Best Campgrounds near Carefree, AZ

The Sonoran Desert surrounding Carefree, Arizona features a diverse range of camping options within a 30-mile radius. Cave Creek Regional Park, located just minutes from town, offers developed sites with RV hookups, showers, and equestrian-friendly camping with pipe corrals for horses. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground provides more primitive riverside sites, while Bartlett Flat offers shoreline camping along Bartlett Reservoir. State Trust Land dispersed camping areas like Maddock Road provide permit-based boondocking opportunities for those seeking solitude. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, approximately 20 miles south, rounds out the established campground options with well-maintained facilities and trail access.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Carefree area. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, with one camper reporting: "Have 4-wheel drive with decent clearance... Google maps had me take the forest road... Basically scaling boulders. Had to turn around and definitely did damage to my overland setup." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. Arizona State Trust Land requires annual recreation permits ($15-20), while Tonto National Forest areas require Tonto Passes. Cell service varies widely, with better coverage near established campgrounds and spotty reception in remote areas.

Campers consistently mention the striking desert landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. "The further off Carefree you get, the more solitude you'll find," notes one reviewer of Maddock Road dispersed camping. Water access sites at Bartlett Reservoir and along the Verde River receive high ratings despite occasional complaints about trash. The proximity to amenities is frequently highlighted, with most camping areas within 15-20 minutes of supplies. Noise levels vary significantly, with weekends bringing increased OHV activity to dispersed areas. Visitors to Cave Creek Regional Park appreciate the nature center with desert wildlife displays and guided hiking opportunities, while RV campers often utilize the 55+ resorts as convenient bases for exploring the surrounding desert.

Best Camping Sites Near Carefree, Arizona (261)

    1. Cave Creek Regional Park

    18 Reviews
    Cave Creek, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 465-0431

    "This is another great park in the Maricopa County Parks network, very similar to Estrella or White Tanks in design and layout, in north Cave Creek/Carefree area (take 32nd Street north from Carefree Highway"

    "Surrounded by homes but for its proximity to town its sunset views are fab. Close to a Frys and Home Depot. My onlllly reason for 4/5 stars is the surrounding homes have very noisy dogs."

    2. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $15 - $300 / night

    "We stayed in late September and had no neighbors next to us so we felt like we were in the desert. There was no direction that had a bad view."

    "It was an great way to be exposed to trails I may not have chosen on my own."

    3. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $32 / night

    "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."

    "No sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located. NO shade however and in the summer it is HOT! Desert surround's and lots you singing coyotes at night and early morning!"

    4. Stardust trailer park

    5 Reviews
    Carefree, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (480) 800-2654

    $70 / night

    "I brought my car on the trip but didn’t need it as I biked and walked mostly everywhere."

    "Stardust Trailer Park in Cave Creek, Arizona, is a hidden gem worth raving about!"

    5. Bartlett Flat

    15 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 595-3300

    "If you want to be more secluded keep following the shore line NW, however the more you travel the more ground clearance you’ll need so bring a vehicle with a little off road abilities of you want to be"

    "Great place to get a little bit off road but not really get too off road…."

    6. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 235-6140

    "RV camping on big water in Arizona! We have stayed here a couple of times. Make sure to book a spot up on cliff overlooking the water. Great sunsets. Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp."

    "We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time."

    7. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    16 miles
    Website

    "We got a spot walking distance from the river. Awesome Fishing spots and day camp spots to spend time all day in the water. Then you can just walk back to camp and make dinner relax."

    "In Tonto National Forest Close to Phoenix located near Bartlett Reservoir Fire Rings and Picnic Tables at some sites next to Verde River below Bartlett Dam"

    8. Pioneer RV Resort 55+

    7 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 465-7465

    $39 - $543 / night

    "While out-running a winter storm in Northern Arizona we headed South."

    "I’m not real keen on high occupancy parks but I wanted to stay near Phoenix - just not in Phoenix. Here to attend my grandsons graduation. Close to major shopping and restaurants. Extremely quiet."

    9. Cave Creek Group Site

    3 Reviews
    Carefree, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 595-3300

    $150 / night

    "Great place to get away from he city and enjoy a little nature. We had a great time sitting around the fire and looking at the stars. Great hikes nearby too to enjoy."

    "Our site had a view of a trail where we watched equestrians ride by sporadically throughout the evening. We saw some snakes, coyotes, and other wildlife."

