Accessible via well-maintained gravel roads, Box Bar Road Dispersed provides several small parking areas where campers can set up in open spaces along the Verde River. The US Forest Service manages this paid dispersed camping area within Tonto National Forest, accommodating RVs up to 35 feet. Advance payment is required since no pay stations operate on-site.
The campground sits directly beside the river, offering immediate water access for fishing and wading. Campers can choose between parking-adjacent sites or hike toward the riverbank for more secluded spots away from generator noise. Wild horses frequent the area, and vault toilets plus dumpsters serve the camping zones. Conner F. notes the location gets "colder than desert overnight" due to its mountain-tucked position.
Multiple reviewers mention trash issues throughout the recreation area, including near the water. Cell service remains limited, particularly for AT&T users. The site offers both drive-up convenience and walk-in privacy options. Shaded areas provide relief from desert heat, while the river creates natural cooling.
This spot works well for campers seeking river access and those comfortable with dispersed camping protocols. For additional options, consider campgrounds near Rio Verde or explore Needlerock Road Dispersed just 0.2 miles northwest.
Description
Box Bar is a River Access Point to the Verde River, close to Bartlett Lake in the Cave Creek Ranger District. This small site offers beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains along with a fast moving river – making it a fun spot for kids of all ages. The shore line is a rocky/pebble beach with several shady trees. Wildlife can be seen during the early summer months, and late winter. The road access in to the site is compacted dirt.
There are no designated campsites however the shaded areas along the west side of the parking area are popular spots to set up camp trailers and tents.
Fee Info
Tonto Daily Pass or Tonto Discovery Pass are required.
Reservation Info
First come first served
Stay Limit 14 days. No motor boats allowed, trailer under 32’. There are minimal trash can’s available at this site, please pack out any trash that does not fit in the designated cans. There are no fires permitted outside of the designated grill areas. Cars CAN NOT park next to the shoreline – there has been railing installed to prevent vehicles from pulling all the way forward. Please keep dogs on leash.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingBox Bar Road Dispersed is located in Arizona
Coordinates
33.74372981176478 N
111.6688454768586 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 49 usersLast on 5/5/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 24 usersLast on 5/5/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/5/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 49 usersLast on 5/5/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 24 usersLast on 5/5/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/5/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Box Bar Road Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 37 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 30 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 11 min from Tucson, AZ
- 2 hrs 12 min from Flagstaff, AZ
