Camp Verde, AZ

[CWtheMan]

One year while wintering in Yuma, AZ we decided to break camp early. It had been a mild winter and had rained a lot for the desert.

About a week before leaving for higher ground we started exploring the possibilities. Many of the snowbirds were leaving early which was going to open-up parking sites at other places.

When wintering at a senior’s RV Park there are a lot of word of mouth recommendations to consider. We got some really good feedback about the Rancho Verde RV Park & CG. When we called and requested parking for 6 weeks they could only offer us sites that were side by side on their upper level. The lower level has parking on a stream/river. They informed us we would get a 15% military discount and we booked the whole 6 weeks.

Other people in our senior’s park recommended we make part of our trip up AZ-85. Because of the rain they said even the higher elevations would have all sorts of flowers blooming? They were right.

Rancho Verde turned out to be an ideal base camp. We traveled in all directions from there on side trips, three to Sedona.

I’ll be adding side trip posts to this home post; probably about six of them. It was a very enjoyable & memorable stay at Rancho Verde, from train rides to golfing.

Our parking sites were side by side with individual extra parking space.

[CWtheMan]

A side trip for a Verde Canyon Train Ride. The train depot is located at 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, Arizona and an easy ride from the RV Park. We made our reservations on the internet. We got the first class tickets and that put all four of us at a nice table location right next to the gondola car - great for taking pictures.

The day of our ride was clear skies and short sleeve weather. Beautiful conditions for picture taking and observing the wide open country. There was a wild horse round-up taking place and the cowboys were out in large numbers. At the far end of the trip out into the desert we rode through the temporary stable areas.

We saw a number of mature bald eagles soaring the air currents high above the river areas. It’s a wonderful relaxing ride out into the vast open lands of Arizona.

Here are just a few of the pictures we took. Click on any one to get the larger view in slideshow format.

[CWtheMan]

Our 6 week stay at Rancho Verde afforded us with many opportunities for adventures. The weather was great and we took advantage of it every day.

On this little adventure we took both trucks. Don and I had found a beautiful old golf course named Beaver Creek at a little town called Lake Montezuma and got a tee time. The girls followed us there and spent their time at flea markets and thrift stores. When we finished our round of golf the girls were waiting at the golf course restaurant and we all had dinner and went home pooped.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

[CWtheMan]

During another side trip to Sedona we spent nearly a whole day at an art mall in the downtown section. Three outstanding snack bars and loads of outdoor seating made for a comfortable adventure. And the art displays and artisans were splendid.

Click on any picture to view as a slide show.

[Big1]

Very nice place, when we were trying to find a place to go camping I look at this campground but we didn't make it.

[hornet28]

Cw I'm sure you'll agree they have some very nice things at Tlaquepaque

[Alpine]

Very nice CW.... We enjoyed staying in Camp Verde, Arizona as well. Mostly stayed at Zane Grey RV. It's about 8 miles south of town. Oh hey... they have a new RV site in the area "Verde Ranch RV Resort, not far from where you stayed.

https://www.zanegreyrv.com/rvsites/

https://www.crrlifestyle.com/verde-ranch-rv-resort/

[CWtheMan]

While we were driving around in Sedona on one of our “side trips”, all we were seeing was where the tourists were. So we ventured down rural roads to see where the residents lived.

These pictures are just a peek at what we found.

Don't forget to click and enlarge the pictures.

[Alpine]

[QUOTE=CWtheMan;385298]While we were driving around in Sedona on one of our “side trips”, all we were seeing was where the tourists were. So we ventured down rural roads to see where the residents lived.

These pictures are just a peek at what we found.

Don't forget to click and enlarge the pictures.

Did you notice in image 2 … there is an Observatory scope on the top of their home! Stare gazing anyone?

[CWtheMan]

[QUOTE=Alpine;385326]

Originally Posted by CWtheMan

While we were driving around in Sedona on one of our “side trips”, all we were seeing was where the tourists were. So we ventured down rural roads to see where the residents lived.

These pictures are just a peek at what we found.

Don't forget to click and enlarge the pictures.

Did you notice in image 2 … there is an Observatory scope on the top of their home! Stare gazing anyone?

Yes, some of that residence was still under construction. You can see a dumpster in the foreground. We asked around about the owner (s) but no-one knew so it probably wasn't a celebrity.

[Alpine]

[QUOTE=CWtheMan;385337]

Originally Posted by Alpine

Yes, some of that residence was still under construction. You can see a dumpster in the foreground. We asked around about the owner (s) but no-one knew so it probably wasn't a celebrity.

Google search... the popular thought... it is owned by Loan Cosmescus, the inventor of Lasik Eye Surgery.

[cliff]

[QUOTE=Alpine;385065]Very nice CW.... We enjoyed staying in Camp Verde, Arizona as well. Mostly stayed at Zane Grey RV. It's about 8 miles south of town. Oh hey... they have a new RV site in the area "Verde Ranch RV Resort, not far from where you stayed.

Be careful at Zane Grey. We went there and were guided into a site that had a low hanging branch that took off our low profile antenna and tore a six foot gash in the roof. They assumed no responsibility.

Yes, I should have paid more attention, but I didn't notice the tree limb. I won't make that mistake again, nor will I return to Zane Grey.

On a more positive note the Moscato Restaurant on Main in Camp Verde is fabulous.

[X-Jaywalker]

My wife and I were camp hosts at Rancho Verde back in 2016. Loved the owners, we are still friends today except they sold the park and retired. Great RV Park, small and quiet. I am glad to hear the new owners are keeping it up. Also very centrally located for day trips to Jerome, Sedona, etc. Thumbs UP!!! Thanks for sharing!