Glamping in Dewey, Arizona places visitors in Yavapai County at an elevation of around 4,500 feet, where the transition between high desert and pine forest creates mild summer nights compared to the Valley of the Sun. The area receives about 19 inches of annual rainfall, with most precipitation occurring during summer monsoon season when afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly. Campsites near Dewey offer access to the Verde River watershed with several riparian zones providing habitat for diverse wildlife.
What to Do
Fishing and paddleboarding on the river: At Rio Verde RV Park, campers can access the Verde River. "Pretty cool spot right on the rio verde river... Looks like if you had a shuttle car you could probably float the river to or from camp," notes one visitor, highlighting water recreation opportunities not requiring specialized equipment.
Walking trails to wildlife viewing: Verde River RV Resort offers on-property hiking along the river corridor. A visitor mentioned, "You can walk down along the creek and find some peaceful rocks for sitting on to read or contemplate." These access points provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially during morning and evening hours.
Wineries and tasting rooms: The Cottonwood-Cornville area contains multiple wineries within 15-20 minutes of most campgrounds. "Jerome is just up the hill," explains one camper, referencing the historic mining town that now features several tasting rooms. The volcanic soil of the Verde Valley creates distinctive wine growing conditions unlike other Arizona regions.
What Campers Like
Large shade trees: Rancho Sedona RV Park features mature trees that create natural cooling. "An exceptionally well run site... Very shady, and really good sized spaces," reports one camper who appreciated the natural canopy during Arizona's warm months.
River swimming areas: Creeks and rivers provide natural cooling during hot days. A Cave Springs camper noted, "This campground has tons of sites to choose from many of them a short walk from the creek. There's a swimming hole on the creek nearby." These natural water features remain cool even during summer heat.
Proximity to attractions: Most campgrounds serve as convenient base camps for exploring multiple destinations. "Close by is Jerome and Sedona for things to do," explains one visitor, appreciating the central location that allows campers to visit multiple sites without constantly relocating camp.
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Internet connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds in the area. At Thousand Trails Verde Valley, one camper reported, "Internet is almost non-existent. I had T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon phone, and all were pretty much worthless most of the time." Plan accordingly if remote work is necessary.
Seasonal temperature fluctuations: The area experiences significant temperature variations between seasons and day/night. "We'd go back in the fall or spring to hot in the summer," advised one camper, highlighting the preference for shoulder-season visits when daytime temperatures remain more moderate.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds operate first-come-first-served, while others require advance booking. "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," explained a camper, noting that site selection can be competitive during peak seasons.
Tips for Camping with Families
Mini golf and recreational activities: Verde River RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities beyond camping. "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!" shares a regular visitor.
Crawdad catching opportunities: Natural water features provide entertainment beyond swimming. At Dogtown Lake Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Tons of crawfish for the kids to play with, and nice trail!" This activity requires minimal equipment—just a piece of string and some bait can provide hours of entertainment.
Campsite spacing considerations: When camping with children, site selection affects noise and privacy. "The sites that are on the outside perimeter of the campground have more privacy than those on the inner loops," observed a Cave Springs visitor, providing insight for families seeking additional space between neighbors.
Tips from RVers
Driving considerations: Several campgrounds enforce strict speed limits on access roads. One camper at Thousand Trails Verde Valley noted, "The only irritation I had was the speed limits. I understand the reasoning, but getting in and out of the park was a pain just because it took so long to drive 5-10 mph for 1-2 mile stretches."
Site selection strategy: The time of arrival significantly impacts site options. A visitor to Rio Verde RV Park shared, "We stayed almost a week here and our spot had a tree with nice shade. Level easy set up, full hookups and a cement pad out our front door." Arriving midweek often provides better opportunities for premium site selection.
Hookup availability: While glamping accommodations in Dewey typically include power, traditional RV sites offer varying amenities. "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," explains a visitor, highlighting the practical layout designed for larger vehicles.
