Box Bar, near Rio Verde, Arizona, is a laid-back spot perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This campground offers a unique experience with its proximity to the Rio Verde River, where you can camp just a stone's throw from the water, making it a great place for fishing or simply soaking up the sun.

The area is known for its peaceful vibe, even on weekends, with visitors often spotting wildlife like wild horses and coyotes. Amenities are basic but functional, featuring port-a-potties and a dumpster for waste disposal. As one camper noted, “Where else in Phoenix can you pitch a tent 50 feet from a river?” 

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the river provides opportunities for kayaking and floating, especially in the warmer months. The scenery is stunning, with plenty of shade and open space for tents and RVs alike. Just keep in mind that it can get a bit lively on weekends, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week.

With no reservations required and a free camping experience, Box Bar is a solid choice for anyone looking to unwind in nature without the frills. Whether you're here for a quick overnight or a longer stay, the combination of wildlife, water activities, and a chill atmosphere makes it a memorable spot.

Box Bar

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Rio Verde. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Rio Verde campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Rio Verde

The Best Camping Near Rio Verde, Arizona

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?

Peaceful and Beautiful

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/](https://icemulecoolers.com/)

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

Ranger Review: IceMule Cooler at Box Bar 

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!

Quiet, wildlife and great boondocking 

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

Box Bar on the Verde river

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.  

Rio Verde at Boxbar

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. 

Better than Box Bar

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

Photos of Box Bar

Real photos from real campers