Horseshoe
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates October through late spring, closing during the hot summer months.
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
Horseshoe Campground is located along the Verde River in the Cave Creek Ranger District of Tonto National Forest, approximately 23 miles northeast of Carefree. The campground features 12 developed sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with campsites 11 and 12 offering direct access to the Verde River. While most sites have moderate shade from mesquite trees, visitors should bring canopies for additional sun protection. The campground provides excellent opportunities for river swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating on the Verde River. Its proximity to Horseshoe Reservoir makes it an ideal basecamp for lake activities, including boating with a 25-horsepower motor limit. Bald eagles are frequently seen in the area, and the surrounding mountains provide stunning vistas for photography and wildlife viewing. Access requires traveling 10 miles on an unmaintained unpaved road (FR 205), with high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no reservations. Payment is available via QR code scanning through the Recreation.gov mobile app or at the digital fee machine at Cave Creek Ranger Station.
Directions
From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road and turn right on Bartlett Dam Road. Continue 6 miles to the junction of FR 205 and FR 19. Turn left onto FR 205, which becomes an unmaintained unpaved road. Follow FR 205 for 10 miles toward Horseshoe Reservoir. At the junction of FR 205 and FR 205A, turn right and travel an additional half mile to the campground. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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