Mesquite
The campground is currently closed for the summer season. Low-elevation desert campgrounds in this area typically close from mid-May through September or October due to extreme heat. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect across Tonto National Forest.
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Mesquite Campground Post Fire Recovery Closure for Public Health & Safety
Mesquite Campground closed due to post fire recovery.
Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety
Cottonwood Cove in Roosevelt Lake closed. Picnic site still open.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
Stage 1 Fires Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order effective May 15, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.
Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order
Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…
Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety
Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.
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.
Fossil Creek Non-Permit Seasonal Camping, Fire and Glass Prohibition (October 2- March 31)
Details below.
Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)
Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…
About
Mesquite Campground offers a secluded desert camping experience along the Verde River in Tonto National Forest, approximately 22 miles northeast of Carefree, Arizona. The campground features 12 designated sites shaded by large mesquite trees, each equipped with a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. The Verde River is a short walk away, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. This is a primitive, first-come, first-served campground with vault toilets but no potable water or trash service. Campers must bring all water and pack out all trash. The access road (FR 205) is unpaved and unmaintained, making high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles strongly recommended. The campground is not suitable for trailers or RVs. Nearby attractions include Horseshoe Reservoir and the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek. Payment of $16 per night can be made via the Recreation.gov mobile app using Scan and Pay, or at the Digital Fee Machine located at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.
Directions
From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road to Bartlett Dam Road. Turn right and continue for 6 miles to the junction of FR 205 and FR 19. Continue on FR 205 which turns left and becomes an unmaintained, unpaved road to Horseshoe Reservoir. Continue approximately 9 miles more on FR 205, following the route to Horseshoe Reservoir. Watch for the sign marking the campground.
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 | — |
| 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 | |
| Tonto National Forest Alerts |
Availability
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