Is Horseshoe first-come first-served or reservation?

Horseshoe accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Horseshoe?

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

How many campsites does Horseshoe have?

Horseshoe has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Horseshoe?

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

What amenities are available at Horseshoe?

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

What activities can I do at Horseshoe?

Popular activities at Horseshoe include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Horseshoe (Az)

3.79

48 reviews

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,919 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Tonto National Forest Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,919 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Tonto National Forest Management Official Website

Get Directions

Horseshoe (Az)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$16.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/AN/A

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

Horseshoe (Az)

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

Nearby places

Carefree: 23 miles northeast

Weather at Horseshoe (Az)

Best Time to Camp at Horseshoe (Az)

Best season: spring. Spring delivers the most comfortable weather (daytime highs generally in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F) and the fullest mix of river activities, birding, and budding cottonwoods along the Verde River. Fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing — including frequent bald eagle sightings — are at their peak as the river corridor comes alive, while temperatures remain pleasant for daytime hikes and evening campfires. Expect higher weekend use, so reserve sites (r Peak months: March, April, May, October Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring described as best: comfortable temps, full river, cottonwoods leafing out, active bald eagles.

Planning Tips

About Horseshoe (Az)

Horseshoe sits in the Tonto National Forest foothills near Scottsdale, offering direct access to the Verde River for fishing and boating. Managed by Tonto National Forest, this small campground draws visitors for spring wildlife viewing — including frequent bald eagle sightings — and river activities along a cottonwood-lined corridor. Tent, RV, and primitive camping options accommodate a range of camping styles with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring delivers the most comfortable weather (daytime highs generally in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F) and the fullest mix of river activities, birding, and budding cottonwoods along the Verde River. Fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing — including frequent bald eagle sightings — are at their peak as the river corridor comes alive, while temperatures remain pleasant for daytime hikes and evening campfires. Expect higher weekend use, so reserve sites (r Peak months: March, April, May, October Avoid: July, August

Elevation1919 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Verde River cuts through high desert here at 1,919 feet, creating a green strip of life against arid slopes. Mesquite trees provide scattered shade, their twisted trunks and feathery leaves marking the transition between water and desert. Mountain vistas frame the corridor. Bald eagles hunt the river regularly. Some sites have overgrown ground cover, which adds privacy but can make setup tricky.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodging or cabins are available in the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per individual campsite is 10 people.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app using the Scan & Pay feature.

Site SizeEach campsite includes a fire ring and concrete picnic table. Sites are relatively small and designed to accommodate tents or trailers under 16 feet.

PrivacyCampground privacy is limited, with sites described as 'small and kind of close together.' Some areas are overgrown, which might provide additional natural barriers.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesUse campsites 11 and 12 for best river access and shade.

Best CampsitesSites 11 and 12 get mentioned most in reviews for direct river access and better shade from mesquite canopy. Arriving early helps you avoid the overgrown spots and claim the better-maintained sites.

Need help booking Horseshoe (Az)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No potable water services available. THERE ARE NO TRASH SERVICES. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT. Trailers under 16 feet. Use of motorized watercraft on flowing portions of the Verde River is prohibited. Glass containers prohibited. Road to campground is unpaved and unmaintained, recommend high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Fishing

Boating

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

48 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,...

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...

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want Verde River access close to Scottsdale with strong wildlife viewing and a mix of camping styles.

Skip if

You need consistently maintained facilities or guaranteed quiet from neighboring campers.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.3

(8)

Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area

40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Catfish Point sits along Horseshoe Reservoir in Tonto National Forest's Cave Creek wilderness, about an hour's rough gravel drive from Scottsdale. This dispersed camping area offers vault toilets and small, level sites near the water at 1,900 feet elevation. Expect no cell service and bring all your own water.