Civilian Conservation Corps Campground
4.2717 reviews40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Civilian Conservation Corps Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Tonto Fee Machine Pass is required. $16 per site per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount for single camp units. Payments must be made with debit or credit card at the Digital Fee Machine located at Cave Creek District Office or Bartlett Vista.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of majestic sycamore trees, Civilian Conservation Corps Campground invites you to experience the tranquil beauty of Arizona's high country. Each generously spaced campsite offers a perfect blend of shade and sunshine, where families gather around crackling firepits equipped with cooking grates, sharing stories under starlit skies. Just steps away, the Cave Creek Trailhead beckons adventurers to explore the vibrant riparian ecosystem, where birdsong fills the morning air and wildlife thrives along the creek's gentle waters. While you'll need to bring your own water supply, clean restroom facilities ensure comfort during your wilderness retreat.
The Civilian Conservation Corps Campground caters to tent and RV campers but has specific restrictions on trailer size (not recommended for trailers over 16 feet). It features individual camp units, with no group or luxury camping accommodations noted.
Historical SignificanceThis campground stands as a living monument to the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the dedicated young men who helped shape America's outdoor heritage during the 1930s. Situated within the storied Tonto National Forest, these grounds echo with the history of conservation efforts that transformed raw wilderness into accessible natural treasures for generations to enjoy.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full palette throughout the year at this elevated sanctuary. Summer days dawn crystal clear with warm, golden sunshine perfect for hiking and exploration, while evenings cool to comfortable temperatures ideal for campfire gatherings. Winter transforms the landscape with crisp, refreshing air and occasional gentle rains that awaken the desert's hidden fragrances and paint the surrounding hills in vibrant greens.
ElevationPerched at 3,300 feet above sea level, this sweet spot in the Arizona highlands offers the perfect elevation for year-round outdoor adventures. High enough to escape the desert's intense heat yet low enough to avoid harsh alpine conditions, this moderate elevation creates an ideal climate for hiking, wildlife watching, and comfortable camping throughout most of the year.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering sycamores spread their distinctive white-barked branches overhead, creating a natural cathedral of dappled light and cooling shade. The nearby Cave Creek Riparian Ecosystem bursts with life, where crystal waters nurture a lush ribbon of greenery through the surrounding landscape. This rare desert oasis attracts an impressive variety of birds and wildlife, transforming each visit into a nature lover's paradise.
Geological RegionThe campground sits at the heart of a remarkable riparian corridor where Cave Creek has carved its patient path through ancient rock formations. This precious water source creates a verdant oasis featuring majestic sycamore groves and diverse plant communities that thrive along the creek's edge. The unique geology supports one of the region's most biodiverse ecosystems, where desert meets water in a spectacular display of natural harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed information on accessibility features is provided. The site is geared toward tent and RV campers, though trailers over 16 feet are not advised.
Sites SizeThe campground is designed for individual units with a maximum occupancy of 10 persons per unit and a limit of three vehicles per site that must fit within designated parking areas.
Sites PrivacySites are described as 'nicely separated,' providing some level of privacy. However, some reviews note noise from nearby ATV traffic and other vehicles during the day, detracting from the secluded experience.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites next to the creek are recommended for better views and ambiance.
Best CampsitesSome sites are located next to the creek, offering scenic views and proximity to nature.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per individual camp unit is 10.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread out with picnic tables and fire rings. Some sites are next to the creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Tonto National Forest Offices and online at USGS.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo information about walk-up/first-come-first-served availability provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at CCC Campground include hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the riparian ecosystem near Cave Creek Trailhead. The small creek running through the area adds to the charm, though it is noted to flash flood occasionally.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available near Cave Creek Trailhead, which allows exploration of the Cave Creek Riparian Ecosystem. Reviews highlight the trails as a key attraction, such as 'Nice hikes. All close to town.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity, with one reviewer mentioning seeing a 'baby bobcat asleep on the hood of the car.' Bird watching is also highlighted as a popular activity due to the nearby riparian ecosystem.Winter Activities
No information provided about winter-specific activities.Water Sports
No information provided about non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings and grills are available at campsites; no additional fire policies specified.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include flash flooding near the creek, presence of black widows and lizards in vault toilets, and snakes in wooded areas.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Cave Creek Ranger Station located at 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262. Phone: (480) 595-3300.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided regarding trash and recycling facilities. User reviews note issues with litter left by previous campers, including trash piled in fire rings.
Proximity to water featuresSmall creek runs through the campground.
Common complaintsComplaints in user reviews mention trash left by previous visitors, noisy ATVs, and poorly maintained facilities.
Campground Map
40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Driving directionsThis site is 20 miles north of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road/Forest Road (FR) 24. The last 9 miles of FR 24 is an all-weather gravel road. The gravel portion of the road is narrow with blind curves.
Access involves 9 miles of narrow all-weather gravel road with blind curves, which may pose challenges for some drivers.Nearby places
Carefree (20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearest fee machine and supplies can be found at Cave Creek District Office or Bartlett Vista.
Camper Reviews
4.3
17 reviews
Civilian Conservation Corps Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Civilian Conservation Corps Campground are mixed. Positive remarks highlight the scenic beauty, peaceful setting, and proximity to hiking trails. Negative comments revolve around poor toilet conditions, noise from ATVs, and trash left by previous campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the spread-out sites, shady sycamore trees, and proximity to Cave Creek for hiking and wildlife viewing. Comments such as 'Nice place rather close to town if you just want to hang...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include dirty and insect-infested vault toilets, noise from ATV traffic, and litter left by previous campers. One reviewer noted, 'The toilets were pretty gross (lizards and black...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water or a filtration system, as potable water is unavailable. Arrive with supplies to clean up the site if needed, and be prepared for long, bumpy access roads. Avoid trailers over 16...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews do not specify seasonal trends in user experiences, though one comment noted a trash issue during a weekend in November. Weather data suggests summer months may be sweltering, while spring...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
Negative: 'They were nice enough to pile their trash in the fire rings but of course that meant the next visitors (us!) had to clean that up.' Positive: 'Was beautiful...Woke up to baby Bobcat asleep...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are generally described as nicely separated but vary in tent suitability due to rocky terrain. Some sites are close to the creek, offering an enhanced camping experience.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically discuss pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025