Planning a family vacation requires finding accommodations that satisfy everyone’s needs while providing a convenient base for exploring local attractions. SureStay by Best Western Camp Verde, located at 1550 AZ-260 Camp Verde, AZ 86322, offers the perfect combination of family-friendly amenities, comfortable accommodations, and strategic location that makes it an ideal headquarters for your Verde Valley adventure. From spacious rooms to nearby attractions that will delight family members of all ages, this welcoming hotel provides everything needed for creating lasting memories together.
SureStay Camp Verde: Your Family Vacation Headquarters
When traveling with family, especially children, the right accommodations can make the difference between a stressful experience and a truly enjoyable getaway. SureStay by Best Western Camp Verde understands the unique needs of family travelers and has designed its facilities and services to address these requirements while maintaining the quality standards that have made Best Western a trusted name in hospitality.
The hotel’s location in the heart of the Verde Valley places families within easy reach of numerous attractions suitable for various ages and interests. Just one hour from Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Prescott, Camp Verde offers a central position for exploring Central Arizona’s diverse recreational opportunities without excessive travel time – a crucial consideration when vacationing with children who may find long car rides challenging.
Beyond its strategic location, SureStay Camp Verde creates a welcoming atmosphere for families from the moment of arrival. The friendly staff understands the specific needs of family travelers and works to ensure a smooth check-in process even after a long journey with tired children. The property’s layout provides ample parking close to room entrances, minimizing the distance for transporting luggage and supplies – another small but significant detail that experienced family travelers appreciate.
The hotel’s commitment to cleanliness takes on special importance for family travelers, who often have heightened concerns about hygiene, especially when traveling with young children. SureStay Camp Verde maintains rigorous cleaning standards throughout the property, creating environments where parents can relax knowing that health and safety priorities align with their own.
Family Accommodations That Work
Successful family travel begins with appropriate accommodations that provide sufficient space and amenities for everyone’s comfort. SureStay by Best Western Camp Verde offers room configurations specifically suited to families of various sizes.
Double Queen Rooms: Space for Everyone
The Double Queen rooms represent the most popular choice for families staying at SureStay Camp Verde. These spacious accommodations feature two queen-sized beds with premium mattresses and linens, comfortably sleeping up to four people. The thoughtful layout ensures adequate space for movement even with multiple occupants, preventing the cramped feeling that can detract from family vacation enjoyment.
Each Double Queen room includes a seating area separate from the beds, providing space for family members to engage in different activities simultaneously. This feature proves particularly valuable during downtime between excursions or during inclement weather when outdoor activities might be limited. Parents especially appreciate having space where children can play or watch television while adults read or plan the next day’s adventures.
The rooms feature individual climate control systems, allowing families to set their preferred temperature regardless of outdoor conditions. This customization helps ensure comfortable sleep for all family members – a crucial factor in maintaining the energy and good spirits needed for active vacation days.
Connecting Room Options for Larger Families
Families traveling with more than four members or those desiring additional privacy can take advantage of connecting room options at SureStay Camp Verde. These arrangements provide the perfect balance between togetherness and personal space, with interior doors allowing movement between rooms without entering public hallways.
Connecting rooms prove ideal for families traveling with teenagers who appreciate having their own space while remaining easily accessible to parents. They also work well for multigenerational travel, allowing grandparents to maintain proximity to grandchildren while enjoying private accommodations for restful nights.
The hotel’s staff can help arrange optimal connecting room configurations based on your family’s specific needs and the ages of children in your party. Advance requests for connecting rooms are recommended, especially during peak travel seasons when these popular options may be in high demand.
In-Room Conveniences for Parents and Kids
All rooms at SureStay Camp Verde include amenities that take on special value for family travelers. The in-room refrigerator allows for storage of milk, juice, snacks, and other child-friendly refreshments, reducing the need for frequent restaurant visits or vending machine trips. Parents of infants particularly appreciate this feature for storing formula or breast milk.
