RV Parks In Camp Verde, Arizona
34.5636° N, 111.8543° W
Quick Overview
Camp Verde sits right on I-17 in the middle of Arizona's Verde Valley, which makes it one of the smartest RV bases in the state. You're at 3,150 feet, so it's far milder than the Phoenix furnace below, and you're a short drive from Sedona's red rocks, the cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle, and one of Arizona's few year-round rivers running green right through town. We rate it highly because it does double duty: a destination in its own right for the river and the history, and a comfortable, affordable launch pad for day trips up to Sedona and beyond without paying Sedona's prices or fighting its parking.
The camping here punches above the town's size. On the private side, Camp Verde is home to Verde Ranch RV Resort, a 389-site full-hookup resort right off the interstate that has been voted one of the best campgrounds in the country, plus Verde River RV Resort with shaded sites right on the water and smaller parks like Zane Grey RV Village. For public land, Dead Horse Ranch State Park in neighboring Cottonwood is the anchor, with over a hundred sites, electric and water hookups, pull-throughs up to 65 feet, a dump station, and lagoons and river trails out the door. The surrounding national forest adds free dispersed camping.
Access is about as easy as Arizona gets. I-17 runs right through Camp Verde at exit 287, the resort pads are long and level, and big rigs have no trouble, aside from the long grades climbing out of the valley north and south. The weather is the draw: hot but bearable in summer, gorgeous in spring and fall, and mild enough in winter to make a comfortable base. Watch the July to September monsoon storms. Staying a while and need to empty your tanks? See our companion guide to RV dump stations in Camp Verde.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Camp Verde
No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!
From the RVingLife Shop
Gear for Your Trip to Camp Verde
All Dump Stations Near Camp Verde
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verde Ranch RV Resort | 2.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Contact station |
| Krazy K RV Park | 2.7 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rancho Verde RV Park | 3.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Distant Drums RV Resort | 3.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Zane Grey RV Village | 5.6 mi | 4.8 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Monarch Ridge RV Park | 6.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sedona View RV Resort | 8.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Thousand Trails Verde Valley | 8.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rio Verde RV Park | 13.3 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Turquoise Triangle RV Park | 13.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Verde Ranch RV Resort
2.3 miKrazy K RV Park
2.7 miRancho Verde RV Park
3.1 miDistant Drums RV Resort
3.5 miZane Grey RV Village
5.6 miMonarch Ridge RV Park
6.5 miSedona View RV Resort
8.4 miThousand Trails Verde Valley
8.9 miRio Verde RV Park
13.3 miTurquoise Triangle RV Park
13.6 miTraveling to Camp Verde by RV
Camp Verde's biggest advantage is location: it sits right on I-17 at exit 287, almost exactly halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff, which makes it an easy arrival from either direction. The interstate access means big rigs roll right in without navigating tight town roads, and the long pull-through pads at the resorts make setup simple. The one thing to plan for is the grade: I-17 climbs long, steady hills out of the valley both north toward Flagstaff and south toward Phoenix, so take the downgrades slow and watch your engine temperature on the climbs.
From your base, AZ-260 connects to Cottonwood and the Verde Valley wine country, while AZ-179 carries you up into Sedona's red rock country, a 25-mile day trip. Fuel is easy and truck-friendly right off the interstate, and you'll find groceries in Camp Verde with full shopping in Cottonwood. For the public option, Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a short drive over in Cottonwood, set along the Verde River with easy roads in. Check road and fire conditions in summer monsoon season.
Useful Links
Find additional dump stations near Camp Verde
Browse RV parks and campgrounds in Arizona
Helpful articles for RV travelers
Navigate to Camp Verde, AZ
National Weather Service forecast
Recreation.gov campground search
Find emergency medical care nearby
Find grocery shopping nearby
Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Camp Verde, Arizona, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Camp Verde
Camp Verde camping covers a wide range. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is the value pick, with hookup sites around $50 a night and non-hookup sites about half that, a solid deal for a riverside state park with full amenities. The private resorts cost more, especially the big destination resort with its pool, cabins, and packed amenities, where peak-season nightly rates run well above the state park. Smaller private parks land in between.
