Signage at Catfish Point has caused confusion for some visitors, as one posted sign references a no-camping rule that reviewers note may be outdated or partially obscured. The site sits within places to camp around Tonto National Forest and provides free dispersed camping with pit toilets on-site. Some sites sit directly on the river. Pets are permitted, and alcohol is allowed. It tends to work best for campers comfortable with dispersed-style setups and willing to verify current rules with the Forest Service before arrival.
Description
No designated camping areas, grills, tables, or ramadas provided. No Trash Services. PACK IN, PACK OUT. 14 day stay limit.
Catfish Point Catfish is a site located on the Horseshoe Reservoir in Cave Creek. This site offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains. Horseshoe Reservoir provide opportunities for many water activities. Catfish Boating Site offers access boat for non-motorized boating ONLY. It will not accommodate larger boats. Horseshoe Reservoir is one of the most remote lakes in the area and is ideal for anglers looking for a quiet lake.
Reservation Info
4 wheel drive recommended
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCatfish Point Picnic and Dispersed Camping Area is located in Arizona near Carefree
Directions
From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road to the junction of Bartlett Road/Forest Road (FR) 19. Turn right and travel 7 miles to the junction of FR 205. Turn left onto an unmaintained, unpaved road. Continue for 11 miles to Horseshoe Reservoir. Click Here For Map.
Coordinates
33.9832296 N
111.70909882 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.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
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 Catfish Point Picnic and Dispersed Camping Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 2 hrs 14 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 57 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 2 min from Tucson, AZ







