Mesquite
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground may be inaccessible due to winter conditions or water releases from Horseshoe Dam. First-come, first-served when open.
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
Mesquite Campground sits along the Verde River in the Cave Creek Ranger District of Tonto National Forest, offering 12 first-come, first-served campsites under shaded canopies of mesquite trees. The campground provides a peaceful riverside setting where campers can enjoy the sounds of flowing water and ample shade from large trees. Each designated campsite includes a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. The Verde River is just a short distance from the campsites, providing opportunities for swimming in deeper portions, fishing, and launching non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and canoes. Motorized watercraft are prohibited on flowing portions of the river. The area also offers access to nearby hiking trails and OHV routes, with Horseshoe Reservoir located upstream. Access to Mesquite Campground requires traveling approximately 22 miles northeast of Carefree via Cave Creek Road and Bartlett Dam Road, then continuing on Forest Road 205, which becomes an unmaintained, unpaved road. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly recommended, and trailers are not recommended. The campground may be temporarily closed and inaccessible due to flooding when large amounts of water are released from Horseshoe Dam. Campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available on-site.
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. Continue approximately 9 miles more on FR 205, following the route to Horseshoe Reservoir. Watch for the sign marking the campground. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles required.
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 | — |
| 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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