Seven Springs Campground in Tonto National Forest, is a free campground located about 20 miles north of Cave Creek/Carefree. Seven Springs Campground was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which was a depression-era public works program. Seven Springs wash flows through the campground, which is shaded by large sycamore trees.
Access to Seven Springs Campground can be limited during heavy rains, and the campground is prone to flooding. Additionally, getting to Seven Springs can be challenging as the only access on a rough dirt road.
Neighboring CCC Campground is still open and we highly recommend camping there.
Seven Springs Campground Features
| Campground Type: | Primitive, Walk-in |
| Number of Campsites: | 21 Campsites |
| Cost: | $9/Night/vehicle via Tonto Pass |
| Use Level: | Medium |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Fire Rings: | No |
| Drinking Water: | No |
| Toilets: | No |
| Showers: | No |
| Trash/Dumpsters: | No |
| Hiking Access: | Yes – Hiking Trails nearby |
| Beach/Lake Access: | No |
| RV/Trailer Length: | None |
| RV/Trailer Amenities: | None |
| Cell Phone Service: | Possible – Verizon |
| Wifi: | None |
| Operating Season: | Open Year-round |
| Other: |
Seven Springs Campground was closed to vehicle traffic in 2005 due to significant flood damage. The campground is now officially listed as a recreation area, not a campground. Walk-in primitive camping is still possible, however parking is not available.
Getting There
| Address: | |
| Geo Coordinates: | 33.965450, -111.862317 |
| Nearest City/Town: | Cave Creek, Arizona |
| Elevation: | 3200 Feet |
| Location: | Maricopa County, Arizona |
| Paved Road Access: | No |
| Proximity to Stores: | 20 miles to Cave Creek, Arizona |
| Directions: | From Cave Creek, AZ, take Cave Creek Road north 15.1 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground. NOTE: After 5.9 miles, Cave Creek Rd. becomes dirt, narrow, rocky and rough. |
Connect
| Phone: | (480) 595-3300 | Facebook: | ||
| Web: | Tonto National Forest | Twitter: |
| Reservations: | Not Available |
When To Go
Late Fall/Early Spring – In late fall and early spring, the weather is very nice at Seven Springs Campground.
Highs in October and April can still exceed 100 degrees and lows in December and January can dip below freezing.
Watch for snakes in Spring and Fall.
During the rainy season, be cautious of flash floods as they can raise the level of water in Seven Springs Wash from several inches to several feet in a matter of minutes, possibly overflowing into the campground.
Summer fire season restrictions may be in effect. Check with the local Forest Service Ranger District for up-to-date restriction information.
What To Do
Hiking is a very popular at Seven Springs Campground. There are trails that are accessible from the campground, as well as a trail head next to the nearby CCC Campground.
Also of interest is the Sears-Kay Ruins, which is located along FR 24 near Carefree, AZ. Sears-Kay is ruins of an ancient HoHoKam Native American settlement that existed around 1500 A.D.
The campground is located along the Great Western Trail, which is a network of dirt-roads and trails that lead from the Mexican border to the Canadian border.