Horseshoe (Az)
4.2013 reviews40202 N Cave Creek Rd
Quick Facts
Price
$16/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$16/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsHorseshoe (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
Total Campsite Fees$16.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(480) 595-3300
What Campers Say
4.20
Satisfactory
Based on 13 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."
Fees & Passes at Horseshoe (Az)
$16/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14-day stay limit.
Cancellation: No refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes are allowed with Scan & Pay transacti...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Tonto National Forest Management website.
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.
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
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.
Weather and SeasonsHorseshoe 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.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Verde River serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its emerald waters creating a ribbon of life through the high desert landscape. Towering mountain vistas frame every view, their rugged profiles changing color with the day's progression from dawn's pink glow to sunset's golden farewell. Graceful mesquite trees dot the landscape, their feathery branches offering precious pockets of shade and natural beauty. This riparian oasis attracts an impressive array of wildlife, with bald eagles ruling the skies and serving as magnificent reminders of the area's thriving ecosystem.
Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of Tonto National Forest, Horseshoe Campground occupies a special corner where desert meets river in dramatic fashion. The Verde River has carved its path through this ancient landscape, creating a lush corridor that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding arid terrain. Scattered mesquite trees stand as hardy sentinels, their twisted trunks and delicate leaves perfectly adapted to this unique environment where mountain slopes sweep down to meet the life-giving waters below.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeEach campsite includes a fire ring and concrete picnic table. Sites are relatively small and designed to accommodate tents or trailers under 16 feet.
Sites 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 CampsitesUse campsites 11 and 12 for best river access and shade.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 pm
Check-out
10:00 am
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 12 campsites, all equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are relatively close together, and not all offer significant shade.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app using the Scan & Pay feature.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground and claim a site upon payment.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes are allowed with Scan & Pay transactions.
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.
Fishing
Fishing 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.').Swimming
Swimming 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').Boating
Non-motorized boating is available on the Verde River. Motorized boating is allowed on Horseshoe Reservoir, but with a 25 horsepower motor limit.Wildlife viewing
Bald eagles are commonly sighted, making the campground a great spot for bird enthusiasts.Winter Activities
Fishing remains available in winter, but the dam is low and mostly inactive.Water Sports
Popular water activities include kayaking and canoeing on the Verde River.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within provided fire rings.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal 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.
Weather at Horseshoe (Az)
70
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.1 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
Nearest emergency services include Cave Creek Ranger Station, which has a fee machine and possibly additional support.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling services are provided; visitors must pack out their own waste as there are no disposal facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Verde River and Horseshoe Reservoir, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention overgrown ground cover at some campsites, vault toilets with inconsistent cleanliness, and occasional issues with nearby campers' behavior.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
13 reviews
Horseshoe (Az) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 13 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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsCamper 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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility features are mentioned, though overgrown vegetation and the uneven dirt road may limit access for some visitors.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned, though some reviewers noted issues with unleashed dogs ('...letting their dogs roam the campground').
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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