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."
