Campground Overview:
Juniper Dispersed Camping Area is located in the Seven Springs Recreation Area on the Tonto National Forrest. The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) constructed this recreation site in 1934. Large sycamore trees next to a small creek provide shade. Though the water of the creek is only ankle deep, it offers a cool respite from Arizona’s summer heat. There are no designated campsites and water isn’t available. A vault toilet is located nearby at Civilian Conservation Corps Campground. This area is a great last minute camping spot located near the Phoenix Valley.
Juniper Dispersed Camping Area is 20 miles north of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road/Forest Road (FR) 24 to Seven Springs Day-use Area. Continue for less than 1 mile to the turn-off to Juniper on the right. The last 9 miles of FR 24 is an all-weather gravel road that is narrow with blind curves.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Phoenix Valley |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Juniper Dispersed Camping Area |
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.
Less than half a mile beyond Seven Springs, you come to the CCC Campground. This was where the young men of the CCC lived as they built the Seven Springs and Cave Creek recreation sites. The primitive campground has picnic tables and grills. 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
