Mesquite Recreation Area

Live to camp here in winter. Has bathrooms but you have to pack out trash. Tables and firepits. Many sites have water nearby. Check the dam release for how much water. Becareful with the wildlife. Remember your visiting their house. Take care of it.

The campground itself is peaceful, with well-spaced sites that offer privacy. However, the 7-mile road to get in is a rough ride, washboard and bumpy enough that our RV will need a full bolt check. The pit toilets were clean (a big plus), but unfortunately, not everyone uses them. We saw toilet paper scattered around, which was disappointing. With better road maintenance and stricter campsite cleanliness enforcement, this could be a fantastic spot. While we wouldn’t return, it might still be worth it for those who don’t mind the trek.

Camping is awesome out here. We had no neighbors, our own access to a rushing swimming area. Lots of bugs and lizards. Lost a star because the built in restrooms that were pretty nasty. It happens. Take a vehicle that has good suspension. You can get there in a sedan, but its washboard dirt roads to get there. Unfortunately our trip was cut short due to a wildfire coming towards us. Kudos to the Forestry Service in giving us enough time to get out of there!

Quiet and right on the Verde river. Restrooms were clean. Pretty much had the park to ourselves. Catfish point and the dam area were beautiful but lots of trash.

Absolutely worth the ride. Beautiful and quiet. It's my favorite place to go camping and picnics.