Photo: Chris English / CC BY-SA 3.0

Campgrounds 3,412 ft Bortle 5 Solitude: 50/100 (secluded)

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! 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. Facilities 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. 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.

Near Cave Creek, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

Pack for Desert terrain, Semi-Arid, and the wildlife considerations above.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Whether you're here for birdwatching or looking to try something different, Cave Creek Group Site has options.

Photographers rate this area 45/100, with Decent dark sky (Bortle 5) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

birdwatching — Spot and identify birds in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal habitats.
camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
caving — Explore natural caves and underground passages with proper lighting and gear.
fishing — Cast a line in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters in pursuit of local fish species.
horseback_riding — Explore trails and open landscapes from the saddle.
ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa

Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.

Most visitors at Cave Creek Group Site never have a wildlife incident, but a danger score of 20/10 means preparation matters.

Danger rating: 20/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) low

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (34N), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 45/100

Decent dark sky (Bortle 5)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.

Arizona Coral Snake

A small slender snake with red, yellow, and black rings around the body.

Keep the victim calm and still while awaiting treatment.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

The Desert environment here supports 39 documented species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Trees (1)

Frémont Cottonwood — The crown spreads widely in open areas.

Wildflowers (2)

California poppy — Bright orange cup-shaped flowers with silky petals.
Coulter's lupine — It blooms in spring.

Shrubs (4)

Brittlebush — Leaves are soft and pale gray, contrasting with long-stemmed golden blooms.
Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain.
redberry juniper — Foliage is gray-green and aromatic.

Other Plants (5)

saguaro
Buckhorn Cholla
California Barrel Cactus
Teddybear Cholla
stinknet

Mammals (4)

Desert Cottontail — Gray-brown rabbit with large ears and white underside to tail.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Collared Peccary — A pig-like mammal with coarse gray fur and pale collar marking on neck.
Coyote — A medium-sized canid with gray-brown fur and bushy tail tipped in black.

Birds (30)

House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib
Great-tailed Grackle — Glossy black male with long tail
Hooded Merganser — Male with large white crest
Brewer's Sparrow — Plain gray-brown plumage
Black-throated Sparrow — Bold black throat patch

Reptiles (5)

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped dorsal blotches.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Desert Spiny Lizard — A robust lizard with rough spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Gopher Snake — A large tan or yellowish snake with dark brown blotches along the back.
Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.

Amphibians (1)

Red-spotted Toad

Insects (6)

Empress Leilia
Western Honey Bee
Queen
American Snout
Sleepy Orange

Other Wildlife (1)

Desert Blonde Tarantula

Nature Bingo at Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Cactus Wren (bird)
Desert Cottontail (mammal)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (reptile)
Red-spotted Toad (amphibian)
saguaro (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa Climate & Sun

Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.

The annual average temperature here is 64.2°F, with 16 inches of precipitation.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 64.2°F

Annual precipitation: 16 in

With an average annual temperature of 64.2°F and 16 inches of precipitation, Cave Creek Group Site has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 83°F, while winter lows drop to 48°F.

Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov.

Winter 48°

2.3"

Spring 61°

0.6"

Summer 83°

1.2"

Fall 66°

1.5"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	48°F	2.3 in
Feb	50°F	1.9 in
Mar	54°F	2.3 in
Apr	61°F	0.6 in
May	69°F	0.3 in
Jun	78°F	0.1 in
Jul	83°F	1.2 in
Aug	82°F	1.9 in
Sep	77°F	1.1 in
Oct	66°F	1.5 in
Nov	55°F	0.9 in
Dec	47°F	1.9 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.

Summer: 5:15 AM – 7:39 PM

Winter: 7:25 AM – 5:19 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:25 AM, Sunset 5:19 PM Golden hour from 4:41 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:15 AM, Sunset 7:39 PM Golden hour from 7:02 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:39 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:09 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:02 PM

Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Cave Creek Group Site.

Cave Creek Group Site is 38 miles from Phoenix — here's what to budget for the trip.

Nearest city: Phoenix (38 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $9.58 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 31 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa

The area around Cave Creek Group Site has plenty more to offer.

If you're exploring this part of Arizona, these nearby spots complement a visit to Cave Creek Group Site.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Campgrounds

C C C Campground, Maricopa 0.33 mi
Ccc Campground, Maricopa 0.33 mi
C C C (az) Tonto Nf Campground, Maricopa 0.33 mi
Juniper Campground, Maricopa 0.83 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa

After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.

On clear nights, the Bortle class 5 skies above Cave Creek Group Site reveal constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 5 Suburban sky

Constellations

From Cave Creek Group Site, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa

The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.

Timing your visit to Cave Creek Group Site around seasonal highlights can make a major difference in what you experience.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa

Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.

Before this became a recreation area, this land belonged to Hohokam, Yavapai Apache.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Yavapai.

Yavapai

Data from Native Land Digital

Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Cave Creek Group Site sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Early Proterozoic granitic rocks
Lithology: Major:{granite,granodiorite,tonalite}, Minor:{quartz diorite,diorite,gabbro}
Age: Statherian

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 7
Unique Species: 6
Oldest: 382.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 137
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Gold, Copper, Silver, Iron, Clay, Silica, Sand and Gravel, Construction

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 118°F (2017-06-20)
Record Low: 13°F (1912-01-03)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 89
Largest Fire: Cave Creek Complex (250,242.7 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Grapevine Canyon-New River
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 16 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 2 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 40/100

Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa Safety & Conditions

The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.

Before visiting Cave Creek Group Site, verify current conditions through these authoritative sources.

Nearest weather station: HORSESHOE DAM, AZ US (8.72 mi)