Camp Verde Az Map Travel Guide
Introduction
If you’re planning a trip to Camp Verde, Arizona, you’re in for a treat. This small town is full of hidden gems, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or an adventure-packed getaway, Camp Verde has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more.
Top Attractions
Montezuma Castle National Monument
One of the most popular attractions in Camp Verde is the Montezuma Castle National Monument. This ancient cliff dwelling was built by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago and is an incredible sight to see. You can take a self-guided tour of the castle and learn about the history of the area.
Fort Verde State Historic Park
If you’re interested in history, be sure to visit the Fort Verde State Historic Park. This park was once a military fort during the Indian Wars and now serves as a museum. You can see original buildings and artifacts from the time period and learn about the soldiers and settlers who lived here.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
For a family-friendly outing, head to the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. This park is home to over 400 animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and zebras. You can take a safari tour and see the animals up close, or watch one of the daily shows.
Hidden Gems
Clear Creek Vineyard
Clear Creek Vineyard is a hidden gem in Camp Verde. This small winery produces award-winning wines and offers tastings and tours. The setting is beautiful, with views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards.
Verde River Greenway State Natural Area
The Verde River Greenway State Natural Area is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and river otters. You can hike the trails, go fishing, or simply relax by the river.
Food Scene
Thanks A Latte
If you’re looking for a cozy coffee shop, Thanks A Latte is the place to go. This locally-owned cafe serves up delicious coffee drinks and homemade pastries. They also have a small menu of sandwiches and salads.
Crusty’s Pizza
Crusty’s Pizza is a popular spot for pizza in Camp Verde. They offer a variety of toppings and crusts, and their pizza is always fresh and delicious. They also have a small selection of salads and sandwiches.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Outdoor Activities
There are plenty of free outdoor activities to enjoy in Camp Verde. You can hike the trails at the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area, take a walk through the historic downtown area, or visit one of the many parks in town.
Discounted Attractions
Many of the attractions in Camp Verde offer discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel. Be sure to ask about discounts when purchasing tickets.
Outdoor Adventures
Verde Canyon Railroad
The Verde Canyon Railroad is a unique way to see the beauty of the Verde Valley. The train takes you on a four-hour journey through the canyon, with views of the red rocks and wildlife. You can also enjoy a meal on board.
Verde River Kayaking
Kayaking on the Verde River is a fun way to experience the beauty of the area. You can rent kayaks and take a leisurely paddle down the river, or book a guided tour for a more adventurous experience.
Historical Landmarks
Battle of Big Dry Wash Monument
The Battle of Big Dry Wash Monument marks the site of a battle that took place during the Indian Wars. This monument is located just outside of Camp Verde and is a fascinating piece of history.
Camp Verde Historical Society Museum
The Camp Verde Historical Society Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. This museum is housed in a historic building and features exhibits on the history of the area, including the Indian Wars and the settlement of Camp Verde.
Family-Friendly Activities
Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is a fun and educational experience for the whole family. This indoor exhibit features thousands of butterflies from all over the world, as well as other insects and reptiles. You can also watch a 3D movie and learn about the life cycle of butterflies.
Blazin’ M Ranch
The Blazin’ M Ranch is a fun-filled evening for the whole family. This western-themed attraction includes a BBQ dinner, a live music show, and a cowboy shooting gallery. You can also take a hayride and visit the petting zoo.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Jerome Ghost Town
The town of Jerome is a short drive from Camp Verde and is a unique destination. This former mining town is now a ghost town, with many of the buildings still standing. You can take a walking tour and learn about the history of the town.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a beautiful and peaceful park that is often overlooked by visitors to the area. This park is home to miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a lake for fishing and kayaking.
Natural Wonders
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is a stunning natural wonder that is not to be missed. This canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and mountain lions. You can hike the trails and enjoy the scenery, or take a guided tour.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument is another ancient cliff dwelling in the area. This site was built by the Sinagua people over 1,000 years ago and is a fascinating piece of history. You can take a self-guided tour and learn about the culture and way of life of the Sinagua people.
Vibrant Nightlife
Verde Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a fun night out, head to Verde Brewing Company. This local brewery serves up delicious craft beers and often hosts live music and events. You can also enjoy a meal from the food truck outside.
Rezzonico Family Park
Rezzonico Family Park is a popular spot for nightlife in Camp Verde. This park hosts concerts and events throughout the year, and is a great place to relax with friends and family.
Local Markets
Camp Verde Farmers Market
The Camp Verde Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce and handmade goods. This market is held on Saturdays and features a variety of vendors.
Old Town Shops
The Old Town Shops in Camp Verde are a quaint collection of shops and restaurants. Here, you can find handmade jewelry, pottery, and other souvenirs.
Beaches and Mountains
Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park is a beautiful park that is home to the red rock formations that the area is known for. You can hike the trails, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the scenery.
Mingus Mountain
Mingus Mountain is a popular destination for hiking and camping. This mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a great place to escape the heat in the summer.
Cultural Immersion
V-Bar-V Heritage Site
The V-Bar-V Heritage Site is a unique destination that showcases the history and culture of the Sinagua people. This site features over 1,000 petroglyphs and is a fascinating piece of history.
Museum of Indigenous People
The Museum of Indigenous People is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the indigenous people of the area. This museum features exhibits on the Hopi, Navajo, and Apache cultures, as well as other tribes from around the world.
Art and Music Scene
Jerome Art Walk
The Jerome Art Walk is a fun and unique experience. This event takes place on the first Saturday of every month and features local artists displaying their work in the galleries and shops of Jerome.
Old Town Center for the Arts
The Old Town Center for the Arts is a great place to see live music and performances. This venue hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and dance performances.
Walking Tours
Historic Downtown Walking Tour
The historic downtown area of Camp Verde is a great place to take a walking tour