Cave Creek Group Site
Open — Open year-round for reservations only through Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance and can be made up to 12 months ahead. 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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Lower Salt River Area Temporary Emergency Equestrian Closure for Public Health & Safety
Click to view closure order for details.
Granite Reef Developed Recreation Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
See order for details.
TERMINATION ORDER: Stage II Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
There are no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest as of Sept. 5, 2025, 8 a.m.
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.
About
Cave Creek Group Site is a historic campground constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, located 19 miles north of Carefree in Tonto National Forest. This reservation-only group site is nestled in a narrow valley of juniper and sycamore trees providing abundant shade and offers a cool escape from the Phoenix heat with a clear running creek flowing through seven springs. The site features 12 picnic tables made of deep crimson jasper interspersed with fieldstone, three central grills, a covered food prep area, one serving table, two large covered ramadas, four benches, a game area for volleyball and horseshoes, a campfire area, vault toilets, and trash service. The site accommodates up to 150 people and is available year-round for $75 per night through Recreation.gov, with reservations required at least one day in advance and up to 12 months ahead. Across the road, Cave Creek Trailhead offers access to over 48 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails suitable for day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. The area is particularly beautiful during springtime when desert wildflowers bloom. Nearby attractions include Bronco Trailhead to the south with parking for 40 vehicles plus trailers and six horse pens, and Sears-Kay Ruin seven miles south, a National Register historic site featuring remains of an ancient Native American hilltop village. The last 9 miles of Forest Road 24 to the campground is an all-weather gravel road that is narrow with blind curves. Trailers over 16 feet are not recommended.
Directions
From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road (Forest Road 24) north to Seven Springs Day-use Area. Continue for less than 0.5 miles 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| 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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