Cave Creek Group Site
Tonto National Forest
Cave Creek Group Site is located 20 miles north of Cave Creek and Carefree, Arizona. It is a historic campground constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This site is a short drive from the blistering heat of Phoenix offering cooler temps, a clear running creek, and plentiful shade to relax and enjoy nature. With food prep areas, grills and covered picnic tables, you're all set for a weekend with your loved ones you'll never forget!
There are 12 picnic tables, three central grills, a covered food prep area and one serving table. The tables are stoneware consisting of deep crimson jasper interspersed with common fieldstone. There are also two large covered ramadas, four benches, a game area, campfire area, vault toilets, and trash service.
Need to Know
- No drinking water.
- Please contact the Ranger District at 480-595-3300 (Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.) for entrance gate code information.
- Trailers over 16 feet are not recommended.
- Use caution during the rainy season, the area is prone to flash flooding; do not cross flooded roadways.
- The Cave Creek group site has a 150 people maximum.
- Glass containers are prohibited.
- Trash service and vault toilets are provided.
- No horses, mules or livestock.
- Dogs must be on a leash.
- No amplified music or concerts.
- No loud music or generators after 10 p.m.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
This group campsite is nestled in a narrow valley of juniper and sycamore trees providing abundant shade. Water flowing through seven springs is minimal and only several inches in depth. The area has one large open camping area and a nearby trailhead offering access to over 48 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Bring your camera during springtime to get photos of the desert wildflowers in bloom.
Nearby Attractions
Across the road, Cave Creek trailhead offers over 48 miles of hiking trails - great for overnight backpacking trips. Bronco Trailhead further south, offers parking for 40 vehicles plus trailers and six horse pens. Just seven miles south is Sears-Kay ruin. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this site features the remains of an ancient Native American tribe's hilltop village. For spectacular scenic views take Forest Road 562 to Humboldt Mountain. Or, you can simply stay on site and observe nature and hunt for crawdads in the nearby creek.
Recreation
At this site you'll enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, sightseeing, exploring, bird and wildlife viewing, and there is even a game area for volleyball and horseshoes.
Contact Information
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40202 N Cave Creek Rd Scottsdale AZ 85262
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 480-595-3300
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Drive 19 miles north from Carefree, Arizona. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road (Forest Road 24) to Seven Springs Day use area. Continue for less than 1/2 mile to the turn off to the group site. The last 9 miles of Forest Road 24 is an all-weather gravel road that is narrow with blind curves.
Available Campsites
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