Camp Verde is the Perfect Base Camp for Sedona and Beyond
In late October we settled at the Verde Ranch RV Resort near Camp Verde, Arizona for two weeks of exploration. We’d never been to this area and I was excited to check out the ever-popular Sedona for shopping, restaurants, hiking, and of course it’s world famous crystals. We couldn’t have nailed our location better as every spot we ventured to was 30 minutes to an hour away and we avoided the packed campgrounds and resorts near Sedona while still enjoying all the area had to offer. Seeking solitude to fish, we explored along Oak Creek and the Page Springs Fish Hatchery. If you have children, we highly recommend a quick stop at the hatchery to feed the fish in their neon blue/green spring water. Bring lots of quarters….the kids will love it!!! Here’s a sneak peek of Oak Creek and it’s beautiful landscape…
Along with this hidden gem, here’s a few other excursions we did over the course of the two weeks at Camp Verde - check out our video for more information!
Day Trip to Sedona, Drive 89A to Flagstaff and explore along the route, eat lunch or an early dinner at the Tiki Grill then travel south on Hwy 17. (BTW the Chef at the Tiki Grill is an award-winning restauranteur who tired of the fine dining scene and just wanted to make good food). HIGHLY Recommend!
Book an INCREDIBLE experience with the majestic wolves at the Sedona Wolf Sanctuary.
Spend a half day hiking Red Rock State Park and bring a lunch for a picnic afterwards.
Day Trip to Cottonwood - start with a in person visit at the Old Town Visitor’s Center or at the very least start looking at their website for information. There’s a lot to see in this pretty little town and too much to list here. Two recommendations for lunch or dinner: a must is the Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria which is a farm to table restaurant with award-winning foods. I had the Grilled Lamb Lollipops which were insanely delicious and Aaron had a pizza which was equally lovely. We love breweries and the Belfry Brewery had excellent offerings as well.
Day Trip to Jerome - go early to find a parking spot as this mighty little town gets crazy busy fast! Check out the Historic Old Jerome High School which is now a sanctuary for local artisans, the Skullatorium: Skull Museum & Oddities Parlor, the Jerome’s Sliding Jail, and spend the day zigzagging through the eclectic shops - be sure to explore every nook and cranny as you’ll find curiosities tucked away in the oddest of places!
Day Trip to Prescott - you MUST visit Watson Lake to see the gorgeous rock formations! Wow! The beautiful downtown Courthouse Square provides a base for the surrounding boutiques and eateries with a memorial to the Granite Mountain Hotshots. If you have more time to explore, drive south along the White Spar Highway (Hwy 89) to the trailhead of the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail. Although strenuous, the memorial adjacent to the highway is worth the trip to honor the heroes that perished.
Watson Lake is stunning!!!
