Verde Ranger District


Located near the geographic center of Arizona, the Verde Ranger District is accessible to visitors from all over the state. Drop a fishing line into the Verde River at one of eight day-use access points or put your canoe in at White Bridge Recreation Area for a popular nine-mile float to Beasley Flat. Explore the site of an old salt mine near Camp Verde, re-create history by following part of General Crook’s military supply route, or book a stay at Sycamore Cabin, which once served as the ranger station for the old Bloody Basin Ranger District. ATV enthusiasts can enjoy off-road riding at Hayfield Draw.


For relief from summer’s heat, follow the winding highway up to Mingus Mountain and camp in the pines at Potato Patch Campground or Mingus Recreation Area; groups of 20 to 100 can reserve Playground Group Campground. Many of the District’s hiking trails are located on Mingus, but it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the Verde Valley. A bit lower on the mountain, near the cluster of homes known as Cherry, Powell Springs Campground stays open all year.


To escape from the crowds, try a backpacking trip into Pine Mountain or Cedar Bench wildernesses, on the southeastern edge of the District. Bring your own water and be prepared for an abundance of wildlife such as bears, mountain lions, and javelina. For more information, please contact the Verde Ranger District.
 

Information, permits, interpretive displays, LEED green building with solar panels and monitor, map sales, and free motor vehicle use maps for Prescott, Coconino, and Kaibab National Forests.

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Office hours for the Verde Ranger Station can be found on our offices webpage.
Closest Towns: Camp Verde, AZ
Operated By: US Forest Service
Information Center: Information, permits, interpretive displays, LEED green building with solar panels and monitor, map sales, and free motor vehicle use maps for Prescott, Coconino, and Kaibab National Forests.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Verde Ranger District

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Verde Ranger District

RV Camping

Areas for RV Camping at Verde Ranger District

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at Verde Ranger District

Dispersed Camping

Cabin Rentals

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Verde Ranger District

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Verde Ranger District

River and Stream Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity at river access points along the Verde River. Rainbow trout are stocked upstream at Dead Horse Ranch State Park and in Camp Verde at Black Bridge from November through March. Bass, catfish, and roundtail chub are some of the other species that may be caught in this part of the river.  Note: If caught, roundtail chub must be released immediately.

A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.

For more information please visit: Arizona Game and Fish

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Verde Ranger District

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Verde Ranger District

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Verde Ranger District

Horse Camping

There are four Wilderness Areas on the Verde Ranger District that are excellent for horse riding and camping: Woodchute, Cedar Bench, Pine Mountain, and Sycamore.  Sycamore Cabin is also a favorite overnight destination for horse riders as it has a corral that accommodates up to four horses.

Areas for Horse Camping at Verde Ranger District

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Verde Ranger District

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Verde Ranger District

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Verde Ranger District

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Verde Ranger District

OHV Open Area Riding

Areas for OHV Open Area Riding at Verde Ranger District

OHV Road Riding

Areas for OHV Road Riding at Verde Ranger District

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Verde Ranger District

Hang Gliding

Areas for Hang Gliding at Verde Ranger District

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Verde Ranger District

Visitor Centers

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Verde Ranger District

Rockhounding

Fossil Collecting

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Verde Ranger District

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Verde Ranger District

Tubing

Areas for Tubing at Verde Ranger District

Quick Links

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
34.549514

  Longitude : 
-111.847472

  Elevation : 
3000 - 7810