Verde Valley and Verde River offer glamping options that blend comfort with nature in central Arizona. These destinations sit near river access points with developed facilities for comfortable stays near Cordes Junction. Sites range from open-air tents with electricity to deluxe cottages with private bathrooms.
What to do
River activities: Access to the Verde River provides water recreation near Thousand Trails Verde Valley. "The river is nice a small hike from the camp. Great fishing area," notes a camper. Swimming holes and kayaking spots are abundant during warmer months.
Hiking and trails: Many properties connect directly to trail systems. "The entire staff is very friendly and helpful. I can't say we met a bad neighbor either, and most were super nice people," shares a visitor at Verde Valley, where hiking trails start from the property. These paths range from easy walks to moderate difficulty with elevation gains.
Vineyard tours: Several glamping locations sit near Arizona wine country. "A short walk across what the property will find you at Alcantara Winery. It was the perfect place to end our day of exploring the area," reports a Verde Valley camper who appreciated the proximity to local vineyards.
What campers like
Resort-style amenities: Glamping sites include unexpected luxuries not found in traditional camping. At Verde River RV Resort & Cottages, "they have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids! The bathrooms and showers are very nice and clean too!" according to a recent visitor.
River access: Multiple properties feature Verde River frontage. "Staff is very friendly. River access is available at site C which we stayed at and our furbabies loved it!" shares one visitor at Rio Verde RV Park. River sites often include seating areas and shallow entry points for cooling off.
Community activities: Many glamping destinations coordinate regular social events. "The staff and park are always amazing. The sites are level and most have a nice layer of rock on them," states a reviewer who appreciates the organized activities at Rio Verde RV Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book accommodations several months in advance for peak seasons. "We arrived late so it was very dark. The signage was very difficult to see and no one was available to help us find our spot," cautions a camper at Verde Valley, highlighting the importance of arriving during daylight and securing specific site preferences early.
Temperature considerations: Summer heat can be intense at lower-elevation sites. "We'd go back in the fall or spring to hot in the summer," advises a Verde Valley visitor. Temperatures frequently exceed 100°F from June through August, with minimal shade at some glamping locations.
Cell service limitations: Mobile coverage varies significantly between properties. "Internet is almost non-existent. I had a T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon phone, and all were pretty much worthless most of the time," shares a Rancho Sedona RV Park camper, noting connectivity challenges common in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Properties with organized programming provide built-in entertainment. "Great community... Huge and fun camp! They have a lot of amenities that you could just spend a day staying at the resort and never get board... hiking, river access, pool, min golf, etc," comments a Verde Valley visitor describing the family-friendly options available.
River safety: Water levels fluctuate seasonally affecting access and swimming conditions. One visitor at Cave Creek Regional Park notes, "The sites are spacious and spaced well enough apart from each other," providing room for families to spread out equipment and establish a comfortable base for water activities.
Noise considerations: Some glamping sites enforce strict quiet hours for family comfort. "They don't like you coming and going in vehicles after 10 pm, and all lights must be off too... but overall it's a nice place," explains a Rancho Sedona RV Park visitor describing the family-friendly policies that maintain peaceful evenings.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some glamping sites require careful positioning. At Houston Mesa Campground, "Close drive to home and nice setup that makes you feel like you are in the woods. No hookups here at all but nice clean bathrooms to use," shares a visitor noting the natural terrain affects vehicle placement.
Site selection strategy: Premium sites with specific features book quickly. "Spaces are spacious but not all are shaded. Right next to the river," explains one visitor at Verde River Resort, highlighting the importance of researching site-specific amenities before booking.
Arrival timing: Check-in procedures vary between properties. "Next time we will do our best to get there as early as possible (noon is the earliest to check in)... as the spots are first come/first serve," advises a Verde Valley visitor, noting that even with reservations, specific site assignments may depend on arrival order.
