Camping near Rimrock, Arizona offers numerous options within a 30-minute drive radius. Located at 3,500 feet elevation, the Verde Valley creates a transition zone between desert landscapes and mountain forests, producing milder temperatures than Phoenix while maintaining warm days for most of the year. Water access is limited during summer months when seasonal creeks often run dry.
What to do
Creek exploration: 15-minute drive to Oak Creek Canyon. Cave Springs Campground provides convenient access to water recreation during warmer months. "A short walk gets you to the creek (it is a creek not a river but still nice to put your feet in and cool down). Despite the crowds, a lot of the campgrounds are decent size and even if not secluded give you some space," notes Mike H.
Rim hiking: Access trails directly from campgrounds. Thousand Trails Verde Valley offers multiple hiking options without driving. "The off leash dog park, pickleball court, and hot tub/pool are just a few to name that we use! On the weekends they have a wonderful food truck that also serves espresso drinks and fresh pressed juice!" shares Brodie D.
Town exploration: Visit historic mining sites. Rio Verde RV Park puts you centrally between several historic towns. "Just off the Verde River, there is plenty of shade and when we visited the dirt lot at the entrance was turned into a food truck rally, complete with seating, music, and lawn games," according to Candy P.
What campers like
Nighttime ambiance: Evening quiet hours create peaceful atmosphere. Rancho Sedona RV Park maintains strict policies for late night activities. "This place is located right in the heart of Sedona, the bathrooms were clean, sites are shaded with lots of trees around. I gave it 4 stars because they are a little ridiculous with the quiet times, they don't like you coming and going in vehicles after 10 pm, and all lights must be off too," explains Estefania R.
Swimming options: Natural water features for cooling off. Verde River RV Resort provides pool facilities for families. "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 Mstwister E.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer best opportunities. Houston Mesa Campground offers accessible natural settings. "We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay. Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees," explains Brad and Britany B.
What you should know
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies significantly by location. Verde Valley RV and Camping Resort has limited connectivity. "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 as it was even more unusable than our phones," advises Steve N.
Reservation systems: Different for each property. Some campgrounds assign specific sites while others offer first-come options. "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," notes Michael M.
Speed limits: Strictly enforced on some properties. Some campgrounds maintain very slow driving requirements. "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," explains Steve N.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around heat. Houston Mesa Campground offers family-friendly environments with natural play areas. "The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Serene Setting: The abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun," shares Brad and Britany B.
Campsite selection: Consider noise factors. Road noise can impact certain sites at several campgrounds. "We stayed in the A section. We had a nice spot and an easy walk to the pool. Next time we want to check out the H section as they seem to have more trees and less light at night," advises Michael M.
Yurt camping options: Book well in advance. Yurt camping near Rimrock, Arizona requires planning as limited facilities offer these structures. Riparian Ridge Ranch provides unique yurt accommodations. "Zen-Alpaca Ranch-Wine Country-base of House Mountain," notes Steven C. about the property's distinctive setting.
Tips from RVers
Space considerations: Sites vary widely in size and privacy. Rio Verde RV Park offers varying site configurations. "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. We are full time in our motorhome so we enjoyed having access to the clean bathrooms & showers," explains Ashlee G.
Setup logistics: Arrival timing matters. Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "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 Michael M.
Hookup availability: Check specifics before arrival. Some sites offer partial hookups only. "Houston Mesa Campground is a nice setup that makes you feel like you are in the woods. No hookups here at all but nice clean bathrooms to use. Dump station was closed while we were here and it looks like they charge to use is when open," notes Chris P.
