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.
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.
Dust Advisory issued July 20 at 9:54PM MST until July 20 at 10:15PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
At 953 PM MST, areas of dust were observed along a line extending from 10 miles southeast of Freeman to near Bosque to 6 miles east of Wintersburg, moving west at 25 mph. HAZARD...Less than three miles visibility with wind gusts up to around 40 mph. SOURCE...Doppler radar. IMPACT...Hazardous travel. This includes the following highways... AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 89 and 120. AZ Interstate 8 between mile markers 106 and 157. AZ Route 238 between mile markers 1 and 30. Locations impacted include... Goodyear, Buckeye, Gila Bend, Tonopah, Estrella, Palo Verde, Perryville, White Tank Mountain Park, Big Horn, Bosque, Cotton Center, Liberty, Kaka, Painted Rock Dam, and Freeman.
No Fire Restrictions
There are currently no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest.
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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