Camp Verde is in the Verde River valley of central Arizona, 86 miles north of Phoenix. Situated on the banks of the Verde River at an elevation of 3,133 feet, it is near the geographic center of the state of Arizona. The community, oldest in the Verde Valley, was established in 1865 to protect settlers from Indian raids. The town incorporated in 1986.

Principal Economic Activities

The major employment in the Camp Verde area is provided by construction, ranching, light industry, trade and service, a casino, and the government.

Attractions such as the Fort Verde State Park, Montezuma Castle National Monument and Montezuma Well, as well as excellent hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities generate retail and service trade in the community. Camp Verde is also attracting increasing numbers of retirees who enjoy its mild, dry, four-season climate.

Scenic Attractions

The Fort Verde State Park in Camp Verde contains military artifacts, Indian relics and articles used by the settlers and Indians. Four of the original adobe fort buildings still stand and are open to the public. The General Crook Trail, beginning at the park and winding through the Mogollon Rim to Fort Apache, is a scenic drive of unsurpassed beauty along which can be seen the old mile markers on rocks and trees.

Clear Creek Church the first church Clear Creek built in the Verde Valley, has been restored and adjoins the Clear Creek Cemetery where many pioneers are buried.

Montezuma Castle National Monument (five miles north of Camp Verde) is a two-unit national monument. The main unit contains some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the United States. The Montezuma Well unit, 11 miles northeast, features a large natural limestone sink, whose waters were used for a network of prehistoric irrigation canals. The castle is also headquarters for nearby Tuzigoot National Monument.

The Verde Valley is a sport paradise with fishing in the Verde River and trout streams, and hunting for deer, elk, antelope, bear, quail, dove, duck, geese, wild turkey and rabbit. Beasley Flats, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is now a major starting point for trips on the Verde River.

The second weekend of October, Camp Verde celebrates Fort Verde Days with a parade, horse events, barbecue, cavalry drills and art show. Camp Verde residents also enjoy the cultural Verde Valley Fair in May.

The Cliff Castle Casino operated by the Yavapai-Apache Tribe also attracts numerous visitors.