The microwave provided in each room enables simple meal preparation or reheating of leftovers – a convenience that helps manage food costs and accommodates picky eaters who might not adapt easily to restaurant dining for every meal. Many parents use this feature to prepare quick breakfasts before early morning excursions or simple dinners after full days of activities when children may be too tired for restaurant behavior expectations.
Additional family-friendly in-room features include flat-screen televisions with cable channels offering children’s programming, individual reading lights that allow some family members to sleep while others remain awake, and spacious bathrooms with ample counter space for family toiletries. The rooms also feature sufficient electrical outlets for charging the multiple devices that modern family travel typically involves.
Kid-Approved Attractions Near SureStay
The Verde Valley surrounding SureStay Camp Verde offers an impressive array of attractions suitable for families with children of various ages. From wildlife encounters to historical explorations, these destinations provide educational entertainment that creates lasting memories while accommodating shorter attention spans.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park: Animal Encounters
Located just a short drive from SureStay Camp Verde, Out of Africa Wildlife Park consistently ranks among Arizona’s most popular family attractions. Unlike traditional zoos, this 104-acre facility creates immersive experiences that allow children to observe animals in naturalistic habitats and, in some cases, interact with them directly.
The park’s signature Tiger Splash show captivates young visitors as tigers demonstrate natural behaviors through play interactions with trainers. The African Bush Safari tour takes families through expansive habitats in open-air vehicles, creating close encounters with giraffes, zebras, and other African species. These structured experiences hold children’s attention while providing educational content about wildlife conservation and animal behavior.
What particularly distinguishes Out of Africa for family visitors is the emphasis on creating meaningful connections between children and animals. The park’s design and programming acknowledge children’s natural curiosity about wildlife and provide appropriate channels for satisfying this interest through observation and guided interaction.
The park includes amenities specifically designed for family comfort, including shaded rest areas, family restrooms, and dining options with child-friendly menu choices. These practical considerations help ensure positive experiences even for families with very young children or those visiting during warmer months.
Montezuma Castle: Educational Adventures
Montezuma Castle National Monument offers families an accessible introduction to archaeology and Native American history. Located just minutes from SureStay Camp Verde, this well-preserved cliff dwelling provides a tangible connection to the past that helps children conceptualize historical timelines in ways that abstract discussions cannot achieve.
The monument features a self-guided loop trail approximately one-third of a mile in length – perfect for families with younger children who might find longer hikes challenging. The paved, relatively flat path accommodates strollers, making this attraction suitable even for families with infants or toddlers.
The visitor center includes exhibits specifically designed to engage younger visitors, with interactive elements and age-appropriate explanations of the site’s significance. The Junior Ranger program provides additional structure for children’s exploration, with activity booklets that guide observation and learning while offering the reward of an official badge upon completion.
Parents appreciate that a visit to Montezuma Castle can be tailored to different attention spans, with the basic experience requiring as little as 30-45 minutes while still providing meaningful educational content. This flexibility makes the monument an excellent morning activity before returning to SureStay Camp Verde for lunch and pool time, or an afternoon excursion following a morning of more active pursuits.
Verde River: Safe Outdoor Recreation
The Verde River, flowing through Camp Verde, offers family-friendly outdoor recreation opportunities just minutes from SureStay. This perennial waterway provides a natural playground where children can safely experience Arizona’s riparian environments under parental supervision.
For families with older children and teenagers, guided kayaking and tubing excursions provide exciting yet manageable adventures. Several local outfitters offer equipment rentals and shuttle services specifically designed for family groups, with safety instruction and appropriate river sections based on ages and experience levels.
Families with younger children enjoy the riverside parks and picnic areas that allow for water play in shallow sections and wildlife observation along the shoreline. These areas provide natural settings for children to explore while parents relax nearby, creating balanced experiences that satisfy different family members’ needs simultaneously.
The river environment also offers excellent opportunities for environmental education, with visible examples of desert adaptation, water conservation, and ecosystem interdependence. Parents can use these natural classrooms to supplement formal education with hands-on learning experiences that children remember long after vacation ends.
