Horseshoe Reservoir

Horseshoe Reservoir is a 2,035-acre lake located in Maricopa County, Arizona, approximately 23 miles northeast of Carefree via Cave Creek Road and Bartlett Dam Road. The Ocotillo Boating Site provides the primary public boat ramp access to the reservoir. Kayakers, canoeists, and boaters will find a developed launch facility here, with nearby Horseshoe Campground offering 12 campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets available on a first-come, first-served basis ($16 per night).

Before planning your trip, check current water levels—Horseshoe Reservoir is frequently drawn down when water is needed downstream, which can impact launch conditions and paddling opportunities. The reservoir is popular for non-motorized watercraft including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The surrounding area offers scenic mountain vistas and is known for frequent bald eagle sightings, making it an attractive destination for wildlife viewing. For camping reservations or access questions, contact the Phoenix Area Office at 623-773-6200.

Overview
Horseshoe Campground is farther up the road from Mesquite Campground. Offering more developed campground sites with picnic tables, fire pits and access to the Verde River at campsites 11 and 12. Gorgeous vistas of surrounding mountains and the Verde River are offered along the path for families to enjoy. Most campsites are less shaded than the favored 11 and 12 campsites, so please feel...

Overview
Horseshoe Campground is farther up the road from Mesquite Campground. Offering more developed campground sites with picnic tables, fire pits and access to the Verde River at campsites 11 and 12. Gorgeous vistas of surrounding mountains and the Verde River are offered along the path for families to enjoy. Most campsites are less shaded than the favored 11 and 12 campsites, so please feel free to bring canopies and coolers to provide shade and stay hydrated during the day, but this campground does have some large mesquite trees providing shade. Bald eagles are frequently seen in this vicinity.  
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.
Recreation

Swimming
Fishing
Boating (Non-Motorized on the Verde River and a 25 horsepower motor limit on Horseshoe Reservoir.)
Birding
Photography
OHV Routes

Facilities

There are 12 camp sites 
First-Come, First-Serve only. No reservations.
THERE ARE NO TRASH SERVICES. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT.
No potable water services available.
14-day stay limit.
Maximum occupancy per individual campsite is 10 people.
Maximum number of vehicles per individual camp unit is three. All vehicles must completely fit within the designated parking area.
Check-in time is 12:00 pm, and check-out time is 10:00 am
Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators are not permitted during quiet hours.)
Trailers under 16 feet.
Use of motorized watercraft on flowing portions of the Verde River is prohibited.
Glass containers prohibited.
Road to campground is unpaved and unmaintained, recommend high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Natural Features
This campground provides some river access for activities like swimming and fishing and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Its proximity to Horseshoe Reservoir makes it a great basecamp for all your lake adventures!

Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (480) 595-3300.
Nearby Attractions
Horseshoe Lake, Horseshoe Dam, Mesquite Campground, Catfish Point Day Use Site 

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