Camping cabins near Mayer, Arizona provide a strategic home base at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet where temperatures can be 5-15 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Located along the Verde River corridor, these rental cabins offer proximity to both high desert terrain and pine forests. Cabin availability is highest midweek during spring and fall seasons when fewer visitors compete for reservations.
What to do
Water recreation access: At Thousand Trails Verde Valley, campers can enjoy the Verde River directly from the property. "River access is available at site C which we stayed at and our furbabies loved it! Sedona is only 45 mins from here so an even bigger two thumbs up!" notes Rebecca N.
Horseback riding options: Dead Horse Ranch State Park features trail riding with several outfitters operating from the park grounds. A visitor described additional park activities: "They've recently improved the playground for young ones and offer horseback riding as well. Facilities are always clean."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked fishing areas provide year-round angling near Mayer's cabin accommodations. At Verde River RV Resort & Cottages, the Verde River access points allow for productive fishing. One camper at Dead Horse Ranch noted, "Access to lakes, good fishing trouts."
Jeep trail exploration: Crown King Area provides extensive off-road opportunities for cabin guests who bring vehicles. "Amazing easy dirt road ~27 miles from i17/Bumble bee. Great food and drinks at the crown king saloon and Mimi's Cafe. There are amazing camping areas just past the main town," reports Caitlin S.
What campers like
Creek-side relaxation: Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort cabins position guests directly alongside Oak Creek. "The kids rode bikes all over. There's a store that sells a bunch of stuff," notes a camper named Maura. Another visitor appreciated the natural setting: "We stayed in the full hookups up area and we had a lot of space between our RV and the one next to us. We didn't feel crammed at all."
Pool and hot tub access: Several cabin properties maintain year-round heated pools and hot tubs. A visitor at Verde River RV Resort explained, "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!"
Wine tasting proximity: Many cabin rentals position guests near Verde Valley's growing wine region. A camper at Rio Verde RV Park mentioned, "We loved Rio verde Rv park - close to Sedona but a fraction of the cost of the Rv parks there. We were able to stay for a few nights and took our motorcycle into Sedona to explore."
Wildlife viewing: Cabin properties often feature dedicated wildlife feeding stations and natural habitat. "Spent a few days here last Spring and loved it. The sites were decent. I was lucky to have one with a view but overall the site was decent," shares Gonzo A. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabin properties require advance bookings, especially during peak October-April season. A visitor at Dead Horse Ranch reported, "Just 2 days beforehand, we booked our cabin on the campground website, the official Arizona State Parks site. The process was seamless, and we even got to pick our specific cabin out at no extra cost or fuss."
Temperature variations: Elevation differences create significant temperature swings between properties. "When making a reservation make sure you find spots with shade. Great location to see area towns," advises Rich M. The temperature at Zane Grey RV Village "was consistently 5 degrees below the towns of Camp Verde and Cottonwood," notes Cal B.
Road conditions: Several cabin locations require travel on unpaved roads. A Crown King visitor explains, "Roughly ~26 miles of bumpy dirt roads, steep terrain, switchbacks, and the occasional one vehicle bridge. The main city of Crown King has a general store with essentials and a 1 pump fuel station. Prices are steep so best advised to fill up on gas and supplies before heading up."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some properties. A Rio Verde RV Park guest noted, "There is a bit of road noise but nothing some ear plugs can't help with. Easy access sites with full hookups." Similarly at Verde Valley RV and Camping Resort, "The only irritation I had was the speed limits. I understand the reasoning, but getting in and out of the park was a pain."
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Verify children's programming before booking cabins. At Verde River RV Resort, "They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids!" One family shared, "This is a hidden gem Thousand Trails campground for us. So many amenities. On the weekends they have a wonderful food truck that also serves espresso drinks and fresh pressed juice!"
River access safety: Creek and river depths vary seasonally near cabin properties. Dead Horse Ranch offers controlled water access: "One of the hikes, per suggestion of the ranger, leads 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."
Extra bedding requirements: Most cabin rentals provide only basic mattresses without linens. "Outstanding one night stay at the DHR Cabins. The family had an awesome stay. Cabins right on the river, quiet and spread out enough. Walked and fished the river, so peaceful," shares Spencer A. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Playground access: 50s Diner Backseat Bar & Motel RV Park offers play areas near cabins. "I've parked my camper van here over several weekends. It's mostly geared towards RV and van parking. Location is convenient for highway access and visiting nearby Arcosanti. The 1950's style diner has good food."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request sites away from roadways or common areas. A visitor to Zane Grey RV Village advised, "I like the back of the park where we are so you dont get any road noise, but still there's not much traffic, especially in the evening."
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically between properties. At Verde Valley RV and Camping Resort, one camper noted: "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. We paid $15 for a week of WiFi, but ended up asking for a refund."
Power requirements: Verify electrical amp service before booking cabin sites. "The cabins are old, but were still cozy, with a full kitchen and fire place," reports a visitor at Apple Creek Cottages. At Rio Verde RV Park, "We are full time in our motorhome so we enjoyed having access to the clean bathrooms & showers. It's right by the river and great for cold plunges."
Winter preparations: Cabin heating systems vary widely between properties. At Crown King, a visitor reported: "Been to this area a few time the sites are amazing quiet and beautiful, the trail up is bumpy and fun. The site had a fire pit and in winter everything was covered in snow and just breath taking."
