Cave Creek Group Site
Open year-round. Reservations required through Recreation.gov, bookable 1 day to 12 months in advance. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect. Use caution during rainy season as the area is prone to flash flooding.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Mesquite Campground Post Fire Recovery Closure for Public Health & Safety
Mesquite Campground closed due to post fire recovery.
Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety
Cottonwood Cove in Roosevelt Lake closed. Picnic site still open.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
Stage 1 Fires Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order effective May 15, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.
Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order
Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…
Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety
Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.
Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure
December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.
Fossil Creek Non-Permit Seasonal Camping, Fire and Glass Prohibition (October 2- March 31)
Details below.
Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)
Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…
About
Cave Creek Group Site is a historic campground constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, nestled in a narrow valley of juniper and sycamore trees in Tonto National Forest. Located 19 miles north of Carefree, Arizona, the site offers a cooler retreat from the Phoenix heat with abundant shade and proximity to Cave Creek. The group area accommodates up to 150 people with parking for 40 vehicles. Facilities include 12 stoneware picnic tables, three central grills, a covered food prep area with serving table, two large covered ramadas, and a central campfire area. A game area provides space for volleyball and horseshoes. Vault toilets and trash service are provided, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Across the road, Cave Creek Trailhead offers access to over 48 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails suitable for overnight backpacking. Seven miles south lies Sears-Kay Ruin, a National Register site featuring remains of an ancient Native American hilltop village. The last 9 miles of Forest Road 24 is a narrow, all-weather gravel road with blind curves; trailers over 16 feet are not recommended.
Directions
From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road (Forest Road 24) north for 19 miles to Seven Springs Day-use Area. Continue less than half a mile to the turn-off to the group site. The last 9 miles of FR 24 is an all-weather gravel road that is narrow with blind curves.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 16ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (480) 595-3300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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