Family Dining Made Easy
Mealtime logistics represent one of the most challenging aspects of family travel, with varying preferences, schedules, and behavior expectations creating potential stress points. SureStay Camp Verde helps address these challenges through its own offerings and convenient access to family-friendly dining options.
Start with Complimentary Breakfast
The complimentary breakfast provided at SureStay Camp Verde offers significant advantages for family travelers. This convenient meal eliminates the need to locate breakfast options before the day’s activities begin – a particularly valuable benefit when traveling with children who may wake hungry and impatient.
The breakfast offerings include options suitable for various preferences and dietary needs, from quick grab-and-go items to more substantial fare. This variety helps accommodate picky eaters while providing the nutrition needed for active vacation days. Parents appreciate being able to ensure their children start the day with appropriate fuel without the expense and time investment of restaurant breakfasts.
The breakfast area’s casual atmosphere accommodates families comfortably, without the behavior expectations that might create stress in more formal dining environments. Parents can focus on helping children with their selections and enjoying the meal together rather than managing restaurant behavior after a night in unfamiliar surroundings.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants Nearby
When mealtime adventures beyond the hotel are desired, SureStay Camp Verde’s location provides easy access to numerous family-friendly dining options. These establishments combine welcoming atmospheres for children with menu offerings that satisfy both young palates and adult preferences.
Several nearby restaurants offer dedicated children’s menus with appropriately sized portions and familiar favorites, often including activities to keep young diners entertained while waiting for food. These establishments understand the unique dynamics of family dining and create environments where parents can relax rather than constantly managing children’s behavior.
Mexican restaurants in the area prove particularly popular with families, as the cuisine typically includes options that appeal to children while offering more complex flavors for adults. The interactive nature of many Mexican dishes, such as build-your-own tacos or fajitas, creates engaging dining experiences that children enjoy.
Pizza establishments provide another reliable option for family meals, with several local pizzerias offering quality ingredients and distinctive preparations that elevate this universal favorite beyond chain restaurant standards. These casual environments accommodate the energy levels and volume that naturally accompany family dining.
Picnic and Take-Out Options
For maximum flexibility, many families staying at SureStay Camp Verde occasionally opt for picnic meals or take-out options enjoyed in their rooms. This approach accommodates irregular schedules, allows for dining combined with outdoor experiences, and provides economical alternatives to restaurant meals.
Several grocery stores and markets near the hotel offer prepared foods and picnic supplies that can be stored in the in-room refrigerator and enjoyed at your convenience. These options prove particularly valuable for families with very young children who may need to eat at times that don’t align with standard restaurant hours.
The Verde Valley’s pleasant climate makes outdoor dining possible during much of the year, with several parks and recreational areas offering picnic facilities. These settings allow children to alternate between eating and playing, creating more relaxed mealtime experiences than formal restaurant environments might permit.
For evenings when everyone is tired after a full day of activities, take-out from local restaurants enjoyed in the comfort of your room at SureStay Camp Verde offers the perfect solution. Children can relax in comfortable clothes while parents avoid the challenges of managing restaurant behavior with overtired young travelers.
Rainy Day and Downtime Activities
While the Verde Valley enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, occasional inclement weather or the need for structured downtime between major activities is inevitable during family vacations. SureStay by Best Western Camp Verde offers several options for these situations, ensuring continuous enjoyment regardless of weather conditions or energy levels.
Indoor Pool Fun for All Ages
The indoor pool at SureStay Camp Verde represents one of the property’s most valuable amenities for family travelers. Unlike outdoor pools that may be unusable during inclement weather or cooler seasons, this climate-controlled facility remains available year-round, providing consistent recreational opportunities regardless of external conditions.
Families particularly appreciate the pool area during late afternoons and evenings, when it offers a perfect activity for children to expend remaining energy before bedtime. Many parents establish a pool routine during their stay, finding that this physical activity helps ensure restful nights even in unfamiliar surroundings.