    10. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "The further off carefree you get, the more solitude you’ll find. It’s been pretty windy (25-30mph gusts) which causes a lot of dust but it’s gorgeous and warm during the day, even in January."

    "Numerous campsites available in an area along State Road 74 and New River/Lake Pleasant Roads, at least 2 or 3000 acres with hundreds of establish campsites."

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Recent Reviews near Carefree, AZ

982 Reviews of 261 Carefree Campgrounds


  • H
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    Relaxing Getaway With A Wild Side!

    Peaceful drive in, friendly staff, and everything you need for a great stay! Whether you're camping, fishing, or just enjoying family time, this spot has it all—including wild burros that aren’t shy about trying to steal your snacks! Rangers patrol daily and are super helpful. Firewood and ice are available at the gate, or head to Scorpion Bay for any extras. Can’t wait to come back!

  • Jaimy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Box bar rec area

    Three pretty small parking lots to choose from. Mostly just open space that you camp in. There are dumpsters for trash and a vault toilet. There was so much trash around the entire recreation area even next to the river! I’ll never understand the thought process of people littering especially in nature! There’re wild horses and a few people fishing but still very peaceful!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

    Fun Ghost town and Camping

    We happened upon this cool campground on our way to the state park that doesn’t have check in until 2 even though when I called at 9 they had tons of sites open. The Goldmine sites are clean and level. All have fire pits and most have a picnic table. It was fun to walk right up to the town and walk around. Cowboy Dan who owns and runs the steakhouse is hilarious and his wait staff was helpful and accommodating. They have train rides and you can visit a mine. The coffee shop opens at 9 and they have a great menu for breakfast, lunch and snack time. The restrooms are clean and the camp host was very helpful. We were able to unload our side by side and we traveled up to Tortilla Flats where you can have lunch and then onto Apache Lake and campground. That road does require 4 WD but we did see a Tesla on it so I guess if you like a challenge and don’t have 4WD then anything is possible!!
    Great spot and cheaper than the state park for dry camping $30 here and the same price for hook ups here $50.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Apache Lake Marina & Resort

    Middle of no where but amazing

    This is out in the middle of nowhere but simply amazing location. The lake has amazing views and park is nice and level. Has a grocery store and restaurant as well. Worth the trip to stay at this lake.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Canyon Lake Marina & Campground

    Nice location on the water

    This campground is right on the water. Close to Tortilla Flat which is a cool spot for the whole family. Lots of boats in the marina but we never say one on the lake. We did see kayakers and paddle boards those were venturing up the river. Road is very twisty on the way here but paved the whole way. Great spot!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Easy off/on I-17 dispersed camping

    Easy on and off. Road is well packed and in good condition with a few smaller ruts, but not bad. Nice views. There is some road noise from the interstate on the closer areas. Nice night sky.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    169 BLM Camp

    Nice spot easy off 17!

    BLM site is only a mile off I-17. Great night sky! Typical dispersed type site. Road was actually pretty decent to drive on for my small SUV. A tiny bit of road noise, but not much (and I didn’t go far in).


Guide to Carefree

Dispersed camping options near Carefree, Arizona provide alternatives to established campgrounds within 30 miles. Elevations range from 1,900 to 3,000 feet, creating temperature variations between camping areas. Winter nights typically drop to 40-45°F while daytime temperatures remain comfortable for outdoor activities from October through April.

What to do

Horseback riding and nature education: At Cave Creek Regional Park, campers can enjoy equestrian-friendly facilities and educational programs. "The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities. Some hiking trails are within walking distance of the campground, others you will need to drive to," notes Ellen W. The park features a nature center with desert wildlife displays including "a big fat rattlesnake, gila monster, black widow spider and some scorpions to safely check out up close," according to Chenery K.

Waterfront recreation: Bartlett Flat offers direct lake access for swimming and fishing. "Little further back from where the rv congregate, so it's quiet and peaceful, boat traffic isn't too bad and the shore line is great for kids to swim," states B O. Another camper notes, "Very peaceful and relatively clean. My children had a blast. Close enough for just a quick weekend away."

Mountain biking: McDowell Mountain Regional Park provides extensive trail networks specifically designed for mountain biking. "Miles of mountain biking trails which were spectacular. We've ridden lots of places and this is definitely one of my favorite. Trails are not technically difficult but a great workout and so pretty," explains Mike M. Robert G. adds that his Scout group "Rode several trails, including part of the big Pemberton Loop. Everyone was friendly and our group site was well maintained."

