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.
State Route 260 Lion Springs Construction Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
Closure order due to construction activities associated with the SR260 Lion Springs Project conducted byArizona Department of Transportation on the Tonto National Forest.
Horseshoe Dam Road (NFSR 205) Emergency Closure for Public Safety
Closure Order to implement repairs and improvements to the Horseshoe Dam Road previously damaged by severe flooding.
Riverside Post Fire Recovery and Safety Closure – Extension
The continuation for the Riverside Campground closure due to the 2024 Riverside Fire. The 2024 Riverside Fire caused severe damage to many trees, leaving some unstable, dead, or partially burned. These hazards create a risk of falling limbs or complete tree failure, making the area unsafe until…
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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