Dispersed camping opportunities near Jerome, Arizona include numerous forested sites along Forest Road 413 on Mingus Mountain with varying terrain and access requirements. North Mingus Mountain Basecamp provides several quiet, spacious sites with cell service at higher elevations, though muddy conditions can follow rain or snow. The roads to these areas require careful driving but most passenger vehicles can navigate them successfully, with campers reporting the primitive roads are manageable even for smaller cars like a Corolla.
What to do
Swim in natural water features: Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers fishing ponds and river access where families can cool off. As one camper notes, "We went down to a little lagoon of water stopped between two dams. The kids were able to splash and play there -- it was just perfect! We went there twice in the 24 hours we were at the park."
Explore historic mining towns: Verde Valley RV Resort serves as a convenient basecamp for touring the area. A visitor explains, "This campground is nestled behind some hills right next to the Verde River. It's a beautiful setting with a huge variety of sites... We spent a week... 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."
Visit local vineyards: Several wineries operate within a short drive of camping areas. A visitor to Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort shared, "We hit a few wineries around the area that were great. Only downside to Lo Lo Mai is they don't provide drinking water spickets like most campgrounds do."
Connect with wildlife: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe native animals. A camper at Dead Horse Ranch State Park reported, "Spent the afternoon watching bluebirds in the trees outside my RV and woke up to cottontail rabbits hopping around."
What campers like
Cooler temperatures at elevation: Mingus Mountain Campground sits at approximately 7,800 feet, offering relief from summer heat. A camper reported, "The temperature in Phoenix, where I live, is supposed to be 116 degrees today. Only 85 at this campground (7800 ft elevation) and only a quick 2 hour drive."
Central location for day trips: Most camping areas serve as good basecamps for regional exploration. A visitor to Potato Patch Campground noted, "Several hiking trails reasonably close, small fishing lake 2 mi. distance, ghost city of Jerome on one side of mountain, Prescott on other. Located at 7K elevation, on winding road."
River access: Campgrounds along Oak Creek and Verde River provide water recreation opportunities. A camper at Rio Verde RV Park shared, "Awesome little park! Set in the middle of everything just about... We were in spot 59 which is by the river and secluded somewhat, although it can be tricky getting in and out of! Tons of wildlife plays around the river with humming birds and other beautiful little creatures!"
Clean bathrooms: Many established campgrounds maintain good facilities. At Rancho Sedona RV Park, a visitor stated, "Great location as you can walk right into Sedona. Very well kept RV park with very clean bathrooms. Sites are spaced out a bit; not as tight as some other RV parks."
What you should know
Roads to dispersed sites: Access to free camping requires caution. A camper at Forest Road 525 advised, "Get ready to go slllloooowww down the forest service road for a while, but the camping is well worth it."
Seasonal availability: Many mountain campgrounds close during winter months. At North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on FR 413, a visitor warned, "If there's rain/snow it is muddy though."
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning. Regarding Verde Ranch RV Resort, a camper noted, "We booked a site on their website and in several places it says UNLESS you pay an extra fee they reserve the right to move you wherever they want. And, we were moved."
Potential for noise: Traffic can be an issue at some sites. At Potato Patch Campground, a visitor complained, "The main road goes through the north end of camp so you get to hear the Street bikes, Harley's and wannabe mountain racers throughout the night flying up and down the mountain!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation amenities: Verde Ranch RV Resort offers numerous family-friendly features. A visitor shared, "This park is absolutely beautiful! It's so clean and the staff is so nice and friendly. The pool and hot tubs were very clean and well maintained. It was so enjoyable and we had a great view of the sunrise!"
Choose shaded sites: Summer temperatures can be extreme in lower elevations. At Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort, one camper recommended, "Our kids loved this place. They have RV sites that can accommodate big rigs with full hookups and also a tent camping area. We stayed in the full hookups up area and we had a lot of space between our RV and the one the next to us. We didn't feel crammed at all. There are lots of trees for shade and very spacious to hang out."
Plan for insect seasons: Some waterfront sites experience seasonal insect issues. At Lo Lo Mai Springs, a visitor warned, "The site they had us at was infested with BITING horseflies... I'm talking like in the hundreds. They were biting our kids and swarming us."
Check playground availability: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. A Dead Horse Ranch visitor noted, "You're not there for the camping... I'm there for everything else the state park offers. They've recently improved the playground for young ones and offer horseback riding as well."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Not all sites provide the same amenities. At Mingus Mountain Campground, a camper warned, "Unfortunately the electric doesn't work anymore so no power to each site. There is water in each loop available."
Driving conditions: RVs require special route planning in this mountainous region. A Verde Ranch RV Resort visitor advised, "Per reviews we read online, be aware if you have a trailer/5th wheel or larger class C to check roads/hwy in and out of Sedona. We drove north on I-17 to the Hwy 179 exit to Sedona."
Accessibility of camping spots: Some areas can be challenging for larger rigs. A Rio Verde RV Park visitor noted, "We were in spot 59 which is by the river and secluded somewhat, although it can be tricky getting in and out of!"
Site selection strategies: At Verde Valley RV Resort, a visitor recommended, "At registration they will give you a map and highlight which spots are open. It can be tough to decide which section to focus on and which spot to pick but overall there will likely be a decent flat spot that you'll have."