The pool’s design accommodates various ages and swimming abilities, with features that create enjoyable experiences for everyone from toddlers to teenagers. Parents can relax in the pool area while maintaining visual supervision of their children, creating a balanced experience that meets both adult and child needs simultaneously.
For rainy days, the indoor pool provides a primary activity that prevents the cabin fever that might otherwise develop when outdoor plans require cancellation. Many families report that their children consider pool time a vacation highlight rather than merely a backup plan, making this amenity a central feature of the SureStay Camp Verde experience.
Family Entertainment at Cliff Castle Casino
While casinos might not immediately suggest family-friendly environments, Cliff Castle Casino near SureStay Camp Verde has developed several attractions specifically designed for all ages. These features make the facility a valuable option for family entertainment, particularly during inclement weather.
The casino’s family section includes arcade games and other amusements appropriate for children and teenagers, creating an entertainment center completely separate from adult gaming areas. This thoughtful design allows families to enjoy the facility together while ensuring appropriate environments for different age groups.
Cliff Castle’s bowling center provides another all-ages activity perfect for rainy days or evening entertainment. The center offers bumper bowling options for younger children and regular lanes for older family members, creating inclusive experiences that accommodate various skill levels.
The casino’s restaurants include family-friendly options with children’s menus and casual atmospheres, making it possible to combine entertainment and dining in a single outing. This convenience proves particularly valuable during challenging weather conditions when minimizing transitions between locations becomes a priority.
In-Room Entertainment Options
Sometimes the best family downtime involves simply relaxing together in the comfort of your room at SureStay Camp Verde. The property’s accommodations support these quieter moments with amenities that facilitate shared entertainment experiences.
Each room’s flat-screen television with cable access provides programming options for various ages and interests. Many families establish movie nights during their stay, creating special moments of togetherness between more active adventures. The in-room microwave proves perfect for preparing popcorn for these impromptu film festivals.
The hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi supports streaming services on family devices, expanding entertainment options beyond cable programming. This connectivity also allows for downloading movies or shows before outings to areas with limited cellular service, ensuring entertainment availability throughout your Verde Valley explorations.
For families who enjoy analog entertainment, the spacious room layouts accommodate card games, board games, or other tabletop activities that create screen-free interaction opportunities. Many experienced family travelers pack compact games specifically for these downtime moments, finding that they create some of the most meaningful connections of the vacation experience.
Planning the Perfect Family Itinerary
Creating a well-balanced itinerary represents one of the most significant challenges in family vacation planning. SureStay Camp Verde’s central location in the Verde Valley facilitates itinerary development that accommodates different ages, interests, and energy levels while minimizing travel time between activities.
Age-Appropriate Activity Suggestions
Successful family itineraries acknowledge the different capabilities and interests of various age groups, incorporating activities that provide appropriate challenges and engagement levels for each family member.
For families with preschool-aged children (2-5 years), shorter, more frequent activities with tangible elements work best. Montezuma Castle’s brief walking loop, the petting zoo section at Out of Africa, and short Verde River shoreline explorations provide perfect experiences for this age group. Scheduling these activities in the morning when energy levels are highest, followed by afternoon downtime or pool sessions at SureStay Camp Verde, creates balanced days that prevent overtired meltdowns.
Elementary-aged children (6-12 years) typically enjoy more active and interactive experiences. The full Out of Africa experience, longer hiking trails at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, and guided kayaking on calmer sections of the Verde River provide appropriate challenges and learning opportunities. This age group often appreciates the Junior Ranger programs at national monuments and state parks, which add structure and achievement to their explorations.
Teenagers (13-18 years) seek more adventurous experiences and appreciate activities that acknowledge their growing independence. The Predator Zipline at Out of Africa, more challenging hiking trails, and activities that incorporate social media sharing opportunities typically resonate with this age group. Including teenagers in some aspects of trip planning helps ensure their engagement and creates opportunities for them to develop travel planning skills.
