Map showing campground location near Rio Verde, Arizona

Box Bar

Anglers and river enthusiasts will find direct access to the Rio Verde at this National Forest campground located about 30 minutes from Phoenix. The site sits where a small dam creates calmer pool conditions upstream while maintaining flowing water for floating and kayaking downstream. Don L. notes "supposedly smallmouth bass in river," and multiple campers report success fishing these waters.

Box Bar operates as dispersed camping with no designated sites or reservations required. Campers select from flat, shaded spots scattered across the area, with some positioned within 100 feet of the river according to reviews. Three portable toilets serve the camping area, though several reviewers mention they're positioned quite far from most camping spots. The campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet, and a large dirt parking area provides access for various vehicle types.

Weekend crowds bring music and social activity, while weekdays tend toward quieter conditions. Jennifer S. observed "lots of signs of wildlife: coyotes, horses, etc" during her stay. Cell coverage reaches the area, and the 14-day limit applies to this free camping option.

Campers seeking additional riverside options can explore Verde River Dispersed Camping less than a mile south for different access points along the same waterway.

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Location

Public Campground

Box Bar is located in Arizona

Coordinates

33.7400003 N
111.66 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 39 users
Last on 3/21/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 25 users
Last on 3/21/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 3/21/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 39 users
Last on 3/21/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 25 users
Last on 3/21/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 3/21/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

38 min from Phoenix, AZ
1 hr 30 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
2 hrs 11 min from Tucson, AZ
2 hrs 13 min from Flagstaff, AZ

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the free dispersed camping with river access just 30 minutes from Phoenix. Many mentioned clean facilities and peaceful weekday atmosphere, though weekends can bring party crowds with loud music.

Robert Y.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 14, 2025

Good spot

River access is easy, campsite access is easy, all unmanaged land so take care of it so we all continue to enjoy it. 14 days free still from what I’ve seen posted. Some sparse rvs and campers scattered. Overall pretty safe and quiet. Was a dog barking late at night and some “travelers” milling around at night. No instances. 50 at night warm at sunrise.

Sitenot labeled

Month of VisitNovember

(4) View All

Michael M.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 29, 2023

Box bar, Rio Verde Az

I've been down in this area a few times now. I've always found it to be very quiet and peaceful. Even Fri and Sat, it's pretty low-key. I don't camp down by the shoreline. The only reason is I'm a little longer than 30'. It's very nice up on Box bar rd as well 5 minute walk to the river. I've seen a skunk a couple of wild horses and several shooting stars. It's definitely a must see area. Enjoy Arizona

SiteBLM #1

Month of VisitNovember

Vinny D.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 16, 2022

Better than Box Bar

Go down Box Bar road and check it out. Toilet and dumpster is there. I found it very small and ok for an overnight. I went back up to the road, went left and went straight… dead end with zero. Went past Box Bar entrance and took the first left and found a much better place.

Sitein to left and walked around

Month of VisitApril

Laura C.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 27, 2022

Rio Verde at Boxbar

Great location, down stream from Barlett lake and Horseshoe dam. Not to busy in January and February but picks up for sure every Friday thru Sunday. Everyone I have associated with always is very nice and helpful and rudeness has never been an issue.

SiteBoxbar and Needle rock on the Verde river

Month of VisitJanuary

(4) View All

Don L.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 3, 2022

Box Bar on the Verde river

Great campground. RV & tent camping. 30 foot rigs ok. Porta potties available. Camping about 100 feet from river allowed. Fishing ok. Supposedly smallmouth bass in river.

Sitecottonwood tree!

Month of VisitMarch

Jennifer S.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 9, 2021

Quiet, wildlife and great boondocking

Just a few minutes of travel along a dirt road, plenty of open space midweek. A couple portapots, and ok cell coverage. Lots of signs of wildlife: coyotes, horses, etc. we’d definitely come here again!

