Planning your Camp Verde Arizona adventure opens doors to countless memorable experiences. The beauty of staying at SureStay Camp Verde lies not just in the comfort of your accommodations, but in the incredible variety of activities and attractions waiting just beyond your doorstep. From ancient cliff dwellings to stunning red rock formations, this region offers something special for every type of traveler.
Discover Ancient History at Montezuma Castle
No visit to Camp Verde would be complete without experiencing Montezuma Castle National Monument. This remarkable five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling stands as one of the best-preserved prehistoric structures in North America. Built by the Sinagua people nearly 800 years ago, the dwelling sits nestled into a limestone cliff face 90 feet above the valley floor.
The Montezuma Castle site offers an easy, paved trail that takes visitors along Beaver Creek and provides excellent views of the ancient dwelling. The visitor center features fascinating exhibits explaining Sinagua culture, agricultural practices, and daily life. Early morning visits provide the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds, making it easy to imagine life in this cliff community centuries ago.
Explore Montezuma Well
Just 11 miles from Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well presents another extraordinary Sinagua site. This natural limestone sink, formed by the collapse of an ancient underground cavern, contains over 1.5 million gallons of water that flows continuously at 1,500 gallons per minute. The water maintains a constant 74-degree temperature year-round.
Ancient dwellings dot the rim of the well, and a short trail leads down to the outlet where water flows into a prehistoric irrigation ditch still visible today. The combination of natural wonder and archaeological significance makes this Verde Valley attraction uniquely compelling.
Experience Wildlife at Out of Africa
For family-friendly adventure, Out of Africa Wildlife Park delivers unforgettable encounters with exotic animals. This unique wildlife park focuses on creating natural habitats where animals roam in spacious environments rather than traditional cages. The experience brings visitors remarkably close to lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and numerous other species.
The park’s signature Tiger Splash show amazes audiences as massive tigers dive and play in a large pool, demonstrating their natural swimming abilities. The Predator Feed offers an up-close look at feeding time for the park’s big cats. For an extraordinary experience, the Safari Bus Tour takes guests through the African Bush habitat where animals approach the vehicle, creating photo opportunities you’ll treasure forever.
Adventure Through Sedona’s Red Rocks
Located approximately 20 miles north, Sedona stands as one of Arizona’s most iconic destinations. The things to do near Camp Verde naturally include day trips to experience Sedona’s stunning red rock formations. Starting your Sedona adventures from Camp Verde lodging means avoiding premium accommodation costs while maintaining easy access to all major attractions.
Iconic Hiking Trails
Cathedral Rock ranks among the most photographed landmarks in Arizona. The challenging 1.2-mile trail climbs 740 feet, rewarding hikers with spectacular panoramic views. Bell Rock, another famous formation, offers easier trails suitable for families and provides opportunities to experience Sedona’s renowned vortex sites.
For adventurous spirits, Devil’s Bridge features Arizona’s largest natural sandstone arch. The 4.2-mile round-trip hike culminates in the chance to walk across the bridge itself, though this optional experience isn’t for those uncomfortable with heights. The views across the surrounding red rock country justify every step of the journey.
Sedona’s Arts and Culture
Beyond natural beauty, Sedona boasts a thriving arts community. The Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village recreates a traditional Mexican village atmosphere with galleries, shops, and restaurants. Dozens of galleries throughout Sedona showcase everything from contemporary paintings to Native American jewelry and sculpture.
Step Back in Time in Jerome
The historic mining town of Jerome Arizona clings dramatically to Cleopatra Hill, offering visitors a glimpse into Arizona’s colorful mining heritage. Once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome today attracts artists, historians, and tourists drawn to its unique character and spectacular views.
Jerome’s Attractions
The Jerome State Historic Park, housed in the 1916 Douglas Mansion, tells the story of the town’s mining boom years through excellent exhibits and artifacts. Walking Jerome’s steep streets reveals galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The town’s elevation provides breathtaking views across the Verde Valley to the red rocks of Sedona and beyond.
Ghost tour enthusiasts find Jerome particularly appealing. Several buildings claim paranormal activity, and evening ghost tours explore the town’s spooky reputation. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Jerome’s atmospheric streets and abandoned buildings create an undeniably eerie ambiance after dark.
