Riverside Campground (Az)

Star4.27
29 reviews

Quick Facts

1,611 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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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
Riverside Campground (Az)
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping passes can also be purchased at a camping passes can be bought @ machine location.
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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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 29 reviews

87 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"User reviews for Riverside Campground highlight its peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for stargazing, fishing, and photography. Guests appreciate the natural setting and the proximity to water."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Riverside Campground (Az)

33.8099, -111.6465

Driving directionsThis site is 23 miles east of Carefree. Take Cave Creek Road for 7 miles then turn right on Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 13 miles. Just before reaching the Jojoba Boating site, FR 19 becomes a maintained gravel road that turns south (right). Follow it for another 3 miles to Riverside.
"FR 19 becomes a maintained gravel road"—user review highlights it can be bumpy but accessible with standard vehicles such as sedans & trucks.
Nearby places
Carefree, 23 miles east.
Nearby supplies
Cave Creek Ranger Station, nearest fee machine location for camping passes.

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground (Az)

Experience Arizona's diverse climate throughout the year at Riverside Campground. Spring and fall offer ideal camping conditions with mild temperatures perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Summer brings warm days that make the cool riverside location especially appealing, while winter months provide crisp, clear nights ideal for stargazing. The elevation and riverside location create a microclimate that's often several degrees cooler than the surrounding desert areas.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summer reviews note sweltering heat, with temps over 100°F despite riverside location.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall described as ideal camping with mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring cited as offering mild temperatures ideal for hiking and camping.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Winter daytime visits around 70°F reported; generally comfortable for camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: null
  • Current Alerts: null

About Riverside Campground (Az)

Nestled along the banks of a pristine river in Arizona's Tonto National Forest, Riverside Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. This hidden gem offers a serene escape where the gentle sounds of flowing water create nature's soundtrack, and towering trees form a natural canopy overhead. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring forest trails, or simply unwinding by the water's edge, Riverside provides an authentic wilderness experience just far enough from civilization to feel truly immersed in nature.
Riverside Campground caters to first-come, first-served campers with options for tent and RV camping. It does not support reservations or group camping.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
14 days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Key activities include camping, fishing, birding, and non-motorized boating. The campground's proximity to the river provides ample opportunities for canoeing, photography, and wildlife viewing. "Keep a lookout for fish jumping along the river!" notes the description, highlighting the area's vibrant aquatic life.
FishingFishing is a prominent activity near the river, with many visitors enjoying the opportunity to catch fish in the tranquil setting.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed, including canoeing, which is specifically mentioned as a recreational activity.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with ample opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. One user recommended the site for its clear skies and star-filled nights, ideal for astrophotography.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alertsnull
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Riverside Campground (Az)

Reviews

4.3
29 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Riverside Campground (Az) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Riverside Campground highlight its peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for stargazing, fishing, and photography. Guests appreciate the natural setting and the proximity to water.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Users have praised the campground for its tranquility, clean environment, and excellent opportunities for fishing and astrophotography. One review mentioned, "Perfect!! Despite a 'little' light...
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Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

One user mentioned the bumpy ride to the campground due to the maintained gravel road, stating, "The drive on the dirt road can get bumpy." Another noted the lack of cell phone reception.
Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

It's recommended to bring your own water and prepare for a lack of cell phone service. Astrophotographers are encouraged to visit due to the clear skies, despite some light pollution.
Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are noted for comfortable daytime temperatures around 70°F. Summer reviews highlight the sweltering heat, with maximum temperatures reaching over 100°F.
Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I was there for a night shooting stars but ran into a cloudy + thunder storm night. Definitely be back." - Ton Tran. "Fee Free currently according to the Forest Service employee who stopped by to...
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Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews were provided.
Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 29 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 29 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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