USDA Forest Service · Arizona

Riverside Campground (AZ)

USDA Forest Service · Arizona, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Directions
Sites
4
Hookups
1 no hookups
Elevation
1,611 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 3
Cell coverage
AT&T weak · T-Mobile none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
RIVERSIDE CAMPGROUND (NFSR 162) · native material · suitable for passenger cars
Lake
Tonto National Forest
Phone
N/A
Activities
Birding, Camping, Canoeing, Non-Motorized Boating, Photography, Wildlife Viewing

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

About

Overview

Riverside Campground offers more peace and tranquility than the busier recreation sites at Bartlett Lake. With the campground’s proximity to water, fisherman and avid water recreationalists enjoy this spot all year long. There are designated grills, fire rings and picnic tables where families can enjoy the day together along the river, not far from the dam. Keep a look out for fish jumping along the river!

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

Camping

Fishing

Non-Motorized Boating

River Access

Birding

Facilities

12 Campsites

First-Come, First Serve only. No reservations.

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.

No motor boats allowed.

Trailers under 16 feet.

Glass containers prohibted.

No potable water services available.

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

Natural Features

Plenty of trees provide ample shade and the calming sound of the river flowing makes Riverside Campground a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Keep a lookout for wildlife!

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 valid and present with passholder at time of stay.

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
January66°40°29°80°3 of 11
February67°42°27°84°2 of 11
March73°47°33°100°0 of 11
April83°55°43°96°0 of 11
May91°66°55°102°0 of 11
June103°75°61°116°0 of 11
July106°83°74°113°0 of 11
August102°80°67°113°0 of 11
September99°74°62°106°0 of 11
October87°59°49°101°0 of 10
November80°51°35°90°0 of 10
December69°41°30°80°1 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.