Free Camping Collection
Established Camping
Childs Camping Area
About
National Forest
In 1908 the Arizona Power Company began construction of the Childs Power Plant. For more than 90 years, the water of Fossil Creek had been diverted by a system of pipes and flumes from its natural course to power the turbines of the Childs and Irving hydroelectric plants. During this time, Fossil Creek had been reduced to a mere trickle, compared with the normal one million gallons per hour flow once witnessed by early inhabitants of the region.
In 2004, APS, the current owner of the plants, agreed to decommission them and restore the creek to its natural flow. (From "Pine-Strawberry Archeological and Historical Society")
The area is now a very popular dispersed camping area. It sits below the remnants of the old power plant buildings on the edge of the Verde River. A short hike upstream and some wading will get you to the ruins of the Verde Hot Springs, a once famous resort.
Fee Info
Free. There is no fee for dispersed camping at undeveloped camping areas on the Coconino National Forest. There are no amenities at this camping area.
Reservation Info
5 Day Stay Limit and Public Nudity is Prohibited (see Forest Order) Seasonal closures or fire restrictions/closures may be in place. During both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, campfires are prohibited at this site. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/landmanagement/?cid=stelprdb5331631&width=full#FireRestrictions
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
TravelerPeaceful hippy haven during the week...Party central on weekends!
NOT family friendly...unless you don't mind your tiny humans seeing naked people wandering around. Other than that, awesome place to visit!! Dispersed camping right on the Verde River. The drive in from the highway takes about an hour on a dirt road and can be done in a standard clearance vehicle. However, the last stretch is rough and must be carefully maneuvered. If you visit during the week, it will likely peaceful and not crowded. Weekends are the opposite, with quite a few large groups of loud party types. Vault toilet; no potable water; no firewood; no tables and closest store is in Camp Verde. The 1.5 mile hike from the campground to the hot springs is absolutely worth the effort. You will have to cross the river, so don't take anything that can't get wet.
ScoutRiverside camping with nearby hot springs
Great campground for finishing, swimming, soaking and hiking! Lots of activities within a short distance. The drive is about an hour on a dirt road, but this does not deter visitors. Depending on the season the campground can get full. Fossil Creek is nearby and does not have camping, so many hikers come to Childs. Verde Hot Springs is about a mile from the campsite and offers a few pools for soaking with an amazing view of the Verde River. Be prepared though, this is an area that attracts nudists, so if that's not your thing you may want to camp further to the east in the campground and avoid the hot springs.
LegendParadise
Llittle hippy campground in the middle of the desert! Trails to a hot spring and next to fossil creek water fall. Vault toilet and camping right next to the river. Watch for bulls roaming the campground!
Location
Childs Camping Area is located in Arizona
Directions
Location: About 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde or 86 miles south of Flagstaff off paved and graveled roads some of which are always steep and rough and usually muddy after rains. GPS (Map): 34°20'52.9"N 111°41'50.5"W Access: From the White Bridge in Camp Verde, go east on Hwy 260 6.8 miles to FR 708 (Fossil Creek Road); turn right and go 15 miles to the junction of FR 708 and FR 502. Go south on FR 502 for 6 miles of VERY BAD Road to the Childs Power Plant and the Verde River.
Coordinates
34.34801182 N
111.69738167 W