Campground Overview:
Mesquite Campground is located in the Horseshoe Recreation area along the Verde River on the Tonto National Forest. This campground is nestled under a groove of beautiful mesquite trees. Horseshoe Reservoir, located a few miles up FR 205, and the Verde River provide numerous opportunities for water activities. The campground has 12 designated campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Campground fees must be paid for at the fee machine located on the way to the campsite.
Mesquite Campground is 22 miles northeast of Carefree. 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 un-maintained, 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.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Phoenix Valley |
Fishing: |
Verde River/ Horseshoe Reservoir |
Campground Website: |
Mesquite Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Horseshoe Reservoir is one of the most remote lakes in the area — ideal for anglers looking for a quiet lake. Horseshoe is one of the best fish nurseries in Arizona, with the refilling of the reservoir. Below the Horseshoe Dam, the Verde River flows all the way to Bartlett Lake. This is a great area for river fishing and kayaking.
Pictures courtesy of the Tonto National Forest -Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area.
Cave Creek Ranger District is the first district on Tonto National Forest. It is located in the farthest left hand corner of the forest, and is notable for the water, hiking, and horseback riding recreation. It consists of over 570,000 acres (approximately 230,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-Desert Grassland, Chaparral, and Pinyon-Juniper types of vegetation. The Verde River flows through this entire district; Horseshoe and Bartlett Reservoirs are located here.
Watershed protection was one of the most important reasons that the Tonto National Forest was established. Since then, the Salt and Verde rivers have had six dams constructed. While the dammed water is of great value for irrigating fields and for domestic use, it is also very popular with thousands of people who recreate in its waters every year.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
