C C C (Az) Tonto Nf

4.27

76 reviews

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Quick Facts

3,350 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,350 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

C C C (Az) Tonto Nf

$16.00 - $16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites are $16 per night, per site. America the Beautiful Senior or Access Disability passholders are eligible for a 50% discount. Pass must be...

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

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 76 reviews

73 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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Campground Map

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

C C C (Az) Tonto Nf

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Driving directionsThis site is 20 miles north of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road/Forest Road (FR) 24. The last 9 miles of FR 24 is an all-weather gravel road. The gravel portion of the road is narrow with blind curves.

Access to the campground involves a 20-mile drive from Carefree, AZ, with the final 9 miles on an all-weather gravel road. This gravel road is narrow and contains blind curves, which could present challenges for less confident drivers or those in larger vehicles.

Nearby places

Carefree, AZ (20 miles)

Scottsdale, AZ (approximately 40 miles)

Nearby supplies

The nearest location for supplies, including groceries and fuel, is likely in Carefree, AZ, which is approximately 20 miles away. Exact store names or services are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at C C C (Az) Tonto Nf

Experience the gentle rhythm of high desert seasons at CCC Campground, where crisp mornings give way to pleasantly warm afternoons. During prime camping weeks, you'll wake to refreshing temperatures hovering around 37°F – perfect for that first cup of campfire coffee – before the day warms to a comfortable 65°F. The area's characteristically low humidity and minimal precipitation create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, while moderate breezes whisper through the sycamore leaves overhead. These weather patterns make CCC particularly inviting for those seeking to escape extreme temperatures, offering a sweet spot where you can comfortably explore from dawn to dusk.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

High-desert summers; shade and creek moderate heat but Arizona summers can be hot.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Descriptions note 'crisp mornings' and pleasant afternoons—fall is likely prime.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely pleasant for hiking and riparian activity though specifics aren't provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Mild high-desert winters with 'refreshing temperatures' in mornings are suggested.

Planning Tips

About C C C (Az) Tonto Nf

Hidden beneath a canopy of ancient sycamore trees, Civilian Conservation Corps Campground beckons adventurers to discover one of Tonto National Forest's most intimate camping experiences. With just 10 thoughtfully spaced campsites, this tranquil retreat offers the perfect balance of solitude and accessibility. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings featuring cooking grates, while the majestic sycamores overhead create a natural cathedral of dappled sunlight and rustling leaves. Steps away, the Cave Creek Trailhead serves as your gateway to backcountry exploration, while the gentle murmur of Cave Creek itself provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Bird enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, as the riparian corridor attracts a stunning variety of winged visitors throughout the seasons.

The campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping and RV camping, with a restriction on trailer lengths exceeding 16 feet. All campsites are non-electric and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical SignificanceEvery stone path and weathered structure at this campground tells the story of America's bold response to the Great Depression. Named in honor of the Civilian Conservation Corps, this site preserves the legacy of the young men who transformed the American landscape in the 1930s. As part of President Roosevelt's revolutionary work relief program, the CCC brought together unemployed youth to build the infrastructure that would make America's wild places accessible to generations of outdoor enthusiasts. When you camp here, you're not just pitching a tent – you're connecting with a pivotal chapter in conservation history, where determination and hard work carved recreation from wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of high desert seasons at CCC Campground, where crisp mornings give way to pleasantly warm afternoons. During prime camping weeks, you'll wake to refreshing temperatures hovering around 37°F – perfect for that first cup of campfire coffee – before the day warms to a comfortable 65°F. The area's characteristically low humidity and minimal precipitation create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, while moderate breezes whisper through the sycamore leaves overhead. These weather patterns make CCC particularly inviting for those seeking to escape extreme temperatures, offering a sweet spot where you can comfortably explore from dawn to dusk.

ElevationTucked into the verdant ribbon of Cave Creek's riparian corridor, the campground occupies a special ecological niche within the vast Tonto National Forest. This unique positioning creates a microclimate where desert meets water, fostering an oasis of biodiversity that feels worlds away from the surrounding arid landscape. The riparian setting provides natural temperature moderation and supports the towering sycamores that define the campground's character.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living gallery where towering sycamores paint patterns of light and shadow across the forest floor. The Cave Creek Riparian Ecosystem transforms this campground into an enchanted grove where smooth, pale bark rises like pillars toward leafy crowns that dance in the breeze. This rare desert oasis attracts an impressive parade of wildlife – from melodious songbirds at dawn to the occasional deer stepping delicately to the creek's edge at dusk. The interplay of water, stone, and vegetation creates endless photographic moments, while the surrounding canyon walls frame views that shift dramatically with the changing light.

Geological RegionCave Creek has carved its signature through the heart of Tonto National Forest, creating a geological wonderland where water's patient work reveals millions of years of Earth's history. The campground sits at the intersection of diverse ecosystems – where the creek's life-giving waters support massive sycamores and create a riparian paradise amidst the rugged mountain terrain. This unique positioning offers visitors front-row seats to nature's theater, where rocky outcrops meet verdant streamside habitats, creating perfect conditions for wildlife watching and peaceful contemplation. The surrounding peaks and canyons provide a dramatic backdrop that reminds visitors they're camping in one of Arizona's most geologically diverse regions.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

10:00 AM

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 10 people per site.

Groups

No group camping facilities are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 10 spread-out campsites with features like picnic tables and firepits, making it suitable for small groups or families.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through the Recreation.gov mobile app using the Scan and Pay feature.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no prior reservations available.

Cancellation PolicyThis is a Scan and Pay campground. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments.

Site SizeThe campground includes 10 campsites. Trailers above 16 feet are not recommended due to the size and access limitations.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as spread out, which may offer a degree of privacy. Additionally, the large sycamore trees provide natural shade and potential seclusion.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesHikers and equestrians are advised to park at the CCC trailhead to the north. Visitors are recommended to bring water as there is no potable water available on-site.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers can engage in a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, and accessing off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes. The proximity to Cave Creek and its Riparian Ecosystem offers additional opportunities for creekside exploration.

HikingNearby trails include the Cave Creek Trailhead, which allows campers to explore the Cave Creek Riparian Ecosystem. Specific details about trail length or difficulty are not available.

BikingMountain biking is listed as an activity, though no details about designated trails or terrain are provided.

Wildlife viewingBird watching is highlighted as a popular activity due to the campground's proximity to the Cave Creek Riparian Ecosystem.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water is available, so visitors must bring their own supply. The gravel road leading to the campground has blind curves, which could be challenging for some drivers.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings are available at each campsite. Specific fire policies or restrictions are not provided.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services, including hospitals, are likely located in Carefree, AZ, approximately 20 miles away. Detailed emergency service names and locations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available on-site to help keep the campground clean. No recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground offers creek access as part of the Cave Creek Riparian Ecosystem.