Camp Verde
As you make the descent down a mountain pass on I-17, green pastures, quaint farms, and riparian corridors suddenly appear in the picturesque Verde Valley below. In a small town where the alarm clock is often a boastful rooster or a colorful songbird, quiet peace defines the quality of life experienced by locals. From ancient, indigenous cliff dwellings to Main Street buildings that date back to 1871, Camp Verde is defined by its people, both past and present, with a rich history marked each day by a final bugle call from Fort Verde State Historic Park.
When visiting, prepare for the outdoors and a slew of mom-and-pop restaurants with fresh ingredients from nearby farms. The Verde River and its tributaries coil through the community, providing a water source to pecan trees, corn crops, and vineyards, as well as a recreation source for kayaking, fishing, and camping. Wildlife thrives in the temperate, four-season climate, including more than 300 bird species and an entire wildlife park—Out of Africa. Home to the Yavapai-Apache Nation, Camp Verde is an oasis in Arizona.
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Arts & Culture (Recommended up to 2)
With over 1,000 rock art petroglyphs that date as far back as A.D. 1150, Camp Verde’s unique style is an intercultural fusion, forever intertwined with its archeological and wild west history. In today’s day and age, public art and eclectic vintage shopping will surprise you while event performances and displays by the local Yavapai-Apache Nation take you back in time.
Camp Verde’s new community library was constructed using native materials and is reminiscent of early agricultural buildings. Join them on rotating Thursdays for live music and visit their many rotating art exhibits while you are there!
Camp Verde is a hidden gem for live music and entertainment. Stop by the Phillip England Center for Performing Arts for jazz, blues, country, and more. Many of the restaurants also host an open mic night and local bands.
The Verde Valley Archaeology Center is devoted to preserving archaeological sites, curating collections, and fostering a deeper understanding of American Indian history in the Verde Valley through the science of archaeology.
History, Heritage & Tradition (Recommended up to 4)
With nearly 10,000 years of human habitation by a diverse group of cultures, Camp Verde has long-established, historic roots that spread throughout the Valley. The Sinagua, the Yavapai, the Apache, Spanish soldiers, and other settlers have each carved out their place in Camp Verde’s history, leaving behind legacies to be explored by enthusiasts and visitors to this region.
Located in the Old Stone Schoolhouse in downtown Camp Verde, the Camp Verde Historical Society displays early pioneering exhibits along with a variety of photographs and artwork from past Camp Verde residents.
Fort Verde State Historic Park is significant as the best surviving assemblage of Indian Wars era military architecture in the state. The Fort was an active primary military base during the Central Arizona Indian Wars.
Many ancient cultures have been discovered in the Camp Verde area. From stone pueblos to preserved ruins and petroglyphs, Camp Verde’s multitude of Heritage sites provide an unparallelled look into the history and heritage of the region.
With more than thirteen historic sights within walking distance of the Camp Verde Historical Society, this manageable walk through downtown Camp Verde is filled with architectural and historical buildings and their stories of the past.
Although not a common tourist attraction, the Camp Verde Irrigation Ditches are a treasured asset. Built in the late nineteenth century, each ditch is marked with a plaque and viewed with reverence for the water they continue to provide.
Once identified by President Theodore Roosevelt as a place “of the greatest ethnological value and scientific interest”, Montezuma’s Castle remains one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
Dedicated to providing cultural enrichment and preserving local tribal identities, the Center offers language classes, events, social dances, and youth education opportunities.
Wine & Dine (Recommended up to 4)
Camp Verde prides itself on the wide variety of wining and dining options it provides, including multiple boutiques, award-winning wineries surrounded by vineyards. Experience the rich tastes Camp Verde has to offer, by following the Verde Valley Wine Trail; a network of wineries and tasting rooms in the region. From bistros and breweries to gourmet Italian and even a hearty steakhouse, Camp Verde is sure to satisfy! Don’t forget your opportunity to take home some of Camp Verde’s fresh-market produce too.
Babe’s Round-Up has been serving up barbecue favorites in Camp Verde for over 34 years, and according to the owners, “Cooking great meals and entertaining has always been our family's way of life.”
The best homemade beans, shredded beef tacos, churros, and horchata make Beto’s the go-to locals’ joint. Beto Ruiz’s original artwork brightens up the place, so you can enjoy a meal, local art, and support a Vietnam veteran at the same time.
Known for their brand, Rio Claro Wines, Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery is fairly new to the Verde Valley and growing fast. With a quaint setting and regular live music, Clear Creek is a nice getaway for daytrippers traveling through.
Gabriela’s is known as the home of the gimungous burrito, with a variety of filling options that will satisfy even the most discriminating burrito connoisseur. If you stop in, do not walk out without trying an apple pie churro (or four)!
Gabriela’s Mexican Food
With a farming history that spans 6 generations, Hauser & Hauser’s Summer Corn Stand is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. From late June through August, you can grab a bag and stock up on fresh sweet corn! Be sure to bring cash.
After hiking to Montezuma Castle National Monument, southwestern-style Mexican food may be calling your name. Just off of Main Street, you won’t be able to miss La Casita’s colorful building (both inside and out).
