Horseshoe
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations accepted. Campers must arrive in person to claim and pay for a site. Fire danger is currently rated as Very High.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 9:12AM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
AQAPSR The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for the Phoenix Metro Area today and Wednesday. This means that forecast weather conditions combined with existing ozone levels are expected to result in local maximum 8-hour ozone concentrations that pose a health risk. Adverse health effects increase as air quality deteriorates. Ozone is an air contaminant which can cause breathing difficulties for children, older adults, as well as persons with respiratory problems. A decrease in physical activity is recommended. You are urged to car pool, telecommute or use mass transit. The use of gasoline-powered equipment should be reduced or done late in the day. For details on this High Pollution Advisory, visit the ADEQ internet site at www.azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix or call 602-771-2300.
Stage II Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
Tonto National Forest implements Stage II Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order, beginning June 30, 2026 at 8 a.m.
About
Horseshoe Campground sits along the Verde River in Tonto National Forest, providing access to both river recreation and nearby Horseshoe Reservoir. The campground features 12 developed sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with sites 11 and 12 offering direct river access. Bald eagles are frequently spotted in this area, and the surrounding mountain vistas make for excellent photography opportunities. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets but no potable water, so campers must bring their own water supply. Trash services are not provided; pack it in, pack it out. The access road (FR 205) is unpaved and unmaintained, requiring high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles. Trailers are limited to under 16 feet. Recreation options include swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating on the Verde River, while Horseshoe Reservoir allows boats with motors up to 25 horsepower. OHV routes are accessible from the area. The campground operates first-come, first-served only at $16 per night with a 14-day stay limit.
Directions
From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road and turn right on Bartlett Dam Road. Continue for 6 miles to the junction of FR 205 and FR 19. At this junction, FR 205 turns left and becomes an unmaintained unpaved road. Follow FR 205 for 10 miles towards Horseshoe Reservoir. At the junction of FR 205 and FR 205A, turn right and travel an additional half mile to the site. High-clearance 4WD vehicle recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| 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 |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (480) 595-3300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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