Arizona is a state that’s blessed with bright and memorable cities and towns. And out of all the towns and cities this state has to offer, Camp Verde is one of the most vibrant and interesting. If you want to spend a day practicing your archery or learning about the Sinagua Indians, then Camp Verde is worth a visit. There are many museums with incredibly detailed collections of aboriginal artifacts and Camp Verde is even home to an exotic wildlife park.
So, if you ever find yourself planning to book a camper rental or a unique hotel in Arizona and stay here for a while, you should consider stopping by this town. After all, there is a very eclectic mix of things to do in Camp Verde, Arizona. Scroll down to find out more.
1. Sip on a delicious red at the Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Clear Creek Vineyard and Wine is one of the Camp Verde attractions you sure don’t want to miss. This is an old vineyard that has been around for almost a decade, and it is a wonderful way to learn about how wine is made.
You can check out the guided tour that takes you through the winemaking process, and end with a trip to the tasting room, where you can sample some of the best wines that this vineyard has to offer. The vistas in this vineyard are truly breathtaking, with beautiful mountains in the backdrop of lush green grapevines. Guests mention that this place has some of the best wines in all of Arizona, and you can even stay here for a few days and try all the wines available here.
Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery
Address: 4053 AZ-260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, United States
Website: Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
2. Go horseback riding with Wild Western Horseback Adventures L.L.C
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Book Your Ride Today (928) 285-2076. Come breathe and let your stresses melt away. Enjoy 60 mile views of the Verde...
Posted by Wild Western Horseback Adventures LLC on Thursday, July 19, 2018
Arizona is known for its rural lifestyle as well as beautiful horse farms. The Wild Western Horseback Adventures LLC is an amazing place for horse lovers, where you can interact with all the horses and other animals on the farm. You can also go on horseback rides with your private guide who will take you to some of the most amazing desert vistas where you have a chance to see wildlife such as giraffes and zebras. Whether you are traveling in a large group or just with your partner, there is a private horseback ride available for your needs.
Wild Western Horseback Adventures L.L.C.
Address: 3885 Old Hwy 279, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, United States
Website: Wild Western Horseback Adventures L.L.C.
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
3. Go on a kayaking adventure along the Verde River
The Verde River is the highlight of Camp Verde, and it is a tributary of the Salt River that travels through Arizona. With a plethora of native flora and fauna growing along the banks of this river, it is a truly lovely experience if you wish to go for a boat ride, river rafting, or kayaking along the river. You can get all the kayaking and boating equipment you need as well as a free shuttle to and from your hotel or accommodation. This river is like a cool oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert land, and you are sure to enjoy it thoroughly.
Verde River
Address: Rio Verde, Arizona, US
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Immerse yourself in history at the Camp Verde Historical Society
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Camp Verde Visitor Centre, also known as Camp Verde Historical Society, is a relatively small but very informative museum, comprising two rooms filled with amazing artifacts pertaining to the history and culture of Camp Verde. You can find plenty of Native American exhibits and artwork as well as sculptures and pottery work dug up in archaeological sites out in the Arizonan desert.
Visiting Camp Verde Historical Society is one of the best free things to do in Camp Verde, Arizona. But though that’s the case, you should consider leaving a small donation for its contribution to maintaining Camp Verde’s rich history.
Camp Verde Historical Society
Address: 435 S Main St, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Grab a refreshing breakfast at JT's Bistro
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by JT's Bistro on Sunday, January 3, 2021
Offering an upscale and private dining experience in Camp Verde, JT Bistro is a classic American steakhouse restaurant that showcases the special delicacies created by the award-winning Chef John. Featuring a vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian range of options for guests who have special dietary needs, this restaurant ensures that you are very well taken care of. Enjoy classic American and Continental cuisine with meals such as fish ‘n’ chips, ricotta ravioli, the BLT sandwich, and classic Southern sweet iced tea. The atmosphere is casual and relaxing, and they play great music here.
JT's Bistro
Address: 348 S Main St, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, United States
Website: JT’s Bistro
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm
6. Take Insta-worthy pictures at the World's Largest Kokopelli
This huge statue of the Kokopelli, a Navajo Native American god of wealth and fertility, is a landmark in Camp Verde, and it is frequented by tourists and locals alike. You can see this large statue from a huge distance because of its height, and it is a great place to take some wonderful pictures. Once, the building behind this statue used to be a Krazy Kokopelli Trading Post, but it has since been converted into a coffee shop and restaurant where you can grab a quick meal while here.
World's Largest Kokopelli
Address: 1620 AZ-260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Buy unique antiques at Sweet Pea Trading
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Sweet Pea Trading on Monday, December 21, 2020
If you are a fan of antiques and love collecting vintage antiques, head over to Sweet Pea Trading for some amazing deals on all kinds of antiques including home furniture, décor items, apparel, jewelry, gift items, and more. Sprawling over 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) of space filled with antiques, you are sure to find something to suit your taste. In addition, it can be a rewarding experience to upcycle and reuse something that was loved by its previous owner, and it is environmentally-friendly as well.
