Fort Verde State Historic Park RV & Campground Guide

Arizona

Fort Verde State Historic Park in Arizona has a rich history as the base for General Cook's U.S. Army soldiers and was the site of the Apache Wars. When visiting, history buffs will appreciate being able to see the remains of the fort. You can also explore several homes from the 1880s that feature their original furnishings and attend living history programs to learn more about the fort and the residences.

The Historical Park was established in 1970 to preserve the history of the region, and its design does not focus on outdoor activities. However, you will see native wildlife, plants, and flowers throughout the state park's property. In addition, there are picnic areas to enjoy an outdoor meal in the park's serene surroundings.

Nearby Cities:

  • Clarkdale, AZ

  • Cottonwood, AZ

  • Happy Jack, AZ

  • Sedona, AZ

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Weather
Spring 31-70 F
Summer 44-98 F
Fall 59-100 F
Winter 31-81 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Verde State Historic Park

There is no campground within Fort Verde State Historic Park. However, there are several state parks nearby with sites suitable for RVers.

Rio Verde RV Park

If you want a quiet place to park with amazing mountain views and the Verde River bubbling just feet away from where you are staying, Rio Verde RV Park is the place for you. Its amenities set it apart from most RV parks.

Rio Verde RV Park is open the entire year and offers mindful traveling and harmonious living. It is located just a mile north of Cottonwood, which provides for all of your general shopping needs. It's also just 15 minutes south of Sedona where the famous red rocks reign.

Rio Verde RV Park has some amenities that you will not see at many other RV parks. The staff offers free daily yoga classes to strengthen the mind and body. There are meditation classes to help ease the stress of everyday living. Also offered are natural health workshops to help create a more meaningful world.

This RV park sports 68 RV sites, each with full-service hookups. The 30-amp and 50-amp hookups are available at your request along with free Wi-Fi throughout the park. Rio Verde RV Park is pet friendly, so feel free to bring any of your fur babies as you walk along the many trails on the 30 landscaped acres.

Verde River RV Resort & Cottages

Verde River RV Resort & Cottages has access to the Verde River with just a short walk from the back of the resort's property. This is not just a place to camp; the staff offers spa services as well. The park welcomes all big-rig RVs, and the lots have plenty of length and width to accommodate the largest RVs on the market along with all of their slideouts.

The 125 RV sites offer pull-through and back-in spaces with full hookups. These include free wireless internet even during extended stays. The desert landscaping allows for easier leveling, and you'll have access to 30-amp and 50-amp hookups at your request.

If you like basketball or pickleball, Verde River Resort & Cottages has courts for those. There is a billiard room as well. Your little ones have access to a playground and the opportunity to create arts and crafts for the whole family. As for the spa amenities, the resort offers a heated pool, personal sauna rooms and a fitness center.

Distant Drums RV Resort

Located in Camp Verde, Distant Drums RV Resort is nestled right in the middle of Arizona's Wine Country. The campground is just minutes away from Jerome, Prescott and Sedona, allowing for easy access to further historical sites.

Distant Drums RV Resort has 157 spacious RV sites welcoming big rigs, with wide paved roads and full hookups including Wi-Fi and cable TV. Are you always worried about where the dumpster is? Don't worry; at Distant Drums RV Resort, there is on-site trash pickup.

There are plenty of things to do at this RV resort. An event center hosts weekly park events and also has a fully equipped kitchen that is available for you to use for special group events. The library has hundreds of books and videos for you to borrow.

Distant Drums RV Resort has a heated pool and Jacuzzi available along with an exercise room. If you have forgotten something or run out of supplies on your travels, the resort also has a country store to refuel.

RV Rentals Near Fort Verde State Historic Park

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What to Do at
Fort Verde State Historic Park

Fort Verde State Historic Park offers educational programs about the Apache Wars and American history. Or, you can walk the grounds, explore the landscape, and visit the many museums and structures throughout the park. Additionally, the park puts on several events throughout the year. The staff organizes a special Victorian Christmas event, Candlelight Tours, and ornament-making workshops during the holidays. Camp Verde Days is another annual event in which you can attend a parade, purchase local food and snacks, and shop for crafts from various local artisans and vendors.