As usual, length of stay is the lever. The resorts offer weekly and monthly rates that bring the per-night cost down sharply, which is why Camp Verde works well as a mild-winter base or an extended Sedona-area stay. The cheapest option of all is free dispersed camping in the surrounding national forest, though you give up hookups, water, and the river-bottom setting. Budget for fuel given the I-17 grades and the day-trip miles up to Sedona, plus the small entry fees at Montezuma Castle and the state parks. The shoulder seasons offer the best weather-to-value balance.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Camp Verde
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Best Time to Visit Camp Verde by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
32°F - 62°F
Crowds: Medium
Mild sunny days, cold nights; a comfortable winter base. Most parks stay open; Sedona snow is occasional.
Spring
Mar - May
48°F - 80°F
Crowds: High
Ideal weather and a green river; peak for Sedona day trips. Book the state park and resorts early.
Summer
Jun - Aug
65°F - 98°F
Crowds: Medium
Hot but milder than Phoenix; the river draws crowds. Monsoon storms July to September; camp higher for relief.
Fall
Sep - Oct
50°F - 82°F
Crowds: High
Warm, clear, and quiet after summer; golden cottonwoods along the river. Great camping weather.
Explore the Camp Verde Area
The smartest play in the Verde Valley is using Camp Verde as your Sedona base. You get the red rocks, the hiking, and the wineries on day trips up AZ-179 and AZ-260, then come back to cheaper, less crowded camping at night, which beats fighting Sedona's prices and packed trailheads. Montezuma Castle is five minutes off the interstate and worth the quick stop, and the year-round Verde River means kayaking and fishing right in town.
Book ahead in the good seasons. Spring and fall are the sweet spot for weather, which means Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the popular resorts fill on weekends, so reserve early. To beat the summer heat, either camp in the cooler national forest up above town or stick to spring and fall entirely; the valley still tops 95 in July. Fuel right off I-17 since it's the easiest stop on the Phoenix-to-Flagstaff run, and keep an eye on monsoon storms from July through September, which bring flash floods to the washes and quick downpours.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in Arizona
RV Tips & Articles
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Camp Verde
What are the best RV parks in Camp Verde?
Camp Verde has standout options for its size. Verde Ranch RV Resort is the big draw, a 389-site full-hookup resort right off I-17 with a pool, cabins, and glamping that has been voted one of the best campgrounds in the country. Verde River RV Resort offers shaded full-hookup sites directly on the Verde River, and Zane Grey RV Village is a convenient smaller park. For public camping, Dead Horse Ranch State Park in neighboring Cottonwood is the anchor, with electric and water sites, pull-throughs to 65 feet, and river trails. Your pick depends on whether you want resort amenities or a state-park setting.
Does Dead Horse Ranch State Park have hookups?
Yes. Dead Horse Ranch State Park, just over in Cottonwood, offers more than a hundred sites, most of them RV-accessible with electric and water hookups at 30 and 50 amp, plus a dump station for everyone. Many of the pull-through sites are long, accommodating 40-foot motorhomes and truck-and-trailer rigs up to 65 feet. Fees run about $50 a night for a hookup site and roughly $25 for a site without hookups. The park is popular and weekend sites can be hard to get in spring and fall, so reserve early through Arizona State Parks if you want a hookup spot.
How much does RV camping cost in Camp Verde?
It spans a wide range. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is the value option at around $50 a night for hookups and about half that without. The private resorts cost more, with the large destination resort running well above the state park in peak season thanks to its pool, cabins, and amenities, while smaller parks land in between. Weekly and monthly rates at the private parks bring the per-night cost down significantly for longer stays. The cheapest option is free dispersed camping in the surrounding national forest, though you give up hookups and the river setting entirely.
Is Camp Verde a good base for visiting Sedona?
