Horseshoe (Az) sits among the stunning landscapes of Tonto National Forest in Arizona . With 12 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for suburban adventurers.
Sites are first-come, first-served , and the best times to visit are Nov-mar when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Tonto National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Feb, Mar, Apr
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Horseshoe (Az) located in Arizona, offering 12 camping sites.
Horseshoe (Az)
A Suburban campground in Arizona
Overview
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Horseshoe Campground Is Farther Up the Road From Mesquite Campground. Offering More Developed Campground Sites with Picnic Tables, Fire Pits and Access to the Verde River at Campsites 11 and 12. Gorgeous Vistas of Surrounding Mountains and the Verde River Are Offered Along the Path for Families to Enjoy. Most Campsites Are Less Shaded Than the Favored 11 and 12 Campsites, So Please Feel Free to Bring Canopies and Coolers to Provide Shade and Stay Hydrated During the Day, But This Campground Does Have Some Large Mesquite Trees Providing Shade. Bald Eagles Are Frequently Seen in This Vicinity.
This Location Is Available on a First-Come, First-Served Basis Only. Visitors Are Required to Physically Arrive at the Campground to Purchase and Claim a Site. Once on-Site, You May Be Able to Pay for Your Campsite(S) by Scanning a Qr Code Using the Recreation. Gov Mobile App, and the Scan and Pay Feature. If This Option Is Available, You Will Need to First Download the Free Recreation. Gov Mobile App Https://Www. Recreation. Gov/Mobile-App Prior to Your Arrival As Some Remote Areas Have Limited or No Cellular Service. Camping Passes Can Also Be Purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 Per Site, Per Night. Nearest Fee Machine Location Is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Boating (Non-Motorized on the Verde River and a 25 Horsepower Motor Limit on Horseshoe Reservoir.)
- Birding
- Photography
- Ohv Routes
- There Are 12 Camp Sites
- First-Come, First-Serve Only. No Reservations.
- There Are No Trash Services. Pack It in, Pack It Out.
- No Potable Water Services Available.
- 14-Day Stay Limit.
- Maximum Occupancy Per Individual Campsite Is 10 People.
- Maximum Number of Vehicles Per Individual Camp Unit Is Three. All Vehicles Must Completely Fit Within the Designated Parking Area.
- Check-in Time Is 12:00 PM, and Check-Out Time Is 10:00 AM
- Quiet Hours 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM (Running Generators Are Not Permitted During Quiet Hours.
- Use of Motorized Watercraft on Flowing Portions of the Verde River Is Prohibited.
- Glass Containers Prohibited.
- Road to Campground Is Unpaved and Unmaintained, Recommend High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles.
This Campground Provides Some River Access for Activities Like Swimming and Fishing and Offers Stunning Views of the Surrounding Mountains. Its Proximity to Horseshoe Reservoir Makes It a Great Basecamp for All Your Lake Adventures!
Contact Info
for Facility Specific Information, Please Call (480) 595-3300.Nearby Attractions
Horseshoe Lake, Horseshoe Dam, Mesquite Campground, Catfish Point Day Use Site
Managed by: Usda Forest ServiceSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 12
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: Available
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address: Horseshoe Recreation Area
City: , Arizona 85262.0
Coordinates: 33.976938, -111.716735
Area Type: Suburban
Phone: (480) 595-3300
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Swimming|fishing|picnic|water|lake|river|trail|rv
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: Free
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Good Signal
LTE
AT&T
Good Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Good Signal
LTE
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW, ION
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 14 stations
Nearest Market: Phoenix/TUCSON
Notes: Signals FROM Phoenix/TUCSON MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 28 stations (10 AM, 18 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: Country, Classic ROCK, Spanish, NEWS/TALK
Local News: KTAR 620 Am
Market: Phoenix/TUCSON
Notes: 10 AM, 18 FM Stations from Phoenix/Tucson
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Boulders Resort & Spa – Tesla Destination
Distance: 17.0 miles away
Address: 34631 N Tom Darlington Dr, Carefree, AZ
Network: tesla-destination
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • Tesla
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 10215884
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website: https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app
- Parent Park: Tonto National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/tonto-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: tonto-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Tonto National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: tonto-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 24.0
- States Covered: Arizona
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 1096
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1096, 1096.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: arizona
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: tonto-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
Explore More Camping Options
View all campgrounds in Arizona | Browse our Arizona camping guide
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