An official National Geographic Geo-tourism Destination and International Dark Sky Community, Camp Verde, AZ, is home to a lush valley surrounded by scenic highland vistas, two national forests, two wild rivers, a volcano—even an astronaut training site. From its famed white rocks to its intriguing legends and lore, this town offers attractions you can’t find anywhere else in the state of Arizona—or the United States, for that matter.
The exact geological center of the state, Camp Verde, is also the center of exceptional events, activities, and festivals. If you’re wondering where to start, pretty much all of these enchanting occurrences take place within its historic downtown. Begin on our quaint Main Street at the Camp Verde Visitor Center and Historical Society Museum, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and properly introduced to a town that also happens to be one of Arizona’s best kept secrets.
Fall in Camp Verde
Leaf peeping in Arizona: it’s a real thing, and this is the place to do it. Whether you’re a pumpkin-spice proponent or you’re eager for an endless summer, you can both bask in the warm sun and enjoy all the autumn vibes in Camp Verde. While the plentiful opportunities for outdoor adventures could hold your attention throughout your stay, there’s more to fall here than what’s actually falling from our abundant trees. Like these festivals, for example:
Fort Verde Days
For nearly seven decades, the second weekend of October in Camp Verde has meant a community homecoming, a tribute to the town’s acclaimed military post, and an epic parade. Highlights include charming home tours and Indigenous Cultural Dances.
Fort Verde State Historic Park transforms into a hub of historic and cultural activities, with demonstrations suitable for the whole family. You can truly live like a local and eat like a king at this essential fall festival. It just wouldn’t be fall without a chili cook-off—so be sure to save some room for a few bowls after sampling all the food vendors.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
What better time to see a stunning national monument than the equally stunning season of fall? Marvel at well-preserved cliff-dwellings built by the Pre-Columbian Sinagua people around 700 AD at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Several Hopi clans trace their roots to immigrants from this area. European settlers named the monument for the Aztec emperor Montezuma II due to mistaken beliefs that the emperor was somehow connected to its construction.
Winter in Camp Verde
The great thing about those months that end in “-ber” is that when you’re staying in Camp Verde, you don’t feel too much of the “brr.” You will feel the crisp, cool air just enough to cozy up by the fire. Our climate is temperate all year long, so you can enjoy the outdoors without looking like an abominable snowman in the process.
Spring in Camp Verde
The spring season in Camp Verde provides fresh western jimson weed and common yarrow to the already-striking Arizona landscape. Add ideal temperatures to that equation, and you might never want to go back inside. With access to a free-flowing river for canoeing and kayaking, plus hundreds of archaeological and historical sites, you won’t need to.
Pecan and Wine Festival
An officially designated American Viticultural Area, Verde Valley is the place for wine connoisseurs. Every year, during the third weekend in March, Camp Verde hosts the largest wine event in the region. Attend a free pecan festival complete with ticketed wine tastings, local vendors, and live music. Pay homage to the area’s pecan growers and winemakers while reaping so many rewards. You don’t have to be nutty to find your place here, but it sure doesn’t hurt.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Need something to do with the kids during spring break? School might be out, but so is the wildlife. Out of Africa Wildlife Park offers a chance to safely experience the unique thrill of exotic animals in their natural habitats through safaris, tours, observation areas, and educational shows. Feed a tiger; meet a rhino—go ahead, get up close and personal!
Summer in Camp Verde
The arid temperatures combined with the late-summer rainstorms mean Camp Verde feels less like you’re going through the dog days and more like you’ve found your own private desert oasis. Our trails are more secluded, and our grass is actually greener. So what are you waiting for?
Corn Fest
The 3rd Saturday in July is specially reserved for our corn festival. That’s right, you can eat fresh sweet corn grown in Arizona thanks to the illustrious Hauser and Hauser Farms right here in Camp Verde. Think street fair meets farmer’s market meets indoor vendors (read: air conditioning), games, and family-friendly entertainment. See and taste why this sweet corn festival has been a mainstay for over 25 years.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park
Cool off at Arizona’s newest state park, Rockin’ River Ranch, that holds 209 acres of peaceful pastures at the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River. This former ranch is now the ideal hiking and fishing spot, as well as a rich habitat for birds, javelina, deer, and beavers.
If you’re looking for things to do in AZ, you can find almost everything in Camp Verde. What you won’t find here is absurd amounts of traffic, overpriced amenities, clogged trail systems, or tourist traps. Can you imagine? Actually, you don’t have to imagine; just swing on by in winter, spring, summer, or fall. Find more events at visitcampverde.com/calendar