It is one of the best. Camp Verde sits about 25 miles from Sedona via AZ-260 and AZ-179, close enough for easy day trips but far enough to avoid Sedona's high camping prices, packed trailheads, and tight parking. You can base in a comfortable full-hookup resort or the state park, then drive up to hike the red rocks, tour the wineries, and explore the galleries, returning to quieter, cheaper camping at night. Many RVers do exactly this. Camp Verde also puts you close to Montezuma Castle, Jerome, and the Verde Canyon Railroad, so there is plenty to fill a week.
How far ahead should I reserve a campsite in Camp Verde?
For spring and fall weekends, book well ahead, because the great weather makes those the busiest times and Dead Horse Ranch State Park plus the popular resorts fill quickly. The award-winning destination resort can book months out for peak dates. Summer and winter are easier, with more midweek availability, though winter draws some mild-climate seekers and summer pulls river crowds. As a rule, reserve a month or more out for any spring or fall weekend, and you can often find space just days ahead for midweek stays in the off-peak stretches.
When is the best time to RV camp in Camp Verde?
Spring and fall are ideal, with warm, clear days, cool nights, and the green Verde River bottom at its best, plus perfect conditions for Sedona day trips. Summer is hot, topping 95 in the valley, though far milder than Phoenix at this elevation, and the river draws crowds; just plan around the July-to-September monsoon storms or camp higher in the national forest for relief. Winter is mild and sunny by day with cold nights, making Camp Verde a comfortable base for snowbirds who want a drier, higher-desert alternative to the southern Arizona parks.
Can big rigs camp in Camp Verde?
Yes, very easily. Camp Verde sits right on I-17, so big rigs roll straight in without navigating tight town roads, and the private resorts have long, level pull-through pads built for large rigs. Dead Horse Ranch State Park has pull-through sites accommodating 40-foot motorhomes and truck-and-trailer combinations up to 65 feet. The only thing to plan for is the long I-17 grades climbing out of the valley both north toward Flagstaff and south toward Phoenix, so take the downgrades slowly and watch your engine temperature on the climbs. Otherwise this is low-stress big-rig country.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Camp Verde?
Yes. The surrounding Coconino and Prescott National Forests offer free dispersed camping in the hills around the Verde Valley, away from the river corridor, with no services and a standard stay limit. You will need to arrive self-contained with full fresh water and pack out everything, and you should always check current fire restrictions, which are common in the dry months. Some campground sites in the area are first-come as well. For most RVers wanting hookups and amenities, the realistic budget plan is Dead Horse Ranch State Park rather than boondocking, but the forest option is there.
Is there a dump station in Camp Verde?
Yes. Dead Horse Ranch State Park has a dump station available to campers, and the private full-hookup resorts in Camp Verde let you dump at your site. Since most of the area parks offer hookups, dumping is rarely a problem here. If you are dry camping in the national forest, plan your route to use the state park dump station or a private park before heading out on I-17. For a full rundown of where to empty your tanks in the area, see our companion guide to RV dump stations in Camp Verde linked from this page, and top off fresh water at the same stop.
What is there to do while camping in Camp Verde?
A surprising amount. Montezuma Castle National Monument, a remarkably preserved cliff dwelling, sits five minutes off the interstate, and Fort Verde State Historic Park preserves an 1870s Army fort in town. The year-round Verde River offers kayaking, fishing, and the scenic Verde Canyon Railroad nearby. The big draw is the day-trip access: Sedona's red rocks and hiking, the historic mining town of Jerome, and the Verde Valley wine trail are all close. Add the Out of Africa wildlife park and miles of national forest trails, and Camp Verde fills a week easily without long drives.
How do I get to Camp Verde with an RV?
Camp Verde is easy to reach because it sits right on I-17 at exit 287, almost exactly midway between Phoenix and Flagstaff. From Phoenix, head north on I-17 about 90 minutes; from Flagstaff, come south about 45 minutes. The interstate access means no tight town roads to navigate, and the resorts are right off the highway with long pull-through pads. The main planning point is the long, steady I-17 grades into and out of the valley, so manage your speed and engine temperature. Fuel is easy and truck-friendly right at the Camp Verde exits.
Are the campgrounds open year-round in Camp Verde?