Month of VisitNovember

Ashley C.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

Ranger Review: IceMule Cooler at Box Bar

Ranger Review: ICEMULE at Box Bar Recreation Area

Campground Review

What a great find! We had no idea what to expect when we rolled down a long and lonely road from Phoenix out to Box Bar. But other people sure knew about it! There were lots of party people there, playing music, floating in the river, and enjoying some BBQ.

Box Bar is not fancy, but it is FREE! There are no reservations and no set camp areas, but there are plenty of flat and shaded spots perfect for a tent. There is a large dirt parking area that includes 3 port-o-potties. If you were going to camp here, the potties are quite far from the camp spots, so keep that in mind.

The best part -- the gorgeous river! The Rio Verde runs right through here and is the main attraction. At Box Bar there is a small dam that holds the water in just enough for a calm small lake to appear. There is also quicker waters that can be kayaked or floated on. Many kids were putting in and going around the bend, getting back out, and doing it over and over again! The water is cool and refreshing in the Arizona sun.

When we went, it was a Saturday. So I’ll be anxious to go back on a weekday or Friday to see if it is as crowded other days. It wasn’t OVER crowded, but the loud music can get old :)

Overall, a truly great find. Only 30 minutes from Phoenix too!

Product Review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. At Box Bar, I got to use the IceMule Pro Large Cooler.

Before heading out, we packed up sodas, juice boxes, apples, and a tupperware of cookies into the IceMule and poured ice all over the top. The temperature that day was over 100 degrees, but when we got to the campsite and opened the top, the ice was still there and the drinks and food were freezing cold. Never had such a refreshing soda! I’m used to having to drink a warm soda or water while adventuing, so this was quite the treat.

Besides keeping the refreshments ice cold, the backpack was also super comfortable to wear. The straps are super padded, as well as the bag where is rests against the back. I am a super weak person and it was easy and fun to wear.

I totally recommend this cooler to anyone wanting to reward a long hike, boat, or camp with freezing cold treats.

For more info, visit: https://icemulecoolers.com/

For my video of the campground and IceMule: https://youtu.be/y0Miubrib-k

Month of VisitJuly

(24) View All

Emily B.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 11, 2017

Peaceful and Beautiful

We dispersed camped over veterans weekend for Phoenix questival and were the only ones there. The port a potty was clean and there were picnic tables and a fire ring. Where else in phoenix can you pitch a tent 50 feet from a river?

Frequently Asked Questions

What photos show the landscape and facilities at Box Bar Recreation Area?

Photos of Box Bar Recreation Area showcase a beautiful riverside setting with dispersed camping areas approximately 100 feet from the water. Facility images display basic amenities including clean porta-potties, picnic tables, and fire rings. The landscape features open desert terrain with evidence of local wildlife including coyotes and wild horses. The river provides a scenic backdrop, with some photos highlighting people enjoying water activities. Images also show the dirt access road and various camping spots suitable for both tents and RVs.

What reviews do visitors give for Box Bar Recreation Area in Tonto National Forest?

Box Bar Recreation Area receives predominantly positive ratings from visitors, with most giving it 4 or 5 stars. Campers appreciate the peaceful setting along the river, with many noting it's relatively quiet, especially midweek. Visitors value the proximity to water, with camping spots available about 100 feet from the river. The area becomes more popular on weekends, particularly Friday through Sunday, but maintains a generally low-key atmosphere. Some campers mention finding better spots by exploring nearby roads rather than staying at the main area.

Where is Box Bar Recreation Area located in Tonto National Forest?

Box Bar Recreation Area is located in Tonto National Forest downstream from Bartlett Lake and Horseshoe Dam. It's accessible via Box Bar Road, which is a dirt road leading from Phoenix. The recreation area sits alongside a river, providing water access for campers and anglers. The site is within reasonable driving distance from Phoenix, making it a convenient getaway. For those with larger rigs, additional camping options are available up on Box Bar Road, about a 5-minute walk from the river.

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