Top Recommendations Camp Verde, Arizona
Camp Verde, Arizona is a hidden gem right of Interstate-17 for anyone to visit while they are on their way to, or leaving Sedona, Jerome, Cottonwood, or anywhere else in the Verde Valley. The town itself has numerous outdoor activities from hiking, biking, off-roading a secluded trail with Vortex ATV Rental, kayaking, and scenic drives to name a few. Furthermore, Camp Verde has a small and quiet downtown with a few places to shop and dine. This town is a great spot for history enthusiasts as there is a rich history of indigenous tribes. If you are looking for a quiet and small-town feel with plenty of outdoor opportunities, check out Camp Verde.
Top Things To Do Outdoors
- Out of Africa – This is an exotic animal exhibit with all sorts of ways to feel like you are on a safari in Africa. A couple ways to experience Out of Africa include viewing tigers and bears in their habitat and putting on shows for the public, experiencing predators eating their meals, interacting with the friendly species, holding a giant snake, ziplining over the inhabitants, and/or going on a safari bus tour.
- Visit a National Monument – Located right outside Camp Verde is Montezuma Castle and Well which gives you a chance to see and learn about the Sinqua’s pueblo ruins from thousands of years ago. Whether you are a history fanatic or looking to do something different for the family besides off-roading near Sedona, both landmarks are well worth the stop.
- Soak up the Verde River – Whether you decide to hang out along the river at White Bridge, West Clear Creek, or Beasley Flats, this section of the Verde River is known to be more secluded but just as beautiful as such in Cottonwood. If you are looking to float this section on a kayak, check out Verde Adventures in Camp Verde.
- Hike or bike a new trail – With Camp Verde near the Verde River and more open terrain than the rest of the Verde Valley, there are endless opportunities to hike, bike, camp, or explore the diverse desert landscape without having the congestion of the Sedona. All Trails has some ideas for you to get out on the trails.
- Enjoy seasonal events – Spend time with the locals and enjoy the community coming together for vibrant events. Events include the annual Corn Fest, Wine Fest, Fort Verde Days, Pecan Fest, Crawdad Fest, car shows, and farmers market to name a few. Take a look here for upcoming events in Camp Verde.
Top Things To Do Indoors
- Casino – Whether you are visiting for betting or entertainment purposes, Cliff Castle Lodge Casino in Camp Verde has it all. Besides all sorts of ways to bet, the casino also has an entertainment stage with live music, a bowling alley, video game arcade, or playground for all sorts of family friendly activities.
- Explore a unique museum – Verde Valley Archeology Center is a blast back in history in Camp Verde. The Center is dedicated to the care and management of archaeological artifacts found throughout the Verde Valley region.
- Wine Tastings – With just under 30 wineries, tasting rooms, and/or vineyards in the Verde Valley, try some of Camp Verde’s specialties. There are two wineries in Camp Verde. Alcantara, Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery, and Salt Mine Winery are all family-owned wineries that offer tours and tastings of their award-winning wines. Glance here to learn more about the wineries in Camp Verde.
- Fort Verde State Historic Park – This Arizona State Park is the best-preserved example of a fort from the Apache Wars-era as it appeared in the 1880s Indian Wars period within Arizona. Several of the original buildings still stand, visit to see the military history of the settlement of the Verde Valley.
- Stay and enjoy a quiet night or longer – Whether you stay for just a night or longer, take in the tranquility that can be found here and enjoy what this quiet and friendly small town can offer.
Top Food & Drink
- Moscato Italian Restaurant – Who doesn’t like hand-made Italian food with privacy? You can find top-tier, authentic Italian cuisine with impeccable service that creates a dining experience you won’t forget at Moscato. This food will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with how delicious every dish can be.
- Verde Brewing Company – Family owned and operated, Verde Brewing Company creates delicious craft beer brewed in house and has a food menu to complement such. Located conveniently on your way to Sedona, Jerome, Cottonwood, or anywhere else in the Verde Valley, stop in here and try their award winning beers.
- Udderly Divine Cafe & Bakery – An old-fashioned breakfast & lunch shop serving homemade pastries, pies, breads, and delicious sandwiches. Dine in or take out, stop in at Udderly Divine Cafe & Bakery for a fresh baked good, coffee, and/or even ice cream.
- La Casita – Whether you’re staying in Camp Verde or passing through to Sedona or anywhere else in the Verde Valley, La Casita is a must-visit destination for delicious Mexican fare. Between the array of mexican cuisine options, flavor in every bite, and charming small town feel, make sure to stop at La Casitas if you have time.
Flew the Coop Nashville Hot Chicken Shack – Known for their finger-lickin’ nashville-style chicken sandwiches and baskets, this is a great quick stop while traveling through the Verde Valley. Located right off Interstate-17 on your way to Cottonwood, Sedona, or Jerome, Flew the Coop is an up and coming staple with how they make their chicken in house.
Top Lodging Options
Fort Verde Suites – Locally owned and operated, Fort Verde Suites is the only hotel located on Historic Main Street in downtown Camp Verde, Arizona. With spacious southwest themed rooms, exceptional customer service, let the staff make you feel like you’re at home.
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel – Conveniently located in the middle of the Verde Valley, experience all the excitement, fun, and thrill that Cliff Castle Casino has to offer for a night or extended stay.
Days Inn by Wyndham Camp Verde Arizona – Right off Interstate 17, this simple hotel is perfect for a quick stay in the Verde Valley with how central it is to Cottonwood, Sedona, Camp Verde, and Jerome alike.
Zane Grey RV Village – Looking for something different? Whether you have an RV, tent, or looking to rent a cabin the Zane Grey RV Village is a perfect quiet getaway from the crowds. With lots of trees and a nice walking path along a creek, pay a visit here if you are looking for peace and quiet.
AirBnB & Vrbo – If you are looking for the most privacy, this is a great opportunity to rent a room or house for your entire visit. Whether it be short-term or long-term, check out some of the options for your stay in the Verde Valley on Airbnb or Vrbo.
Other things to know about Camp Verde, Arizona
- Camp Verde is the oldest community in the Verde Valley, established in 1865 by settlers who were drawn to the area’s mining industry
- The Sinagua entered the region from the north and constructed the Tuzigoot Pueblo and the cliff dwelling at Montezuma Castle around 1000 A.D., but abandoned the area in the early 1400s.
- The last major military engagement with uprising natives took place in 1882 at the Battle of Big Dry Wash.
- Camp Verde had been renamed Fort Verde in 1879 to signify permanence, but with the end of raids by 1882, the Post became less important. It was abandoned in 1891 to the Department of the Interior, which sold it at public auction in 1899 and the name was converted back to Camp Verde.