Largely yes. Unlike high-country Arizona destinations that close under snow, Camp Verde's mild 3,150-foot elevation keeps both Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the private resorts open year-round. Winter days are sunny and mild, nights drop near freezing, and occasional snow dusts the area but rarely sticks long in the valley. This year-round access is part of what makes Camp Verde a good mild-winter base. Just bring cold-weather gear for the chilly nights and a working furnace if you camp December through February, and confirm holiday hours with smaller parks.
Are pets allowed at Camp Verde RV parks?
Generally yes. The private resorts in Camp Verde are typically pet-friendly, and Dead Horse Ranch State Park allows leashed pets in the campground and on its trails, including the river and lagoon loops that make for great dog walks. Always confirm any breed, size, or number limits with the specific park when you book. The mild spring, fall, and winter weather makes Camp Verde comfortable for traveling with pets, but summer heat is a real concern, so carry water, walk in the cool hours, and never leave an animal in a hot rig. Clean up after your dog on the trails.
What are the best RV parks in Camp Verde?
Camp Verde has standout options for its size. Verde Ranch RV Resort is the big draw, a 389-site full-hookup resort right off I-17 with a pool, cabins, and glamping that has been voted one of the best campgrounds in the country. Verde River RV Resort offers shaded full-hookup sites directly on the Verde River, and Zane Grey RV Village is a convenient smaller park. For public camping, Dead Horse Ranch State Park in neighboring Cottonwood is the anchor, with electric and water sites, pull-throughs to 65 feet, and river trails. Your pick depends on whether you want resort amenities or a state-park setting.
Does Dead Horse Ranch State Park have hookups?
Yes. Dead Horse Ranch State Park, just over in Cottonwood, offers more than a hundred sites, most of them RV-accessible with electric and water hookups at 30 and 50 amp, plus a dump station for everyone. Many of the pull-through sites are long, accommodating 40-foot motorhomes and truck-and-trailer rigs up to 65 feet. Fees run about $50 a night for a hookup site and roughly $25 for a site without hookups. The park is popular and weekend sites can be hard to get in spring and fall, so reserve early through Arizona State Parks if you want a hookup spot.
How much does RV camping cost in Camp Verde?
It spans a wide range. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is the value option at around $50 a night for hookups and about half that without. The private resorts cost more, with the large destination resort running well above the state park in peak season thanks to its pool, cabins, and amenities, while smaller parks land in between. Weekly and monthly rates at the private parks bring the per-night cost down significantly for longer stays. The cheapest option is free dispersed camping in the surrounding national forest, though you give up hookups and the river setting entirely.
Is Camp Verde a good base for visiting Sedona?
It is one of the best. Camp Verde sits about 25 miles from Sedona via AZ-260 and AZ-179, close enough for easy day trips but far enough to avoid Sedona's high camping prices, packed trailheads, and tight parking. You can base in a comfortable full-hookup resort or the state park, then drive up to hike the red rocks, tour the wineries, and explore the galleries, returning to quieter, cheaper camping at night. Many RVers do exactly this. Camp Verde also puts you close to Montezuma Castle, Jerome, and the Verde Canyon Railroad, so there is plenty to fill a week.
How far ahead should I reserve a campsite in Camp Verde?
For spring and fall weekends, book well ahead, because the great weather makes those the busiest times and Dead Horse Ranch State Park plus the popular resorts fill quickly. The award-winning destination resort can book months out for peak dates. Summer and winter are easier, with more midweek availability, though winter draws some mild-climate seekers and summer pulls river crowds. As a rule, reserve a month or more out for any spring or fall weekend, and you can often find space just days ahead for midweek stays in the off-peak stretches.
When is the best time to RV camp in Camp Verde?
Spring and fall are ideal, with warm, clear days, cool nights, and the green Verde River bottom at its best, plus perfect conditions for Sedona day trips. Summer is hot, topping 95 in the valley, though far milder than Phoenix at this elevation, and the river draws crowds; just plan around the July-to-September monsoon storms or camp higher in the national forest for relief. Winter is mild and sunny by day with cold nights, making Camp Verde a comfortable base for snowbirds who want a drier, higher-desert alternative to the southern Arizona parks.
