Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area
4.258 reviews40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Quick Facts
1,900 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
1,900 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(480) 595-3300
What Campers Say
4.25
Satisfactory
Based on 8 reviews
85 Google reviews
Most mentioned
sceneryprivacypeacefulsites
"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."
Fees & Passes at Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14-day stay limit
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Cave Creek Ranger Station website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is relatively primitive with no specific mention of accessibility features for disabled campers.
Sites 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.'
Sites 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 CampsitesVehicles with clearance are recommended due to rough road conditions. Several users highlighted the need for weather preparedness, wildlife caution, and privacy considerations.
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping layout, no formal campsites or facilities like picnic tables or grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: Year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required, as camping is dispersed.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is dispersed; no reservations needed, walk-up allowed.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The area offers a variety of outdoor opportunities, primarily focused on its remote and natural environment.
Fishing
Fishing is a significant attraction at Horseshoe Reservoir. A reviewer noted it as 'a great spot to fish!'Boating
Only 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
No information is provided about winter recreation options.Water Sports
The site supports water sports such as kayaking, as noted by a user: 'good spot for fishing... kayaking.'Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention wildlife hazards such as snakes, scorpions, and cockroaches.
Weather at Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area
70
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Cave Creek Ranger Station, 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262. Phone: (480) 595-3300.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash services provided. Visitors are expected to adhere to 'PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT' guidelines.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Horseshoe Reservoir, offering opportunities for boating (non-motorized only) and fishing.
Common complaintsRoad conditions are frequently mentioned as rough or challenging: 'The road is terrible so plan for about 1hr on gravel going 15mph.' Trash accumulation was a concern: 'Way too much trash. I guess pack in pack out is too hard for people.'
Campground Map
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).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
8 reviews
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 reviewsCommon 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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsCamper 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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews related to accessibility features were noted.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-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 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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