Clear Creek Campground (AZ)

Clear Creek Campground (AZ)

Part of Coconino National Forest Recreation

Overview

This cozy group campground is tucked in the Lower Sonoran Desert along the banks of the fresh, chilly Clear Creek. Campers can wade in the creek, fish, or curl up with a book under the umbrella of cottonwood trees. Another popular pastime here is birdwatching, where you might just spot a hawk or bald eagle in flight.

Clear Creek Campground is seven miles southeast of the small ranching town of Camp Verde. It's part of the Coconino National Forest, one of the most diverse forests in the country. Landscapes range from alpine tundra to desert valleys and red canyons.

Facilities

Clear Creek Campground is grassy and flat, with some shade from surrounding cottonwoods. The group campsite holds 80 people with a maximum of 20 vehicles. The campsite is a popular destination, with its relaxed, open atmosphere, so be sure to book early for holiday weekends. This facility also has 18 standard family sites available, 5 of which are first-come, first-served/13 are reservable on Recreation.gov.

Natural Features

Clear Creek sits in the Verde Valley at 3,200 feet elevation. It's part of the Sonoran desert near the base of Cactus Mountain, and the climate is arid with hot summer days and mild winters.

Recreation

The campground is part of an oasis that attracts a variety of wildlife. Colorful songbirds and raptors are common birdwatching finds, and cool water species such as smallmouth bass and green sunfish make for enjoyable fishing. Wildlife watching includes black bears, elk, turkey, deer, and bison.

Nearby Attractions

A must-do day trip is the Montezuma Castle National Monument, where you can marvel at a well-preserved Native American cliff dwelling that dates back 1,000 years. Near the dwelling is the Montezuma Well, which is a naturally-formed well that collects over a million gallons of fresh water a day.

Hot-air ballooning and horseback riding are also fun outings near the campsite.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.

Important Notices

  • This campground also has 13 reservable single campsites and 5 First Come First Serve Campsites available besides the Group Site.

  • The group parking area can hold approximately 15-20 motorhomes or RVs.

  • No radios or amplified devices allowed.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
  • No portable showers or toilets allowed in campground
  • No cutting, chopping or splitting wood within the campground
  • Campsites must be occupied first night of reservation

  • Campsite cannot be unattended more than 24 hours

  • The camping stay limit in Red Rock District is limited to 7 days

  • Camping fee covers the first vehicle or RV/Trailer with tow vehicle. $10.00/vehicle is charged nightly for any additional vehicles.

Available Activities

  • Camping - Camping
  • Birding - Birding

Directions

From Interstate 17, take Exit 287 for AZ-260 toward Cottonwood/Payson/89-A. Turn right onto AZ-260 and follow for approximately 8 miles to the campsite.

Contact Information

Phone: 928-204-0028

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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