Sample 3-Day Family Itinerary
A well-structured itinerary balances active adventures with necessary downtime, while incorporating variety that addresses different family members’ interests. Here’s a sample three-day itinerary for families staying at SureStay Camp Verde:
Day 1: History and Nature Exploration
- Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, visit Montezuma Castle National Monument when temperatures are mild and crowds are minimal. Participate in the Junior Ranger program if children are interested.
- Lunch: Picnic lunch at Montezuma Well (a detached unit of the monument about 11 miles away), which offers picnic facilities and another short exploration opportunity.
- Afternoon: Return to SureStay Camp Verde for pool time and relaxation.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Camp Verde, followed by a gentle stroll along the Verde River to watch for wildlife at sunset.
Day 2: Wildlife Adventure
- Morning: Early breakfast at the hotel, then spend the morning at Out of Africa Wildlife Park to enjoy animal presentations and the African Bush Safari before peak heat.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the wildlife park’s café.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the wildlife park, perhaps including the Predator Zipline for older children if interest and budget allow.
- Evening: Return to SureStay Camp Verde for pool time, followed by take-out dinner enjoyed in your room and a family movie night.
Day 3: Outdoor Recreation
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park for hiking and fishing (fishing licenses required for those 10 and older).
- Lunch: Picnic lunch at the state park using supplies purchased the previous evening.
- Afternoon: For families with younger children, return to SureStay Camp Verde for pool time. Families with older children might arrange a guided kayaking experience on the Verde River.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at Cliff Castle Casino’s family-friendly restaurant, perhaps followed by bowling to conclude your Verde Valley adventure.
This sample itinerary incorporates variety while maintaining a manageable pace suitable for family travel. The strategic use of SureStay Camp Verde as a consistent base eliminates the stress of changing accommodations while providing familiar surroundings for children between adventures.
Money-Saving Tips for Family Travel
Family vacations represent significant investments, and thoughtful planning can maximize value without sacrificing experience quality. Several strategies help families optimize their Verde Valley vacation budgets while staying at SureStay Camp Verde.
Taking full advantage of the hotel’s complimentary breakfast saves both money and time each morning. For families of four or more, this included meal represents substantial daily savings compared to restaurant breakfasts.
Balancing restaurant meals with picnics and room-based dining using the in-room microwave and refrigerator further reduces food expenses. Many families adopt a pattern of one restaurant meal daily, with simpler self-provided options for other meals.
The America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annually) provides exceptional value for families planning to visit multiple national monuments or parks during their stay. This pass covers entrance fees for Montezuma Castle, Tuzigoot National Monument, and other federal recreation sites throughout the region and nation.
Many attractions offer online discount tickets when purchased in advance, with savings typically ranging from 10-15% compared to gate prices. The hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi facilitates these advance purchases once you’ve confirmed your itinerary.
Visiting major attractions during off-peak times (weekdays, early mornings, or later afternoons) often results in both smaller crowds and potential discount opportunities. SureStay Camp Verde’s central location facilitates this strategic timing by minimizing travel time to attractions, allowing you to arrive early without excessively early wake-up calls.
For families with flexibility in their travel dates, visiting during shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) typically results in lower accommodation rates while still offering excellent weather and full attraction availability. These periods avoid both the peak summer pricing and the larger crowds that accompany school vacation periods.
SureStay by Best Western Camp Verde provides the perfect headquarters for your family’s Verde Valley adventure, combining comfortable accommodations with family-friendly amenities and a strategic location for exploring the region’s diverse attractions. From the indoor pool that delights children of all ages to the spacious rooms that accommodate family dynamics, every aspect of the property supports successful family travel experiences.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended exploration of Central Arizona, SureStay Camp Verde offers the essential elements for creating lasting family memories. Visit www.surestaycv.com or call +1 (928) 274-4424 to book your family’s Verde Valley adventure and discover why so many families return to this welcoming property year after year.
