Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Childs Dispersed Camping
Childs Dispersed Camping is located near rugged terrain with rocky landscapes and sparse vegetation. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 100°F in summer. Campers can explore the nearby Verde River and Fossil Creek, both offering opportunities for outdoor activities.
Description
In 1908 the Arizona Power Company began construction of the Childs Power Plant. For more than 90 years, the water of Fossil Creek had been diverted by a system of pipes and flumes from its natural course to power the turbines of the Childs and Irving hydroelectric plants. During this time, Fossil Creek had been reduced to a mere trickle, compared with the normal one million gallons per hour flow once witnessed by early inhabitants of the region.
In 2004, APS, the current owner of the plants, agreed to decommission them and restore the creek to its natural flow. (From "Pine-Strawberry Archeological and Historical Society")
The area is now a very popular dispersed camping area. It sits below the remnants of the old power plant buildings on the edge of the Verde River. A short hike upstream and some wading will get you to the ruins of the Verde Hot Springs, a once famous resort.
Fee Info
Free. There is no fee for dispersed camping at undeveloped camping areas on the Coconino National Forest. There are no amenities at this camping area.
Location
Childs Dispersed Camping is located in Arizona
Directions
Location: About 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde or 86 miles south of Flagstaff off paved and graveled roads some of which are always steep and rough and usually muddy after rains. GPS (Map): 34°20'52.9"N 111°41'50.5"W Access: From the White Bridge in Camp Verde, go east on Hwy 260 6.8 miles to FR 708 (Fossil Creek Road); turn right and go 15 miles to the junction of FR 708 and FR 502. Go south on FR 502 for 6 miles of VERY BAD Road to the Childs Power Plant and the Verde River.
Coordinates
34.35300077 N
111.70200067 W
Detours Nearby
Beaver Creek Oasis
1 hr 9 min away
Dispersed Camping - Rd 6107 near Mogollon Rim
1 hr 9 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Prescott Valley
- 1 hr 51 min from Flagstaff
- 2 hrs 6 min from Phoenix
- 4 hrs 39 min from Lake Havasu City
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Childs Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