Savor Verde Valley Wine Country
The Verde Valley Wine Trail has emerged as one of Arizona’s premier wine-tasting destinations. Over 25 wineries and tasting rooms dot the region, many within easy reach of Camp Verde. The area’s unique terroir—high-desert elevation combined with rich volcanic soil—produces distinctive wines that surprise many first-time visitors to Arizona wine country.
Notable Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Cottonwood and Clarkdale serve as the heart of wine country, with multiple tasting rooms clustered in historic Old Town areas. Many Verde Valley wineries occupy repurposed historic buildings, adding character to the tasting experience. From bold Cabernets to refreshing Viogniers, local vintners produce a diverse range of varietals.
Several wineries offer food pairings, live music on weekends, and beautiful outdoor patios overlooking vineyards. The wine tasting experience in Verde Valley combines quality wines with stunning scenery and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere distinct from more pretentious wine regions.
Float the Verde River
The Verde River provides outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year. Kayaking and canoeing along this designated Wild and Scenic River offers peaceful paddling through riparian forests and past dramatic cliff formations. Multiple access points allow for trips ranging from a few hours to full-day adventures.
The river supports remarkable biodiversity, including over 200 bird species. Bald eagles winter along the Verde River, while great blue herons, kingfishers, and numerous duck species inhabit the area year-round. River otters, though shy, occasionally make appearances for lucky observers.
Visit Fort Verde State Historic Park
Fort Verde State Historic Park preserves four original buildings from the 1870s military post that played a crucial role in Arizona Territory history. The fort served as headquarters for military operations during the Indian Wars and later as a staging area for supplies moving to other posts throughout the territory.
Today, visitors can explore the Administration Building, Commanding Officer’s Quarters, Bachelor Officers’ Quarters, and Doctor’s Quarters. Each building features period furnishings and exhibits that bring frontier military life into focus. Living history events held throughout the year feature costumed interpreters demonstrating military drills, period crafts, and daily life activities.
Experience Blazin’ M Ranch
For family entertainment with Western flavor, Blazin’ M Ranch delivers an authentic cowboy experience. This working ranch offers a complete Western evening including a hearty chuck wagon dinner and a musical variety show featuring comedy, singing, and Western entertainment.
Before dinner, guests can explore the ranch’s western town, featuring a shooting gallery, panning for gold, and various shops. The experience provides fun for all ages while celebrating Arizona’s ranching heritage and cowboy culture.
Outdoor Adventures and Recreation
The Camp Verde area provides abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Besides hiking and water activities, the region offers excellent mountain biking trails, horseback riding operations, and scenic drives through diverse landscapes.
Fossil Creek
For adventurous souls willing to navigate rough roads, Fossil Creek represents one of Arizona’s hidden gems. This travertine creek flows crystal clear through a narrow canyon, creating stunning blue-green pools perfect for swimming during warm months. The area requires permits during peak season, and the access road demands high-clearance vehicles, but the reward justifies the effort.
Shopping and Dining Experiences
Old Town Cottonwood offers charming boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants housed in historic buildings. The revitalized downtown area maintains small-town character while providing quality shopping and dining options. Local restaurants serve everything from southwestern cuisine to Italian fare, craft beer, and farm-to-table creations.
The Camp Verde area itself features local eateries serving authentic Mexican food, classic American comfort food, and regional specialties. Many establishments use locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage and commitment to supporting local producers.
Seasonal Activities and Events
The Verde Valley hosts numerous annual events that add extra dimension to visits during specific times of year. The Camp Verde Pecan and Wine Festival celebrates fall harvest season. Jerome’s Home Tour allows visitors inside beautifully restored historic homes. Various towns host car shows, art festivals, and holiday celebrations throughout the year.
Planning Your Daily Adventures
The strategic location of SureStay Camp Verde makes exploring the region remarkably convenient. You can dedicate individual days to different areas—Sedona hiking one day, Jerome exploration another, wine tasting the next—while always returning to comfortable accommodations. This approach maximizes your experience while minimizing the stress of constantly relocating.
Whether your interests lean toward history, outdoor adventure, wine appreciation, or simply experiencing Arizona’s natural beauty, the things to do near Camp Verde Arizona provide weeks worth of potential activities. Each attraction offers unique perspectives on this remarkable region where ancient cultures, pioneer history, and modern attractions blend seamlessly together.
