Within Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Group Site operates as a US Forest Service group campground requiring reservations and charging $150 per night. The site sits near Cave Creek in terrain that combines forested areas with open spaces, though campers should expect rough access roads leading to the property.
Reviews mention wildlife sightings including snakes and coyotes, plus occasional equestrian traffic on nearby trails. The campground provides drinking water, toilets, and trash service while allowing alcohol but prohibiting pets. For alternative options in the area, campers can explore campgrounds near Tonto National Forest or check out Civilian Conservation Corps Campground located just 0.3 miles south.
Description
Overview
Cave Creek Group Site is located 20 miles north of Cave Creek and Carefree, Arizona. It is a historic campground constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This site is a short drive from the blistering heat of Phoenix offering cooler temps, a clear running creek, and plentiful shade to relax and enjoy nature. With food prep areas, grills and covered picnic tables, you're all set for a weekend with your loved ones you'll never forget!
Recreation
At this site you'll enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, sightseeing, exploring, bird and wildlife viewing, and there is even a game area for volleyball and horseshoes.
Facilities
There are 12 picnic tables, three central grills, a covered food prep area and one serving table. The tables are stoneware consisting of deep crimson jasper interspersed with common fieldstone. There are also two large covered ramadas, four benches, a game area, campfire area, vault toilets, and trash service.
Natural Features
This group campsite is nestled in a narrow valley of juniper and sycamore trees providing abundant shade. Water flowing through seven springs is minimal and only several inches in depth. The area has one large open camping area and a nearby trailhead offering access to over 48 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Bring your camera during springtime to get photos of the desert wildflowers in bloom.
Nearby Attractions
Across the road, Cave Creek trailhead offers over 48 miles of hiking trails - great for overnight backpacking trips. Bronco Trailhead further south, offers parking for 40 vehicles plus trailers and six horse pens. Just seven miles south is Sears-Kay ruin. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this site features the remains of an ancient Native American tribe's hilltop village. For spectacular scenic views take Forest Road 562 to Humboldt Mountain. Or, you can simply stay on site and observe nature and hunt for crawdads in the nearby creek.
Fee Info
$75 per night for groups of 1-50 people $150 per night for groups of 51-150 people
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCave Creek Group Site is located in Arizona
Directions
Drive 19 miles north from Carefree, Arizona. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road (Forest Road 24) to Seven Springs Day use area. Continue for less than 1/2 mile to the turn off to the group site. The last 9 miles of Forest Road 24 is an all-weather gravel road that is narrow with blind curves.
Address
40202 N Cave Creek Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Coordinates
33.97525 N
111.8658111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 2 hrs 8 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 51 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 2 hrs 57 min from Tucson, AZ
