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.
Special Weather Statement issued July 20 at 7:43PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
At 740 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking an outflow boundary with trailing showers and thunderstorms along a line extending from near Rio Verde to near Sugarloaf Mountain to near Canyon Lake. Movement was southwest at 35 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Laveen, East Mesa, Gold Canyon, New River, Sun Lakes, Sun City, Queen Creek, Cave Creek, and Carefree. This includes the following highways... AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 140 and 172. AZ Interstate 17 between mile markers 195 and 241. AZ Route 51 between mile markers 1 and 15.
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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