Pictures courtesy of the Tonto National Forest -Civilian Conservation Corps Campground.
Campground Overview:
Civilian Conservation Corps Campground is located on the former site of the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp used in the construction of Seven Springs and Cave Creek recreation sites on the Tonto National Forest. CCC features large sycamore shade trees next to a small creek and provides access to the Cave Creek trail system.
Campsites:
Civilian Conservation Corps Campground includes around 23 designated campsites that have grills, fire pits, and picnic tables. A vault toilet is available, and water is sometimes available from a solar powered pump at the campground. It is no recommend to relay on this water source and you should bring plenty of water. The CCC Campground is a great camping spots to get away from Phoenix at the last minute and spots are always available. Campground fees must be paid for at the fee machine located at the Cave Creek District Office.
This site is 20 miles north of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road/Forest Road (FR) 24. The last 9 miles of FR 24 is an all weather gravel road. The gravel portion of the road is narrow with blind curves.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Phoenix Valley |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Civilian Conservation Corps Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Seven Springs and Cave Creek Recreation Area was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930’s. In 2005, heavy floods ripped through this popular campground and made most of the area inaccessible. The area is now a recreational area and most of the CCC’s stonework has survived. Signs give an interesting overview of the CCC’s history in the area. The site has picnic tables, grills, restrooms and an enormous sycamore tree.
The CCC Campground was where the young men of the CCC lived as they built the Seven Springs and Cave Creek recreation sites. The Cave Creek Trail starts here and leads about 10.4 miles to Spur Cross. Some sections of trail show signs of the 2005 Cave Creek Complex Fire; other sections may be damaged and hard to follow.
The Sears-Kay Ruin located off N. Seven Springs Rd (Fr 24) offers visitors a glimpse of a distinctive lifestyle that existed long before Columbus discovered North America. A self-guided 1-mile loop trail will take you through the remnant of an ancient Hohokam village that stands atop a rocky hill overlooking Camp Creek. Archaeologists say the 40-room site was occupied from about 1050 to 1200. As the trail climbs through a landscape of ironwood, cholla, ocotillo and saguaro, you’ll gain views of Four Peaks, Weavers Needle, Pinnacle Peak, the McDowell Mountains and Red Mountain. Signs tell the history of the site and people. The ruins are about halfway around the loop trail. The Sears-Kay Ruins is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a point of interest along the Great Western Trail.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
