Mesquite Campground
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Hours
- Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.; Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
- Reservations
- fs.usda.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Woods Canyon Dump Station · 50.8 mi
- Coordinates
- 33.9659, -111.7182
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Mesquite Campground provides privacy and shade. Here you can relax under the shaded canopies of mesquite trees while listening to the sounds of water flowing from the Verde River just a short distance from your site. Designated camp sites have fire rings, grills and picnic tables where families can enjoy time together. There are hiking, fishing, swimming opportunities and more. Review-At-A-Glance below for more details about this site.
From the USFS.
Is Mesquite Campground free?
No. Mesquite Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through fs.usda.gov.
How do I get to Mesquite Campground?
The site 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 site.
What are the rules at Mesquite Campground?
14-day stay limit. Portions of the Verde River are deep. Not recommended for trailers. Use of motorized watercraft on flowing portions of the Verde River is prohibited. No trash services. PACK IT IN PACK IT OUT. Road to campground is unpaved and unmaintained. Recommend high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles. Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators are not permitted during quiet hours).
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