Inside Fort Verde State Historic Park

Fort Verde State Historic Park is accessible for RVs and tour buses with plenty of parking and is ADA-accessible. The park offers picnic tables and restrooms as places to rest and freshen up as you tour the facilities. Fort Verde State Historic Park also hosts several events throughout the year, including Colonel's Daughter/Little Britches & Petticoat Contest and the annual Ornament-Making Workshop.

Fishing Fishing

Fort Verde State Historic Park is only 17 miles away from Dead Horse Ranch State Park, where you can fish for a variety of sportsfish. Common catches include largemouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill, and green sunfish. Seasonally, the Arizona Game and Fish Department supplements the catfish and trout populations to ensure you have a successful experience when fishing the lagoons at the park

Geocaching Geocaching

You can participate in the geocaching challenge, starting at Fort Verde State Historic Park. You'll find many hidden gems at the park, and the map spans nearby state parks and hiking trails. Once you find a cache, you can take a prize and sign the logbook. However, do not forget to bring a family-friendly item to leave in the container for the next treasure hunter.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

At Fort Verde State Historic Park, you'll see many animals, including javelinas, coyotes, and kit foxes. Park workers have reported a kit fox den near the Commander's Quarters. Read all posted signs about native wildlife to remain safe when visiting the park.

Flora

Fort Verde State Historic Park is home to many plants and flowers, including xeric plants, autumn sage, winter fat, wooly butterfly bush, turpentine bush, desert marigold, and Apache plume. The park staff also cultivates vegetables similar to what people would have historically grown in the area, including squash, beans, and corn. As you wander in the park, you will be shaded by oak, cedar, and pine trees.

Hiking Hiking

You can spend a morning or afternoon walking through the park grounds. Or, if you are looking for a more strenuous adventure, nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park has more than 20 miles of non-motorized hiking trails. One of the more popular routes is the Mesa Trail, which provides scenic views of Mingus Mountain, the Verde Valley, and Dead Horse Ranch.

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How to Get to
Fort Verde State Historic Park

From Camp Verde, AZ, drive north onto South Main Street toward East Hollamon Street. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto East Hollamon Street. Continue until you see the Fort Verde State Historic Park entrance.

By Car

Entering Fort Verde State Historic Park

Parking is available at the entrance and is free. However, the fee to enter the park is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 7 to 13. All children six and younger get in free. The state park opens at 9 a.m. daily and closes at 4:30 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, when it closes at 2 p.m. The park is not open to visitors on Christmas Day.

Fort Verde State Historic Park Adult : $7.0

Fort Verde State Historic Park Children 7-13 : $4.0

Fort Verde State Historic Park Under 6 : $0.0

Fort Verde State Historic Park offers history lovers a grand adventure and many historical sites from the Apache Wars. It is also close to several popular destinations for fishing and hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Verde State Historic Park

What is the best time of year to visit Fort Verde State Historic Park?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Fort Verde as the weather is mild, and these are also the non-peak seasons when the park isn't overly crowded. You can enjoy the historic sights and facilities more during these seasons and avoid long waits in line to get into the museums. Winter is a great time to attend events at the state park, including Victorian Christmas and the Candlelight Tours.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Fort Verde State Historic Park?

At Fort Verde State Historic Park, you'll see native wildlife around the park grounds. These animals include javelina, coyotes, kit foxes, as well as smaller mammals.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Fort Verde State Historic Park?

No, there is no campground and Fort Verde State Historic Park doesn't allow overnight camping in RVs or tents. However, you can park an RV in the parking area during your visit after you pay the entry fee.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Fort Verde State Historic Park and what is the cost?

No, you aren't required to make any reservations to visit the park. The entrance fee is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 7 to 13.

Are pets allowed at Fort Verde State Historic Park?

Fort Verde State Historic Park welcomes pets outdoors on the park grounds, and you can bring them along for a picnic. They must be on a leash, and it is your responsibility to clean up after your four-legged companions.