Glamping accommodations near Clarkdale, Arizona range from riverside yurts to full-service resorts nestled in the high desert terrain. The area sits at approximately 3,500 feet elevation in the Verde Valley, experiencing milder temperatures than lower desert regions with summer highs rarely exceeding 100°F. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 30s at night, making the shoulder seasons of spring and fall particularly popular for outdoor stays.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: At Rio Verde RV Park, campers can enjoy direct access to the Verde River. "Set in the middle of everything just about... a short drive to national monuments, Sedona, Jerome and loads of great local food! Tons of wildlife plays around the river with humming birds and other beautiful little creatures," notes Will S., highlighting the diverse ecosystem.
Mountain hiking: Access trails within walking distance of your campsite at Rancho Sedona RV Park. "Walking distance to trails (Hangover trail was our favorite) and restaurants. Can't beat the location. City of Sedona shuttle connect can pick you up directly from campground," reports Daniel Z., noting the convenience of transportation options.
Fishing opportunities: The Verde River and nearby lakes offer fishing experiences for all skill levels. "The river is nice a small hike from the camp. Great fishing area," mentions Fawn C. about Thousand Trails Verde Valley. Dogtown Lake near Williams also provides fishing options just a short drive away.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate room to spread out at Verde River RV Resort. "The spaces are nice and big! We took a cheap space with none of the above, but it was still great! We could see some mountains and enjoyed our view of the trees," shares Melody M., noting the well-designed layout.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the cleanliness of facilities. "Bathrooms are clean and fairly close, dependent on where in park you are located but not a far walk," writes Dave N. about Rancho Sedona RV Park, while another camper mentions the "spotless" laundry facilities at Verde River RV Resort.
Social activities: Many sites organize regular events. "There was so much to do from mini golf, painting classes, live music, dinners, karaoke, and free breakfast 3 days a week," Christina R. shares about Verde River RV Resort, highlighting opportunities for social interaction during longer stays.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can impact comfort at some sites. "We'd go back in the fall or spring to hot in the summer," advises Fawn C., emphasizing the importance of timing your visit to the area.
Reservation systems: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Cave Springs Campground, Victor R. notes, "This campground has tons of sites to choose from many of them a short walk from the creek," but recommends arriving early for the best spots.
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer the same experience. "If you are bringing an RV... ask of the grass sites. They are close to the pool and seem nicer," suggests a Thousand Trails camper, while another mentions, "The sites that are on the outside perimeter of the campground have more privacy than those on the inner loops."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly. "Internet is almost non-existent. I had T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon phone, and all were pretty much worthless most of the time," reports Steve N. about camping near Clarkdale, suggesting visitors plan accordingly for limited connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Look for sites with water features for summer cooling. At Verde River RV Resort & Cottages, one visitor notes, "We love this campground! We have camped here around 5 times and always had a great stay. They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids!"
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated children's programming. "They have activities for kids on the weekends and during holiday months. Very cute and well designed mini golf court," shares Jordan H. about Verde River RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy the local fauna. "Ran into a couple of deer and elk," mentions one camper at Dogtown Lake, while another mentions, "There's a swimming hole on the creek nearby... tons of wildlife plays around the river with humming birds."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campsites require extra preparation. "So unlevel that I ran out of leveling blocks trying to compensate," warns Chris N. about a specific site at Circle Pines KOA, emphasizing the importance of bringing adequate leveling equipment.
RV site access: Consider your vehicle size when booking. "The sites are spacious RV spots with extra room to park your vehicle(if towing). Each spot has a nice concrete slab with a picnic table," notes Patti S., describing the accommodations at Thousand Trails Verde Valley.
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer complete services. "Sites are level and most have a nice layer of rock on them," shares Thomas S. about Verde River RV Resort, adding that passport discount programs can reduce nightly rates to about $20 with full hookups.
