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Arizona › Maricopa County › Tonto National Forest

Riverside Campground

Closed

Currently closed due to post-fire recovery. The closure has been extended multiple times following the Riverside, Horse, Wildcat, and Boulder View wildfires. The closure order (03-12-01-25-28) remains in effect for public safety due to flash flood risk and to allow natural resource recovery. No confirmed reopening date has been announced.

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Flood Warning issued November 1 at 10:53AM MST until November 2 at 8:00AM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ

10:53 AM — November 2nd, 8:00 AM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by upstream dam release is occurring. * WHERE...Maricopa County in south central Arizona... * WHEN...Until 800 AM MST Monday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1053 AM MST, An upstream floodgate release is expected to cause flooding in the warned area. - Flooding is occurring along the Salt River. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Salt River Tubing Recreation Area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Flash Flood Warning issued November 1 at 10:38AM MST until November 1 at 12:15PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ

10:38 AM — 12:15 PM

At 1038 AM MST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1.25 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Heavy rain producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Four Peaks, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake and Tonto Basin.

Flood Watch issued November 1 at 10:34AM MST until November 2 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ

10:34 AM — November 2nd, 5:00 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of south central Arizona, including mainly Southern Gila County. * WHEN...Through late tonight. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - An atmospheric river ahead of a weather system will continue to bring well above normal moisture to the region through today and lead to a prolonged period of light to moderate rainfall across the Watch area. Embedded convection will produce pockets of heavier rain. Additional rainfall amounts, on the order of 1-2+", through the course of Sunday on top of already moist soils, will lead to additional runoff. Runoff in major streams, creeks, and rivers may persist through the first half of the week. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

About

Riverside Campground offers a more tranquil camping experience compared to the busier recreation sites at Bartlett Lake. Located along the Verde River below the dam, the campground provides excellent river access for fishing and non-motorized boating. The natural setting features ample shade from trees and the calming sounds of the flowing river, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and wildlife watching. The campground has 12 primitive sites, each with a designated fire ring, grill, and picnic table. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own water supply. Sites accommodate a maximum of 10 people and 3 vehicles, with a strict 16-foot limit on trailers. No motorboats are allowed, and glass containers are prohibited. Access requires traveling on FR 19, a maintained gravel road for the final 3 miles. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Fees are $16 per night, with a 50% discount for Senior or Access pass holders. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM, during which generators are prohibited.

Directions

From Carefree, head east on Cave Creek Road for 7 miles. Turn right onto 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 FR 19 for another 3 miles to reach Riverside Campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Rattlesnake Group Campground 2.6mi Mesquite 12mi Horseshoe 12mi Larry Forbis Overnight Group Site 18mi Larry Forbis Day Use Group Site 18mi C C C Tonto Nf 17mi Cave Creek Group Site 17mi Bagley Flat Campground 19mi The Point Campground 22mi

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $16

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length 16ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile Yes

Useful Links

View on Recreation.gov
USFS Riverside Campground Page
Tonto National Forest Alerts

Availability

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