USDA Forest Service · Arizona

Horseshoe (AZ)

USDA Forest Service · Arizona, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Directions
Sites
4
Hookups
1 no hookups
Restrooms
Yes
Elevation
1,919 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 2
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
HORSESHOE REC AREA (NFSR 2102) · native material · high clearance vehicles
Lake
Tonto National Forest
Nearest town
Scottsdale
Address
40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262
Phone
N/A
Activities
Birding, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Kayaking, Non-Motorized Boating, Off Road Vehicle Trails, Paddling, Water Access

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Horseshoe Campground is farther up the road from Mesquite Campground. Offering more developed campground sites with picnic tables, fire pits and access to the Verde River at campsites 11 and 12. Gorgeous vistas of surrounding mountains and the Verde River are offered along the path for families to enjoy. Most campsites are less shaded than the favored 11 and 12 campsites, so please feel free to bring canopies and coolers to provide shade and stay hydrated during the day, but this campground does have some large mesquite trees providing shade. Bald eagles are frequently seen in this vicinity.

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.

Recreation

Swimming

Fishing

Boating (Non-Motorized on the Verde River and a 25 horsepower motor limit on Horseshoe Reservoir.)

Birding

Photography

OHV Routes

Facilities

There are 12 camp sites

First-Come, First-Serve only. No reservations.

THERE ARE NO TRASH SERVICES. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT.

No potable water services available.

14-day stay limit.

Maximum occupancy per individual campsite is 10 people.

Maximum number of vehicles per individual camp unit is three. All vehicles must completely fit within the designated parking area.

Check-in time is 12:00 pm, and check-out time is 10:00 am

Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators are not permitted during quiet hours.)

Trailers under 16 feet.

Use of motorized watercraft on flowing portions of the Verde River is prohibited.

Glass containers prohibited.

Road to campground is unpaved and unmaintained, recommend high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Natural Features

This campground provides some river access for activities like swimming and fishing and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Its proximity to Horseshoe Reservoir makes it a great basecamp for all your lake adventures!

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (480) 595-3300.

Nearby Attractions

Horseshoe Lake, Horseshoe Dam, Mesquite Campground, Catfish Point Day Use Site

Fees

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January65°39°28°79°3 of 11
February66°41°27°82°4 of 11
March71°46°33°99°0 of 11
April81°53°41°95°0 of 11
May90°65°53°101°0 of 11
June102°74°59°115°0 of 11
July105°82°72°112°0 of 11
August101°77°65°112°0 of 11
September98°72°60°105°0 of 11
October85°58°47°100°0 of 10
November78°48°34°88°0 of 10
December67°40°29°78°4 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Arizona · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.