Sweet Pea Trading
Address: 437 W AZ-260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, United States
Website: Sweet Pea Trading
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
8. Visit the animals at Out of Africa Wildlife Park
You don’t need to travel all the way to Africa to go on a safari. Instead, you can take a trip to Camp Verde, Arizona and visit the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. You can feed the tigers through a fence with tongs, so it’s entirely safe. Visitors can take a bus ride through the park and see herds of wild mammals like zebras and giraffes.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Address: 3505 West State Route 260, 86322 Camp Verde, AZ
Website: Out of Africa Wildlife Park
9. Feel the thrill of ziplining with Predator Zipline Tours
The Out of Africa Wildlife Park has another destination you may want to check out when you’re in Camp Verde, but only if you are feeling adventurous. Predator Zipline Tours offers zipline rides right over the wildlife park, so you can get your thrills that way if you are too nervous to feed one of the tigers. The zipline is fast and exciting and you get a phenomenal aerial view of the wildlife park.
Predator Zipline Tours
Address: 3505 SR-260, Camp Verde, AZ
Website: Predator Zipline Tour
10. Explore the historic Montezuma Castle National Monument
Exploring the Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the many Camp Verde activities that you must partake in, simply because this is an experience that’s unique to this town.
The Montezuma Castle National Monument is a historic monument that you can take a hike through. It’s a must-see destination in Camp Verde. Here you can learn about the history of the Sinagua Indians and how they lived on the cliff sides on the mountains in the region. It’s one of the most exciting and interesting ruins in Arizona, so don’t miss your chance to visit this local hotspot. There are park rangers on site to guide you and help you learn about the area, too.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Address: 2800 Montezuma Castle Hwy, 86322 Camp Verde, AZ
Website: Montezuma Castle National Monument
11. Stay at Cliff Castle Casino and Hotel (from USD 139)
Perhaps historic sites and hiking aren’t really your thing. Maybe you get your thrills from putting your hard earned money on the line and doing some gambling. The Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde is one of the best Indian casinos in the state. It doesn’t matter whether your game is blackjack, slots, craps, video poker or roulette. This casino has it all. There is also the Storytellers Steakhouse in the casino, and it’s a great place to dine and spend some of your winnings.
Cliff Castle Casino and Hotel
Address: 555 Middle Verde Road, 86322 Camp Verde, AZ
Website: Cliff Castle Casino and Hotel
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel
Address: 555 Middle Verde Road
2.57 km (1.6 mi) from Montezuma Castle National Monument
12. Visit Fort Verde State Park
A visit to this state park is like traveling back in time. There are historic guided tours and even historic recreations and actors. This is where you should go if you want to learn about the Indian Wars period of Arizona’s history. The park won the 2015 Arizona Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award, so you know it’s good.
Fort Verde State Park
Address: 125 E Hollamon St, 86322-7100 Camp Verde, AZ
Website: Fort Verde State Park
13. Practice your shot at Copper Star Shooting Range
If you’re a gun and ammo enthusiast, then you absolutely have to check out this top-notch shooting range. There is nothing more American than shooting a bunch of huge and powerful weapons. This destination has been ranked the number one shooting range in all of Arizona, and the staff also offers training and safety courses. If you aren’t into firearms, you can also take part in archery at the range.
Copper Star Shooting Range
Address: 3535 W Sharp Shooter Way, 86322-7972 Camp Verde, AZ
Website: Copper Star Shooting Range
14. Go shopping at Hauser and Hauser Farmers Market
If you are staying in the Camp Verde region you should be sure to stop by the Hauser and Hauser Farmers Market. There are plenty of organic and locally sourced foods available for you to buy. This is a must visit if you plan on saving money and cooking your meals at home instead of eating out. Some of the best corn in the entire country, let alone the state, can be found at this farmers market.
Hauser and Hauser Farmers Market
Address: 652 N Montezuma Castle Hwy, 86322-7441 Camp Verde, AZ
Website: Hauser and Hauser Farmer’s Market
15. Step back in time at Verde Valley Archeology Center
This museum has a wealth of archeological finds, some of which date back to the Paleo Indian era. The museum has free admission and tours are also available. You are also free to explore the museum at your own pace. A small gift shop is on site, too. The Museum curators work with American Indians, cultural groups and the local community to offer a top-notch experience for visitors.
Verde Valley Archeology Center
Address: 385 S Main St, Camp Verde, AZ
Website: Verde Valley Archeology center
History and adventure await you in Camp Verde
Camp Verde, Arizona offers so many exciting destinations to choose from. You can learn about the history and culture of the area by visiting a local museum or state park. If you want to do something that will get your heart pumping then a zipline tour or a visit to the exotic wildlife park may be a better choice. Families and solo travelers can experience many fun activities in the region. You won’t ever feel bored if you decide to take a trip to this worthwhile Arizona town. See for yourself.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Camp Verde, Arizona
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