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Beasley Flat Picnic Site
The Verde River is the only river in Arizona with a Wild and Scenic designation. Beasley Flat is the beginning of the Wild and Scenic stretch of the Verde River. It is also the most popular take-out spot for canoes and kayaks after a 10-mile float from White Bridge.
Facilities
- 7 picnic ramadas (2 accessible), with picnic tables, fire pits, and pedestal grills
- 1 ramada with interpretive signs (accessible)
- Bath house/changing room (accessible)
- Boating ramp (for non-motorized boats only)
- Nature trail
- No drinking water
- 3 vault toilets (2 accessible)
- No garbage disposal - Please pack it out
At a Glance
| Fees: | No |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Busiest Season: | Spring - Summer |
| Restrictions: | River runners: Below Beasley Flat, the two-mile stretch of river between Verde Falls and the Sycamore Canyon confluence are closed to stopping from Dec. 1 to June 30 each year to protect AZ Bald Eagle nesting sites. |
| Closest Towns: | 20-25 minutes from I-17; Camp Verde, AZ |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:From I-17 in Camp Verde, AZ: Go west on Hwy. 260 (towards Payson). Turn right on Salt Mine Rd. (County Rd. 163; it’s the first right after Main St, shortly before the bridge over the Verde River). Follow paved road for approximately 9 ½ miles to where it ends at a “T.” Turn left (this is FR 334) and follow gravel road ½ mile to Beasley Flat.
Activities
River and Stream Fishing
- 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
Interpretive Areas
- Interpretive signs describe the ecosystem, wildlife, plants, geology, and archeology of the area along a nature trail which follows the river for approximately ½ mile (from near the first picnic ramada to the parking lot above the boat launch).
Picnicking
- Seven ramadas are spread out along the river; each has a picnic table and a charcoal grill.
Boating - Non-Motorized
- Beasley Flat is the take-out point for flat-water tubing and canoeing day-trips which often start upriver at Clear Creek or White Bridge, and the put-in point for white water trips on the designated Wild and Scenic portion of the Verde River.
- Boating below Beasley Flats is not recommended for beginners, and can be especially challenging during spring run-off.
- For more information please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/r3/prescott/recreation/ROG/Verde%20Guide%2052406.pdf.
Tubing
- The ½ mile stretch of river at Beasley Flat is good for tubing, as is most of the stretch from Dead Horse Ranch State Park to Beasley Flat. Please note that river conditions vary greatly depending on weather, river level, and other factors. Please plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience on the Verde River. For more information on the river above Beasley Flat, please see the Verde River Guide, Hwy 89A - Beasley Flat.
Location
