Mesquite (Az)

Star4.64
11 reviews
40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,900 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Mesquite (Az)
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites cost $16 per night per site. America the Beautiful Senior or Access Disability passholders are eligible for a 50% discount. Pass must be...
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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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(480) 595-3300
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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietshadelocation

"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."

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Campground Map

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Mesquite (Az)

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Driving directionsFrom Carefree, take Cave Creek Road to Bartlett Dam Road. Turn right and continue for 6 miles to the junction of FR 205 and FR 19. Continue on FR 205 which turns left and becomes an un-maintained, unpaved road to Horseshoe Reservoir. Continue approximately 9 miles more on FR 205, following the route to Horseshoe Reservoir. Watch for the sign marking the site.
The road to the campground is unpaved and unmaintained, requiring high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. It is not recommended for trailers. Washboard dirt roads can be challenging for vehicles with poor suspension.
Nearby places
Carefree (22 miles northeast, approximate driving time not specified)
Cave Creek (distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
The nearest fee machine for purchasing camping passes is located at the Cave Creek Ranger Station
other supply sources not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Mesquite (Az)

Winter and early spring transform Mesquite Campground into a desert oasis with ideal camping conditions. Picture yourself basking in comfortable 60-degree days perfect for hiking and exploring, while crisp nights dip to a refreshing 26-35°F – just right for cozying up around the campfire with hot cocoa and stargazing. Seasoned campers often find themselves surprised by the desert's cool winter evenings, making that extra blanket a welcome companion. As summer approaches, the desert heat intensifies, turning the mesquite shade into precious real estate and the Verde River into your personal cooling station.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is hot and dry; shade from mesquites helps but outside-canopy heat is a drawback.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant; peak noted more for late winter/early spring but fall conditions reasonable.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Early spring listed with winter as prime season; pleasant temps and active river activities.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in AZ

Winter/early spring described as ideal camping with comfortable days; nights can be cold (20s).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly specified, though user reviews and weather data suggest late winter through early spring may be ideal due to favorable temperatures.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Year-round availability.
  • Current Alerts: User reviews mentioned a wildfire in 2019, but no current alerts were specified.

About Mesquite (Az)

Escape to Mesquite Campground, where ancient mesquite trees cast cooling shadows over your riverside retreat along the Verde River. This first-come, first-served gem offers an authentic camping experience with thoughtfully placed fire rings, grills, and picnic tables at each site, creating the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventures. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into the river's flowing waters, take a refreshing swim, or paddle quietly in non-motorized boats while the desert landscape watches over you. When you arrive, simply scan the Recreation.gov QR code or use the convenient fee machine to secure your spot in this natural sanctuary.
Mesquite Campground offers primitive camping options for tents and RVs. The sites emphasize a natural, rustic experience.
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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

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.
HikingHiking trails are available nearby, offering opportunities for exploration and nature photography. Laurie Rothe commented, "Lots of hiking and exploring. The kids climbed trees, played by the water, and never ran out of fun activities."
FishingFishing is allowed in the Verde River near the campground, though specific details about fish species are not provided.
SwimmingThe Verde River, located a short distance from the campsites, offers swimming opportunities in its deeper portions.
BoatingNon-motorized boating such as kayaking and canoeing is permitted on the Verde River. However, motorized watercraft are prohibited on flowing sections of the river.
Wildlife viewingWildlife observation is a potential activity, as noted by a user review that highlighted the area's natural beauty and opportunities to connect with nature.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad access can be challenging due to unpaved conditions requiring high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles. The area is remote, and portions of the Verde River are deep, posing potential safety risks. User reviews mention wildlife such as bugs and lizards, as well as the occasional presence of strange individuals.
Active AlertsUser reviews mentioned a wildfire in 2019, but no current alerts were specified.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mesquite (Az)

Reviews

4.6
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mesquite (Az) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 11 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...
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Based on 11 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...
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Based on 11 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...
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Based on 11 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 11 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...
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Based on 11 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 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address experiences with pets or pet-related policies.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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