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.
Wind Advisory issued October 9 at 12:44PM PDT until October 11 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS Phoenix AZ
* WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...A portion of south central Arizona. * WHEN...From 8 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Difficult driving conditions, especially for larger vehicles traveling along roads with crosswinds. Light, unsecured objects may become airborne.
Lower Sycamore Temporary Target Shooting Prohibition Order For Public Health and Safety
A temporary target shooting closure order for Lower Sycamore on Saturday, Oct. 17, to protect the safety of participants in a volunteer cleanup event within the area.
State Route 260 Lion Springs Construction Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
Closure order due to construction activities associated with the SR260 Lion Springs Project conducted byArizona Department of Transportation 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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