Horseshoe (Az)

Star3.96
48 reviews
40202 N Cave Creek Rd
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,919 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Horseshoe (Az)
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping passes can be purchased for $16 per night, per site. America the Beautiful Senior or Access Disability passholders receive a 50% discount.
Standard Site Fee$16.00
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(480) 595-3300
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 48 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"Horseshoe Campground is generally appreciated for its natural beauty, proximity to the Verde River, and opportunities for outdoor activities. However, access challenges and inconsistent maintenance detract from the experience for some visitors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

Horseshoe (Az)

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

Driving directionsFrom Carefree, take Cave Creek Road turn right on Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 6 miles to the junction of FR 205 and FR 19. At this junction, FR 205 turns left and becomes an unmaintained unpaved road. Follow FR 205 for 10 miles towards Horseshoe Reservoir. At the junction of FR 205 and FR 205A, turn right and travel an additional ½ mile to the site.
Road to the campground is unpaved and unmaintained, recommended for high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles. However, user reviews suggest it is possible to navigate with careful driving in smaller vehicles like a Prius during favorable conditions.
Nearby places
Carefree: 23 miles northeast
Nearby supplies
Groceries and supplies may be available in Scottsdale or Carefree, 23 miles away. Fuel and other essentials are most likely found in these cities.

Best Time to Camp at Horseshoe (Az)

Horseshoe Campground basks in Arizona's signature sunshine, where crystal-clear skies and pleasantly dry conditions create ideal camping weather for much of the year. Comfortable temperatures make spring and fall particularly magical, while summer brings warm days perfect for riverside relaxation. Winter transforms the campground into a peaceful retreat with crisp, cool air – though water enthusiasts should note that seasonal dam operations may limit river activities during these months. The reliable weather means you can count on spectacular sunsets and star-gazing opportunities nearly year-round.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Good for warm-water activities but limited shade and Arizona heat require prep.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Pleasant weather and scenic vistas make fall a strong season for visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mild temps, active wildlife and pleasant conditions make spring attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter camping is quieter but reviewers note low water levels at the dam.

Planning Tips

    About Horseshoe (Az)

    Nestled along the banks of the Verde River, Horseshoe Campground beckons with 12 intimate campsites where the gentle murmur of flowing water accompanies your outdoor adventure. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings under Arizona's star-filled sky. Savvy campers know to request sites 11 and 12, prized for their direct river access and generous canopy of shade. As morning mist rises from the water, keep your eyes skyward – majestic bald eagles frequently soar overhead, making this riverside retreat a wildlife enthusiast's dream.
    Horseshoe Campground caters to different camping styles, including tent and RV camping (with restrictions). It offers 12 basic campsites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no luxury or group camping options, highlighting its primitive and low-impact setup.
    Advertisement

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Check-in
    12:00 pm
    Check-out
    10:00 am
    Stay Limit
    14-day stay limit.

    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Horseshoe Campground is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as birding, fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. Proximity to the Verde River enhances recreational opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy off-road vehicle trails and the picturesque natural surroundings. However, access points for some activities, like swimming and river entry, may be challenging. Some reviewers highlight the lack of developed beach areas and mention overgrown vegetation in certain areas.
    FishingFishing opportunities are available in both the Verde River and Horseshoe Lake. One reviewer noted that fishing is an activity to enjoy even when water levels are low ('Fishing is still available at both the lake and the river.').
    SwimmingSwimming is possible in the Verde River, though there are limited access points ('Everywhere else we found you had to jump in the river and scramble your way back up the bank').
    BoatingNon-motorized boating is available on the Verde River. Motorized boating is allowed on Horseshoe Reservoir, but with a 25 horsepower motor limit.
    Wildlife viewingBald eagles are commonly sighted, making the campground a great spot for bird enthusiasts.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
    Advertisement

    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsSeasonal road conditions may be challenging due to unmaintained dirt paths. Hunting activity nearby can result in gunshot noises. Wildlife sightings include bald eagles and occasional unidentified animals.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Horseshoe (Az)

    Reviews

    4.0
    48 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Horseshoe (Az) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Horseshoe Campground is generally appreciated for its natural beauty, proximity to the Verde River, and opportunities for outdoor activities. However, access challenges and inconsistent maintenance detract from the experience for some visitors.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 48 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Reviewers praised the scenic vistas, wildlife viewing opportunities (e.g., bald eagles), and the range of outdoor activities available ('Great camping location,' 'This is my favorite camping place,...
    Show more
    Based on 48 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Frequent complaints include the poorly maintained road leading to the campground ('11+ miles of dirt road with heavy washboard'), overgrown vegetation at campsites, and lack of essential services...
    Show more
    Based on 48 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for the unpaved road. Prepare for a self-sufficient experience by bringing drinking water and trash bags. Early arrival is recommended to secure the...
    Show more
    Based on 48 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Winter camping is quieter, but water levels at the dam are low. Summer visits are recommended for warm weather activities but require preparation for the lack of shade at many sites.
    Based on 48 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    1. 'While we were there, they had toilet paper and there was no poop on the seat.' 2. 'Fishing is still available at both the lake and the river.' 3. 'We found a spot past the turn to the...
    Show more
    Based on 48 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Sites 11 and 12 are highlighted for their river access and better shade; other sites may lack shade and be overgrown.
    Based on 48 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No specific accessibility features are mentioned, though overgrown vegetation and the uneven dirt road may limit access for some visitors.
    Based on 48 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned, though some reviewers noted issues with unleashed dogs ('...letting their dogs roam the campground').
    Based on 48 reviews

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

    Been to Horseshoe (Az)? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


    Last updated January 5, 2026
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Campgrounds you may also like

    Popular campgrounds in Arizona

    Campgrounds
    Tonto National Forest
    Horseshoe (Az)