Campground Overview:
Riverside Campground is located along the Verde River, just below Bartlett Dam, on the Tonto National Forest. Because of the close proximity to water, fisherman and avid water recreationalists enjoy this spot all year long. Riverside is not as popular as the other locations near Bartlett lake, because it only allows non-motorized boats. The Verde River and the riparian area are ideal for bird watching. Bald eagles are occasionally seen here.
Campsites:
Riverside Campground has 12 designated campsites, nestled at the base of saguaro-and-boulder-spotted hillsides. The campground is located right along side the Verde River and offer great views of Bartlett Dam. Most campsites will have a fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are located nearby. Water is not available. Campground fees must be paid for at the fee machine located on the way to the campsite.
This site is 23 miles east of Carefree. Take 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, FR 19 becomes a maintained gravel road that turns south (right). Follow it for another 3 miles to Riverside.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Phoenix Valley |
Fishing: |
Verde River/ Bartlett Lake |
Campground Website: |
Riverside Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
The Bartlett Reservoir Area is noted for the spectacular vistas of the Desert Mountains and the Sonoran plant life. Because of the proximity to the Phoenix Valley, Bartlett Reservoir is a very popular recreational area for fisherman and boaters.
The Bartlett Lake Mariana is located on the reservoir and can meet all of your boating needs. Be sure to also check out The Cove and Oar House for a bite to eat. The atmosphere and beautiful surroundings makes it a wonderful location for your friends and family to enjoy an unforgettable Arizona afternoon with a spectacular view!
A fair portion of the west side of the reservoir is devoted to camping and picnicking. Bartlett has been a favorite with anglers since Bartlett Dam was constructed in 1939. Several state-record fish have been caught there. The 1977 Small-mouth Bass state record tipped the scales at seven pounds. The carp state record still stands at 37 lbs. 5 oz. Flathead Catfish lurk in the depths. “Fish City” near Bartlett Flat is a fish-habitat improvement project.
Rattlesnake Cove Day Use Area is an accessible site with staircases that lead visitors straight to the shoreline of the Bartlett Lake. There are public grills and verandas for families to spend the day in the shade and enjoy meals and a respite from the sun. When water levels are low, people may also bring their canopies and coolers to the shoreline. The scenery of Bartlett Lake and surrounding mountains makes this site a favorite spot for regular visitors! The beach at Rattlesnake Cove is generally gently sloping with gradual change in water depths.
Pictures courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona -Rattlesnake Cove Day Use 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
