By:
Submission
Horseshoe Reservoir and the Verde River are nearby and provide opportunities for many water activities. This site has large mesquite trees providing shade. Bald eagles are frequently seen in this vicinity.
This site is 23 miles northeast of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road turn right on Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 6 miles to the junction of FR 205 and FR 19. At this junction, FR 205 turns left and becomes an unmaintained unpaved road. Follow FR 205 for 10 miles towards Horseshoe Reservoir. At the junction of FR 205 and FR 205A, turn right and travel an additional ½ mile to the site.
$16 per site per night
12 Sites - First come, first serve, no reservations.
In regards to the 1 star review, much of what he said was accurate. However, depending on your outlook, it could be a positive.
Road... The last 7 miles to the campground is in fact dirt. It wouldn't always require an offroad vehicle; depending on the time of year or the amount of rain that has fallen in the area. If you know how to drive the soft dirt roads in AZ. You could make it in a Prius if you were careful.
Toilets...The vault toilets at the campground are in fact vault toilets. There isn't much more to elaborate on. Sometimes you get lucky with clean ones, sometimes you don't. While we were there, they had toilet paper and there was no poop on the seat.
Transients... I didn't see any. If you're uncomfortable staying in place after someone approaches you; utalize your gut instinct.
Gun shots... Many people hunt ducks at the nearby lake. This area is heavily utilized for hunting so if you're there during open season, hopefully you dont mind hearing some gunshots.
Glass... This was accurate. There were many nails and a SOME glass around the site that we chose.
These sites also require a permit that can be purchased at the Ranger Station on the way to the campground. They have an electronic kiosk that can be used after hours. The fee is $10/night.
We were here April 2022 for a day trip... the campground itself looks neglected, but there are some still some nice areas where you can picnic beside the river. Very natural. The place looks so bushy and nobody seems to be taking care of it! We also saw a restroom, never take a look.. so we decided to get out of the campground and we found this spot down the hill where there is a beach and perfect to swim at that time (April) the water still cold.. but this one perfect, nice undeveloped area, I wish we could have stayed there longer! Camping is a maybe, I'm not sure if it's allowed there, but would be worth a try for free!
I like this place because not a lot of people go here , when going here there is no running water , just a pit toilet. Clean up after yourselfs. 10 mile long bumpy dirt road to get back , cellphone signle is 1 bar of signle the entire way. Not really cell signal uptop. If you can live without phones and no running water , bring some fishing poles and its a relaxing get away.
I have brought offroad toys such as a 3 wheeled trike and some 4 wheeler quads. Nice to ride around although this recent trip some one had told me That they are not Supposed to be ridden there , althouh there are no signs , and previously when we have camped here the ranger came out and told us to ride safely. Nice place. Was hot this time around , I enjoy this spot most in the colder months. I do reccomend having a 4x4 or bigger vehicle capable of handling the bunps in the road.
