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.
Extreme Heat Watch issued July 20 at 11:54AM MST until July 27 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions possible. Afternoon temperatures 105 to 116. Major Heat Risk. Overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop and, without intervention, can lead to heat stroke. * WHERE...A portion of south central Arizona. * WHEN...From Thursday morning through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
No Fire Restrictions
There are currently no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest.
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!