What campers like

Desert wildlife viewing: Campers frequently encounter native wildlife at various campsites. At Cave Creek Regional Park, sites are positioned within pristine Sonoran Desert habitat. William F. describes it as a "Well maintained facility just outside of the quaint little town of Cave Creek. Lots of room between sites, which each have a picnic table in a beautiful desert landscape." At Cave Creek Group Site, campers report unique wildlife experiences: "We saw some snakes, coyotes, and other wildlife. This is a very nice site, and a quick drive from Phoenix."

Spacious campsites: Multiple campgrounds offer well-designed sites with appropriate spacing. Christopher W. says of Cave Creek Regional Park, "This was better than expected. The sites are far enough apart that you have enough room to spread out. You don't feel like you are on top of your neighbors." At McDowell Mountain, Larry G. notes, "Very nice clean campground and extremely private! No sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located... Huge sites with picnic tables and fire rings."

Proximity to water: Bartlett Flat provides direct shoreline access popular with families. "Probably one of our favorite dispersed spots to date. Roads are nice and had no problem pulling our 22' trailer in. Spots are right on the water, but can get a little busy so would recommend coming early," advises Alex H. At Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, waterfront sites offer similar benefits: "Site 103 isn't on the water, but it's just across the street. There is a nice little place to set up your chair and sit on the shoreline."

What you should know

Permit requirements: State Trust Land requires annual permits for camping. At Maddock Road Dispersed, one regular camper explains, "I DO purchase the $15-a-year permit and I DO display it. But in 2 years, I've not seen even one 'official' vehicle and have never been asked to see my permit or how long I have parked." The same camper notes there is a "new gas station/convenience store... a mile from Maddock Road" with "diesel, water dispensing, propane dispensing, and all the conveniences anyone would need."

Seasonal restrictions: Cave Creek Regional Park has gate closure policies that can affect late arrivals. Nicole E. warns, "Nothing on website said gate closes and can't get back in after 9 pm." Pioneer RV Resort also has age restrictions that surprised some visitors: "Wanted to camp at a site but you have to be 55, I am 52 and wasn't allowed there. Unbelievable," reports Danielle R.

Campsite selection timing: For popular areas, early arrival ensures better site options. Whither W. advises regarding Bartlett Flat: "You can choose your own camping spot, and there are many existing stone fire rings and pits that are spaced out decently across the area. The earlier you arrive, the more spots you'll have to choose from; most are filled by sundown."

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife education opportunities: The nature center at Cave Creek Regional Park offers kid-friendly exhibits. "They have a large Nature Center with lots of desert creatures inside... plus a big outdoor enclosure for a desert tortoise," writes Chenery K. This provides educational opportunities even during hot afternoons when outdoor activities might be limited.

Swimming access: Lakefront camping at Bartlett Flat provides safe swimming options. B O. mentions that "the shore line is great for kids to swim" and notes the site is "little further back from where the rv congregate, so it's quiet and peaceful, boat traffic isn't too bad."

Cleanliness considerations: Riverside Campground sometimes has trash management issues. Cassidy K. notes, "Lots of visitors come through and many don't follow camp etiquette. Noisy till midnight, leave trash all over the place, let their bad dogs run wild, cut down trees for firewood." For a cleaner alternative, Martin-Charles S. says of Cave Creek Regional Park: "We were there for one night. Quiet place all night long. Our camping lot was wide and very clean. The washroom and the shower were very clean. Free hot shower."

Tips from RVers

Full hookup considerations: Cave Creek Regional Park offers complete services for RVs. "The campground itself is very clean. It is quiet and the campsites all have electric and water hookups, picnic table and fire pit," states Ellen W. The park has both older and newer sections with different spacing: "There is an older area, sites 1 through 42, which offers more space in between the spaces. The newer area, sites 43 through 55 are closer to each other, but still doesn't feel crowded."

Lake Pleasant options: Lake Pleasant offers multiple RV camping configurations. Robert G. explains, "There are several different RV/Camping options at Pleasant Harbor Marina / RV Resort. 1) In the resort with Full Hookups, 2) Out on the 'flat' with just water and power (dump station on site), 3) Out on the 'flat' with no hookups."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carefree, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carefree, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 261 campgrounds and RV parks near Carefree, AZ and 63 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carefree, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carefree, AZ is Cave Creek Regional Park with a 4.5-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carefree, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 63 free dispersed camping spots near Carefree, AZ.