An upscale dining experience in the heart of Main Street, Moscato serves up homemade pasta and gourmet desserts. Sit inside the historic 1901 building that’s been everything from a brothel to an inn or outside on their beautiful patio.
Nestled among pecan groves, pastures, small farms, and produce stands, Salt Mine Wine grows Italian varietals. The winery has also sourced grapes from other budding wine regions in Arizona while their own vines reach maturity.
Thanks-A-Latte roasts their own fresh coffee, with a tasty light breakfast and lunch menu. Come grab a spot and enjoy Main Street on a spacious, and pet-friendly, outdoor patio.
Udderly Divine serves up something for everyone. From meatball subs dripping in homemade sauce to freshly baked pies and gourmet ice cream, Udderly Divine’s fare is made with love and care.
The Verde Brewing Company is creating Farm-to-Mug handcrafted beers with local ingredients grown in the Verde Valley. Offering a full food menu, take some time to stop in and try whatever new concoction has been recently tapped!
Check out the Verde Valley Farmers' Market Saturdays May-October, 8am-noon and at select times in the fall for fresh, local produce, flowers, plants, honey, beef, chicken, eggs, pecans, homemade pie, jam, bread, coffee, and more.
This location serves the finest selection of handcrafted bread in Arizona. Pick up a ground whole wheat cinnamon roll for breakfast or a loaf of sourdough for dinner. If a local bakery is what you seek, Wingfield Bread Company is for you!
Outdoor Sports & Recreation (Recommended up to 2)
Situated along the Verde River and home to national forests and monuments, Camp Verde offers a variety of sports and recreation activities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts! The Verde River - Arizona’s only designated wild and scenic river - is an essential habitat for many natural species in the area. The river is home to national forests and monuments, and offers a variety of sports and recreation activities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts in Camp Verde! Come and spend the day kayaking on the river, hiking along with one of the many picturesque trails, or camping under some of the Camp Verde Dark Skies.
Camp Verde received an “Important Birding Area” designation by the National Audubon Society and offers premier bird-watching sites. Camp Verde plays host to over 300 bird species documented along the Verde River and its tributaries.
Five miles down a bumpy dirt road and ⅔ of a mile on foot, you’ll discover a cool and refreshing pool of water, cliff jumping and the shallow beach entry to the Bullpen Day Use Area.
The waterfalls and caves of Fossil Creek gush 20,000 gallons a minute of 70-degree water fed from the cliffs of the Mogollon Rim into a 1,600-foot deep canyon. Take photos, hike and swim once you get your permit.
Camp Verde's unique location in the heart of five Arizona State Parks, as well as Prescott and Coconino National Forests, makes it a destination for avid hikers. Camp Verde’s trail network offers something for everyone.
Camp Verde is an International Dark Sky Community; its Milky Way visibility is in the top 20% of the world! Experience the night sky by camping, dark-sky photography, and the annual Dark Sky Festival in October.
1.5 million gallons of water emerge each day from an underground spring into this limestone sinkhole. Come appreciate its ancient canals that still irrigate lands to this day and hold unique mysteries. Admission is free!
This park is home to hundreds of species on over one hundred acres. Participate in safaris, tram rides, tours, and walks, along with a high-flying zipline adventure. Your visit directly supports the park’s conservation and rescue efforts.
A true oasis in the desert, the river offers an opportunity for canoes, kayaks, small boats and overnight campsites sprinkled across the Verde waters and shores. Friends of the Verde River is a go-to resource for guides, maps, and events.
Camp Verde is a mecca of wilderness areas. West Clear Creek offers world-class canyoneering and waterfalls; Wet Beaver Creek has 23 pools serving as play areas; and Pine Mountain’s “sky island” offers one of Arizona’s most spectacular views!
Local Lodging (Recommended up to 2)
With so many places to see, things to do, and restaurants to try in Casa Grande, visitors should definitely spend a few nights in this adventure full community. Here are a few local lodging options in Casa Grande.
Stay at this local spot to recharge before continuing your Northern Arizona adventure. They have everything you need and a store that has all the essentials, just in case you forgot to pack something.
Camp Verde visitors looking for fun and entertainment after a day of exploring can find it here. Spend the night playing exciting and thrilling games in the casino before a peaceful night’s rest.
This RV Resort located on tribal lands always delivers a delightful experience. Visitors rave about their friendly staff, clean facilities, and vast amenities. Your dog will love a run in their dog park too!
Camp Verde Main Street is a true community hub, and this hotel sits in the center of it all. A stay at this locally owned hub is sure to be a delight as the staff and owners value all their guests.
While this adult-only Krazy K location might not instantly catch your eye, it manages to shock visitors with extremely friendly service and a sense of community. The RV Park itself is a peaceful spot to stay.
This modern feeling RV Park is loaded with places to hook up and cottages for other visitors. This perfect blend and makes this location a perfect visit for travelers exploring Camp Verde with friends and family.
This half RV resort and half cottage vacation rental is the perfect spot for your weekend getaway or your extended stay in the Verde Valley. This spot is full of amenities including a basketball court!
This RV Village sits near all the best places to visit along the Verde Valley. Their beautiful grounds sit perfectly along a creek, bring your pet companion along for the trip and enjoy a morning hike in the serene location.