Riverside Campground (AZ)

Riverside Post Fire Recovery and Safety Closure – Extension

The continuation for the Riverside Campground closure due to the 2024 Riverside Fire. The 2024 Riverside Fire caused severe damage to many trees, leaving some unstable, dead, or partially burned. These hazards create a risk of falling limbs or complete tree failure, making the area unsafe until mitigation work is completed. Fire damage also destroyed the campsites, leaving infrastructure compromised, soil unstable, and essential features missing. Reconstruction is required before the area can safely support public use and camping.

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and roads in the Cave Creek Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, described in detail below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area/Road”):

Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e)
Entering or using a developed recreation site or portion thereof. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(b)
Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e)

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with Forest Service form FS-7700-48, Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order, specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA/ROAD

The entire portion of National Forest System (NFS) Road 162, starting from the junction of (NSFR) 19, also referred to as Bartlett Dam Road, on National Forest System Land in Township 6 North, Range 7 East, Section 33, following southwest in a loop until its terminus with itself in Township 5 North, Range 7 East, Section 4. Riverside Campground developed recreation site, as depicted in exhibit A.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and allow for resource recovery due to conditions affected by the Riverside Wildfire.

The 2024 Riverside Fire caused severe damage to many trees, leaving some unstable, dead, or partially burned. These hazards create a risk of falling limbs or complete tree failure, making the area unsafe until mitigation work is completed.

Fire damage also destroyed the campsites, leaving infrastructure compromised, soil unstable, and essential features missing. Reconstruction is required before the area can safely support public use and camping.

IMPLEMENTATION

This Order shall be in effect from Sept. 25, 2026, at 12 a.m. through March 31, 2027, unless rescinded.
A map identifying the Described Area/Road is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/alerts.
Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Contact the Cave Creek Ranger District in Scottsdale, AZ, (480) 595-3300, for more information about this Order.
This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in or on the same Described Area/Road.

Overview

Riverside Campground offers more peace and tranquility than the busier recreation sites at Bartlett Lake. With the campground’s proximity to water, fisherman and avid water recreationalists enjoy this spot all year long. There are designated grills, fire rings and picnic tables where families can enjoy the day together along the river, not far from the dam. Keep a look out for fish jumping along the river!

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.

Recreation

Camping
Fishing
Non-Motorized Boating
River Access
Birding

Facilities

12 Campsites
First-Come, First Serve only. No reservations.
14 day stay limit.
Maximum occupancy per individual campsite is 10 people.
Maximum number of vehicles per individual camp unit is three. All vehicles must completely fit within the designated parking area.
Check-in time is 12:00 pm, and check-out time is 10:00 am.
No motor boats allowed.
Trailers under 16 feet.
Glass containers prohibted.
No potable water services available.
Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators are not permitted during quiet hours).

Natural Features

Plenty of trees provide ample shade and the calming sound of the river flowing makes Riverside Campground a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Keep a lookout for wildlife!

Camp site features

Fees

Campsites are $16 per night, per site. America the Beautiful Senior or Access Disability passholders are eligible for a 50% discount. Pass must be valid and present with passholder at time of stay. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station.

Directions

This site is 23 miles east of Carefree. Take Cave Creek Road for 7 miles then turn right on Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 13 miles. Just before reaching the Jojoba Boating site, FR 19 becomes a maintained gravel road that turns south (right). Follow it for another 3 miles to Riverside.