Riverside Campground
Closed — Currently closed due to post-fire recovery. Contact Cave Creek Ranger District at +1 (480) 595-3300 for reopening information.
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
Riverside Campground offers more peace and tranquility than the busier recreation sites at Bartlett Lake. Situated along the Verde River just below Bartlett Dam, the campground provides a scenic setting with ample shade from surrounding trees and the calming sound of flowing water. The campground attracts fishermen and water recreation enthusiasts year-round who enjoy the proximity to the river and opportunities to spot jumping fish and local wildlife. Each campsite includes a designated grill, fire ring, and picnic table. The campground is accessed via Cave Creek Road and Bartlett Dam Road, with the final 3 miles on Forest Road 19, a maintained gravel road. Sites accommodate trailers under 16 feet and up to three vehicles per site, with a maximum occupancy of 10 people. Non-motorized boating is permitted, but motor boats are not allowed. Glass containers are prohibited. Riverside operates on a first-come, first-served basis only. Campers must physically arrive to claim a site and can pay via the Recreation.gov mobile app Scan and Pay feature where available, or purchase a Tonto Pass at nearby fee machines located at Cave Creek Ranger Station, Desert Vista Overlook, or Jojoba Boat Launch area. The 14-day stay limit applies, with check-in at 2:00 p.m. and check-out at noon. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., during which generators are not permitted.
Directions
From Carefree, travel east on Cave Creek Road for 7 miles, then turn right on Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 13 miles. Just before reaching the Jojoba Boating Site, Forest Road 19 becomes a maintained gravel road that turns south. Follow FR 19 for 3 miles to Riverside Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 16ft |
| 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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