The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Rio Verde, Arizona
Camper submitted image from Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access PointView 18 Photos
Signs & MapsMap showing campground location near Rio Verde, Arizona

Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point

2 ReviewsAdd Review

This USDA Forest Service campground provides free dispersed camping along the Verde River, accessible via a long dirt road from Phoenix. The area features no designated sites but offers multiple flat, shaded spots suitable for tents, with a large dirt parking area and three portable toilets positioned some distance from most camping spots. The Verde River serves as the main draw, with a small dam creating a calm pool area alongside faster-moving water suitable for kayaking and floating.

Campers report the water stays cool during hot Arizona summers, and the site attracts weekend crowds who enjoy music and river activities. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Those planning extended stays in the region can explore additional campgrounds around Rio Verde for comparison. The location sits about 30-45 minutes from Phoenix and Mesa, with no Tonto Pass required.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Route 66 Road Trip

Camping The Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 Road Trip Segment: Amarillo, TX to Kingman

Amarillo to Kingman: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsBox Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point is located in Arizona near Rio Verde

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

33.7400003 N
111.66 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 38 users
    Last on 6/8/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 20 users
    Last on 6/8/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 6/8/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 38 users
    Last on 6/8/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 20 users
    Last on 6/8/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 6/8/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Arizona Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2019

Box Bar on the Verde

Box Bar shoreline is located right on the verde fiver. The parking/camping is about two minutes walking distance from the river.

We didn’t camp, just came down for the day. This is a fun spot to swim and picnic. This is free and not on Tonto National Forest, so you don’t need a Tonto Pass.

Fire restrictions are in place. There are no facilities other than three port-a-potty’s. Only 45 minutes from Mesa. We usually go to the salt river but I noticed that this area and water is much cleaner!

  • Review photo of Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point by Nolan S., June 21, 2019
  • Review photo of Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point by Nolan S., June 21, 2019
  • Review photo of Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point by Nolan S., June 21, 2019
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2018

Ranger Review: ICEMULE at Box Bar

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/

  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point by Ashley C., August 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point by Ashley C., August 3, 2018
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.

Keep Exploring