Can big rigs camp in Camp Verde?
Yes, very easily. Camp Verde sits right on I-17, so big rigs roll straight in without navigating tight town roads, and the private resorts have long, level pull-through pads built for large rigs. Dead Horse Ranch State Park has pull-through sites accommodating 40-foot motorhomes and truck-and-trailer combinations up to 65 feet. The only thing to plan for is the long I-17 grades climbing out of the valley both north toward Flagstaff and south toward Phoenix, so take the downgrades slowly and watch your engine temperature on the climbs. Otherwise this is low-stress big-rig country.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Camp Verde?
Yes. The surrounding Coconino and Prescott National Forests offer free dispersed camping in the hills around the Verde Valley, away from the river corridor, with no services and a standard stay limit. You will need to arrive self-contained with full fresh water and pack out everything, and you should always check current fire restrictions, which are common in the dry months. Some campground sites in the area are first-come as well. For most RVers wanting hookups and amenities, the realistic budget plan is Dead Horse Ranch State Park rather than boondocking, but the forest option is there.
Is there a dump station in Camp Verde?
Yes. Dead Horse Ranch State Park has a dump station available to campers, and the private full-hookup resorts in Camp Verde let you dump at your site. Since most of the area parks offer hookups, dumping is rarely a problem here. If you are dry camping in the national forest, plan your route to use the state park dump station or a private park before heading out on I-17. For a full rundown of where to empty your tanks in the area, see our companion guide to RV dump stations in Camp Verde linked from this page, and top off fresh water at the same stop.
What is there to do while camping in Camp Verde?
A surprising amount. Montezuma Castle National Monument, a remarkably preserved cliff dwelling, sits five minutes off the interstate, and Fort Verde State Historic Park preserves an 1870s Army fort in town. The year-round Verde River offers kayaking, fishing, and the scenic Verde Canyon Railroad nearby. The big draw is the day-trip access: Sedona's red rocks and hiking, the historic mining town of Jerome, and the Verde Valley wine trail are all close. Add the Out of Africa wildlife park and miles of national forest trails, and Camp Verde fills a week easily without long drives.
How do I get to Camp Verde with an RV?
Camp Verde is easy to reach because it sits right on I-17 at exit 287, almost exactly midway between Phoenix and Flagstaff. From Phoenix, head north on I-17 about 90 minutes; from Flagstaff, come south about 45 minutes. The interstate access means no tight town roads to navigate, and the resorts are right off the highway with long pull-through pads. The main planning point is the long, steady I-17 grades into and out of the valley, so manage your speed and engine temperature. Fuel is easy and truck-friendly right at the Camp Verde exits.
Are the campgrounds open year-round in Camp Verde?
Largely yes. Unlike high-country Arizona destinations that close under snow, Camp Verde's mild 3,150-foot elevation keeps both Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the private resorts open year-round. Winter days are sunny and mild, nights drop near freezing, and occasional snow dusts the area but rarely sticks long in the valley. This year-round access is part of what makes Camp Verde a good mild-winter base. Just bring cold-weather gear for the chilly nights and a working furnace if you camp December through February, and confirm holiday hours with smaller parks.
Are pets allowed at Camp Verde RV parks?
Generally yes. The private resorts in Camp Verde are typically pet-friendly, and Dead Horse Ranch State Park allows leashed pets in the campground and on its trails, including the river and lagoon loops that make for great dog walks. Always confirm any breed, size, or number limits with the specific park when you book. The mild spring, fall, and winter weather makes Camp Verde comfortable for traveling with pets, but summer heat is a real concern, so carry water, walk in the cool hours, and never leave an animal in a hot rig. Clean up after your dog on the trails.
Are there free dump stations in Camp Verde?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Camp Verde.
All Dump Stations Near Camp Verde (51)
RV ParkVerde Ranch RV Resort
RV ParkKrazy K RV Park
RV ParkRancho Verde RV Park
RV ParkDistant Drums RV Resort
RV ParkZane Grey RV Village
RV ParkMonarch Ridge RV Park
RV ParkSedona View RV Resort
RV Park



