Mesquite (AZ)

About Mesquite (AZ)

Overview Mesquite Campground provides privacy and shade. Here you can relax under the shaded canopies of mesquite trees while listening to the sounds of water flowing from the Verde River just a short distance from your site. Designated camp sites have fire rings, grills and picnic tables where families can enjoy time together. There are hiking, fishing, swimming opportunities and more. 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 River and Stream Fishing Non-Motorized Boating Nearby Hiking Trails Nearby OHV Routes Facilities 12 campsites First-come, First-serve only. No reservations. Maximum occupancy per individual campsite is 10. 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. 14-day stay limit. Portions of the Verde River are deep. Use of motorized watercraft on flowing portions of the Verde River is prohibited. Road to campground is unpaved and unmaintained. Recommend high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles. Not reccommended for trailers. Potable water is not available. Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators are not permitted during quiet hours). THERE ARE NO TRASH SERVICES. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT. Natural Features The Verde River is just a short distance from the ca

How to Get There

The site is 22 miles northeast of Carefree. From 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.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to Mesquite (AZ)

Heading to Mesquite (AZ)? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)