Carefree (approximately null), Scottsdale (approximately null)

Nearby supplies

Supplies likely available in nearby Carefree or Scottsdale (specific distances unavailable).

Best Time to Camp at Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area

The desert climate here dances between extremes, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter transforms Catfish Point into a comfortable outdoor retreat, with crisp mornings perfect for lakeside coffee and mild afternoons ideal for exploration. As one seasoned visitor aptly noted, summer visitors should come prepared for the desert's full intensity: 'Great place if u don't mind SUPER hot weather.' The scorching summer sun creates shimmering mirages across the reservoir, making early morning and evening the prime times for outdoor activities during the warmer months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Review warns of 'SUPER hot weather'—desert summer extremes reduce comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Desert/forest site likely excellent in fall; no negative fall notes in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring is appealing but notes of melting/runoff could affect access in spots.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in AZ

Overview: 'Winter transforms Catfish Point into a comfortable outdoor retreat.'

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season: Year-round.

About Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area

Tucked away along the serene shores of Horseshoe Reservoir, Catfish Point beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Tonto National Forest's Cave Creek region. This dispersed camping gem rewards those who venture off the beaten path with pristine waters reserved exclusively for non-motorized vessels, creating a tranquil haven where the splash of paddles and gentle lapping of waves provide nature's soundtrack. Whether you're an angler casting lines at dawn or a soul seeking solitude beneath Arizona's vast skies, this remote sanctuary offers the perfect blend of waterfront camping and rugged desert beauty.

Catfish Point is a dispersed camping area with no developed facilities.

Weather and SeasonsThe desert climate here dances between extremes, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter transforms Catfish Point into a comfortable outdoor retreat, with crisp mornings perfect for lakeside coffee and mild afternoons ideal for exploration. As one seasoned visitor aptly noted, summer visitors should come prepared for the desert's full intensity: 'Great place if u don't mind SUPER hot weather.' The scorching summer sun creates shimmering mirages across the reservoir, making early morning and evening the prime times for outdoor activities during the warmer months.

ElevationPerched at 1,900 feet above sea level, the campground occupies that sweet spot where desert floor meets highland terrain, offering cooler temperatures than the valley below while maintaining the characteristic beauty of Arizona's lower elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryHorseshoe Reservoir stretches before you like a liquid mirror, reflecting the dramatic mountainous amphitheater that cradles this hidden oasis. The surrounding peaks stand as ancient sentinels, their weathered faces telling stories of millennia while creating a natural fortress that shields visitors from the outside world. This remote setting transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories – from sunrise painting the mountains in shades of copper and gold to evening alpenglow casting purple shadows across the still waters.

Geological RegionNestled within the diverse landscape of Tonto National Forest, Catfish Point claims its place along Horseshoe Reservoir in the rugged Cave Creek wilderness. This geological wonderland showcases the raw beauty of Arizona's transition zones, where ancient volcanic peaks meet carved canyons, and desert washes feed into life-giving reservoirs. The surrounding mountainous terrain creates a dramatic backdrop that frames every view, reminding visitors they've discovered one of the Southwest's most captivating natural theaters.

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

14-day stay limit

Groups

No group sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping layout, no formal campsites or facilities like picnic tables or grills.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required, as camping is dispersed.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is dispersed; no reservations needed, walk-up allowed.

AccessibilityThe site is relatively primitive with no specific mention of accessibility features for disabled campers.

Site SizeUser reviews described the sites as small, with some being overgrown. One user noted the sites are 'nice level sites' but cautioned to 'bring a weed whacker.

PrivacySome users highlighted varying levels of privacy. One noted finding a 'hidden spot between a rock cropping and the river' surrounded by trees for 'complete privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVehicles with clearance are recommended due to rough road conditions. Several users highlighted the need for weather preparedness, wildlife caution, and privacy considerations.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The area offers a variety of outdoor opportunities, primarily focused on its remote and natural environment.

FishingFishing is a significant attraction at Horseshoe Reservoir. A reviewer noted it as 'a great spot to fish!'

BoatingOnly non-motorized boating is allowed at this site. The authoritative content states: 'Catfish Boating Site offers access boat for non-motorized boating ONLY.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention wildlife hazards such as snakes, scorpions, and cockroaches.

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.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Emergency ServicesCave Creek Ranger Station, 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262. Phone: (480) 595-3300.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash services provided. Visitors are expected to adhere to 'PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT' guidelines.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to Horseshoe Reservoir, offering opportunities for boating (non-motorized only) and fishing.

Weather at Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area

Reviews

4.3

8 reviews

Satisfactory

Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The reviews for Catfish Point highlight its remote nature, excellent fishing opportunities, and peaceful environment. However, the lack of services and difficult road conditions are common concerns among users.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the serene environment, good fishing, and privacy at some sites: 'Beautiful scenery!! Great camp area. Peaceful and relaxing.' Another said, 'great spot to fish!'

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequently mentioned complaints include the poor road conditions, lack of cell service, and absence of basic amenities. Earl Thornton commented: 'Way too much trash.' Another user described...

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water, as 'Potable water is not available at this site.' Visitors also recommend vehicles with high clearance due to the...

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends were not explicitly mentioned, but one reviewer noted the extreme heat in summer: 'Great place if u don't mind SUPER hot weather.'

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The lake itself is not very accessible by vehicle.' - 'We spent both of our days here completely undisturbed.' - 'No reception if something happens u would have to walk about 9 miles.' - 'Good...

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer described finding a hidden spot near the dam that provided complete privacy: 'hidden between a rock cropping and the river, and it's surrounded by trees for complete privacy.'

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews related to accessibility features were noted.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, and one user highlighted their positive experience bringing five small dogs: 'We have 5 little dogs so that was really awesome!!'.

Based on 8 reviews

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