Spend the Night in Camp Verde
By Roger Naylor
Sure, you can make a day trip to Camp Verde. But with only a few hours to spend you’ll barely scratch the surface of all the sights and activities across the scenery-rich and historic valley. You should plan to spend the night, or better still, several nights. Here are a few options.
Adventure comes easy when you stay at Comfort Inn. They offer a variety of special package deals for visitors wanting to go on safari at Out of Africa Wildlife Park, ride the rails at Verde Canyon Railroad or just saddle up for a horseback ride. Ask about these and other available packages when making reservations. When finished for the day, unwind in a spacious, spotless room with fridge and microwave. Enjoy amenities like in-room coffee, continental breakfast, high-speed wireless Internet and weekday newspapers all at no charge. Just don’t get so comfortable that you forget to take a dip in the pool or hot tub. 340 N. Goswick Way, 928-567-9000, comfortinn.com.
Luxury and romance await visitors just a short drive down a dirt road. Luna Vista Bed & Breakfast is a hidden treasure surrounded by scenic forest and perched near the banks of Beaver Creek between Camp Verde and Sedona. Just far enough off the beaten path to make secluded and rejuvenating retreat, yet right in the heart of the wonders of the area. Whatever type of getaway you’re looking for, hosts Frank and Kala will take care of every detail. With the exquisite rooms, collected artworks and beautifully landscaped grounds you know instantly you’re staying someplace special. Come as guests, stay as friends, return as family. 1062 E. Reay Rd., 800-611-4788, lunavistabandb.com.
With an indoor heated pool and a Dairy Queen right next door, keeping the kids entertained is not a problem at Super 8. Clean rooms and convenient access to all the delights of the Verde Valley make it easy on parents as well. Enjoy free high-speed wireless Internet, a continental breakfast and complimentary coffee service in the lobby around the clock. Local calls are free, too, in case you need to ring Dairy Queen to check on the kids. 1550 W. Hwy. 260, 928-567-2622, super8.com.
How can you not love a hotel that serves you fresh baked cookies every afternoon? That’s a personal touch you don’t find so often anymore, especially at a Days Inn. But that’s just how they roll in Camp Verde. Days Inn also offers high-speed wireless Internet, a complimentary newspaper, continental breakfast and free local calls. There’s also an outdoor pool where you can swim a few laps and work off yummy cookie calories. Ask about one of their suites. 1640 W. Hwy. 260, 928-567-3700, daysinn.com.
Rancho Verde RV Park provides a shady oasis for anglers, birders or anyone who likes to lounge streamside while reading a book or painting a landscape. Hosts Bob and Chris Carpenter take pride in creating a quiet and charming base camp and will gladly help plan your days. They offer 43 sites with 10 pull thrus. Big rigs are welcome and some tent sites are available beside the historic Verde River irrigation ditch, or as Bob and Chris call it, “Crawdaddy Crick.” 1488 W. Horseshoe Bend, 866-567-7037, ranchoverdervpark.com
Located near Clear Creek under a shady canopy makes Zane Grey RV Park a restful and welcome getaway. Trails for hiking and bird watching are close by this adult oriented park and a Beaver Creek Golf Course is just a 3-wood shot away. Well, a 3-wood shot in your dreams. But it’s close enough. The park offers 57 sites with full-hookups, some pull-thrus. Big rigs are welcome. No tents. 4500 E. Hwy. 260, 800-235-0608, zangreyrvpark.com.
With Cliff Castle Casino just across the highway from Distant Drums RV Resort, you’ve got restaurants, entertainment and gaming practically in your lap. Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well are just up the road but all the area attractions are near at hand. There’s a heated pool and Jacuzzi for those looking to unwind without leaving the resort. The immaculate grounds are nicely landscaped. The resort features 158 sites with full hook-ups, including 30/50 amp service and cable TV. Plenty of room for big rigs. 583 W. Middle Verde Rd., 877-577-5507, distantdrumsrvresort.com.
For those looking for a more back-to-nature experience, Clear Creek Campground offers 18 single units and one group site tucked under the sprawling shade of cottonwood trees. Look for the nearby swimming hole. Amenities include cooking grills, picnic tables and vault toilets. Open to tents, motor homes and trailers under 32’. No utility hookups. Red Rock Ranger District, 928-282-4119, redrockcountry.org.
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end of article by Roger Naylor
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