Is Mesquite first-come first-served or reservation?

Mesquite operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Mesquite?

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

How many campsites does Mesquite have?

Mesquite has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mesquite?

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

What amenities are available at Mesquite?

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

What activities can I do at Mesquite?

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

Mesquite (Az)

4.46

13 reviews

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Top 12% in AZSpring

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Phoenix#2 Swimming Camping Arizona

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

1,900 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Tonto National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

1,900 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Tonto National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Mesquite (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, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Mesquite (Az)

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Nearby places

Carefree (22 miles northeast, approximate driving time not specified)

Cave Creek (distance not specified)

Weather at Mesquite (Az)

Best Time to Camp at Mesquite (Az)

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s, sometimes into the low 70s) and cool nights (often 26–35°F), making hiking, fishing, paddling and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. River flows are generally healthier from winter runoff, riparian trees leaf out and desert wildflowers appear, and bird migration peaks — great for birding and photography. Weekdays are typically quiet while weekends can draw local campers, so plan midweek visits if Peak months: March, April, February, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in AZ

Spring cited as the 'sweet spot'—mild temps, healthy river flows, wildflowers and leaf-out.

Planning Tips

About Mesquite (Az)

Mesquite sits along the Verde River in Tonto National Forest foothills, 30 miles northeast of Scottsdale. This small, primitive campground operated by the Forest Service offers shaded sites near the water where families fish, boat, and explore riparian habitat. Spring brings mild days, blooming desert wildflowers, and peak bird migration along the river corridor.

Mesquite Campground offers primitive camping options for tents and RVs. The sites emphasize a natural, rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s, sometimes into the low 70s) and cool nights (often 26–35°F), making hiking, fishing, paddling and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. River flows are generally healthier from winter runoff, riparian trees leaf out and desert wildflowers appear, and bird migration peaks — great for birding and photography. Weekdays are typically quiet while weekends can draw local campers, so plan midweek visits if Peak months: March, April, February, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation1900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature mesquite trees shade most of the campground, creating pockets of cool air rare in the Sonoran Desert. The Verde River flows alongside the sites, carving through the arid terrain and supporting a strip of riparian vegetation. This transition zone between desert scrub and river corridor attracts a variety of birds, especially during spring migration. Horseshoe Reservoir sits nearby, expanding water-based recreation options. Reviewers consistently describe the setting as quiet and picturesque, with enough shade to make the desert heat bearable.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available as the campground focuses on a primitive and natural camping experience.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are provided.

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.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not allowed. Payment via Recreation.gov QR code or fee machine is possible.

Site SizeStandard-sized campsites accommodating up to 10 people and 3 vehicles per site.

PrivacySites are well-shaded under mesquite trees, offering a sense of privacy. However, the first-come, first-served policy means visitors may encounter disputes over availability.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the river are favored for scenic views and proximity to aquatic activities. Privacy levels may vary.

Amenities available

Mesquite Campground offers basic amenities to ensure a natural camping experience. Campers can enjoy fire pits, grills, and picnic tables at their designated campsite. "Vault toilets" are available but not highly rated; user Chris Renshaw mentioned, "the built-in restrooms were pretty nasty. It happens." Potable water is explicitly not available on-site, emphasizing the importance of bringing sufficient supplies. Trash services are also absent, requiring campers to "pack it in, pack it out." Sites are shaded by mesquite trees and are close to the Verde River, facilitating access to swimming and fishing.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Mesquite Campground provides a range of outdoor activities centered around its proximity to the Verde River and surrounding natural features. Campers can fish, swim, hike, and engage in non-motorized boating such as kayaking and canoeing. Off-road vehicle trails and opportunities for wildlife observation enhance the outdoor experience.

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; users must rely on vault toilets.

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

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

13 reviews

Recommended

Mesquite (Az) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is celebrated for its serene and picturesque atmosphere, shaded campsites, and proximity to the Verde River, making it ideal for swimming and fishing. However, there are concerns about the lack of maintenance for vault toilets, occasional disputes over campsite availability, and the presence of unusual individuals in the area.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the natural beauty, privacy, and shaded campsites. Laurie Rothe stated, "The kids climbed trees, played by the water, and never ran out of fun activities." Another user described...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the poor condition of the vault toilets, occasional litter, and disputes over site claims due to the first-come, first-served policy. Philip Smith shared a bizarre...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but disputes over site claims due to the first-come, first-served policy are highlighted in user reviews.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water and firewood. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended for the unmaintained, dirt-road access. Be prepared for self-sufficiency, including managing your trash. Laurie...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is noted for its cold nights, with temperatures dropping to the 20s. In summer, campers should prepare for a dry climate and limited shade outside of the mesquite canopies.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Camping is awesome out here. We had no neighbors, our own access to a rushing swimming area." - Chris Renshaw 2. "This is a beautiful camping area right above the river! It is quiet and remote...

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address experiences with pets or pet-related policies.

Based on 13 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want shaded riverside sites for fishing and boating with privacy and don't need water or trash service.

Skip if

You require potable water, trash pickup, maintained restrooms, or smooth road access to your campsite.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.8

(48)

Horseshoe (Az)

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

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.