The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Rio Verde, Arizona

Pitch your tent along the Rio Verde and wake up to the sound of running water—this stretch offers 16 riverfront camping options, with prices starting at $35 a night and averaging around $62. You’ll find sites where you can bring your pup, light a campfire, and fall asleep after a day spent hiking, swimming, or watching herons pick their way along the banks. Local favorites include Cave Creek Quiet Homestead (126 reviews), where you can camp under mesquite trees, Cactus Rose Ranch Scottsdale (56 reviews), known for wide-open skies, and Tent Camp at Tuck & Bird Ranch (4 reviews), a quiet spot tucked away from the main road. Toilets are available at most campsites, and you’ll spot plenty of wildlife if you keep your eyes open along the water’s edge. Bring sturdy shoes—the trails near the river can get rocky, but the views are worth it.

95% (134)

Top-rated campgrounds

Pitch your tent along the Rio Verde and wake up to the sound of running water—this stretch offers 16 riverfront camping options, with prices starting at $35 a night and averaging around $62. You’ll find sites where you can bring your pup, light a campfire, and fall asleep after a day spent hiking, swimming, or watching herons pick their way along the banks. Local favorites include Cave Creek Quiet Homestead (126 reviews), where you can camp under mesquite trees, Cactus Rose Ranch Scottsdale (56 reviews), known for wide-open skies, and Tent Camp at Tuck & Bird Ranch (4 reviews), a quiet spot tucked away from the main road. Toilets are available at most campsites, and you’ll spot plenty of wildlife if you keep your eyes open along the water’s edge. Bring sturdy shoes—the trails near the river can get rocky, but the views are worth it.

95% (134)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

98%

(163)

18mi from Rio Verde · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cave Creek, AZ

Quiet slice of heaven under the stars on our homestead. We continue to have reduced our camping experience for our winter 2025 season to keep our site secluded and private. Please check back for open dates and sites Our space offers a tranquil setting with several camping options. Site # 1: Glamping Tent is Closed for 2025 season. We are offering tent campers at this site on a limited availability. Site #2: Saguaro Camp site. Bring your tent or rent one of ours. Site # 3: RV Glamping. Queen size bed with a dinette that can be used as an extra bed for the little ones. Site # 4 RV, Pop Ups or Living Quarters with horses/mules Site # 5 Boarding for Horses or Mules We offer Communal Spaces with restroom, grill, table, other seating with larger fire-pit. Feel free to visit our horses, chickens or hike our beautiful trails right from the property. Enjoy the horses, the stars at night and our neighboring coyotes sing if you are lucky. Our home is close by, the little white farmhouse on the hill. Thank you for looking!

2. Tent Camp at Tuck & Bird Ranch

90%

(5)

35mi from Rio Verde · 2 sites · Tents · Payson, AZ

This is an invitation to an unforgettable camping trip near Payson, Arizona! You'll wake up to fresh air and stunning scenery. Spend your days exploring Payson's hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife. Relax at the ranch with our friendly pot-bellied pig and a good book. Top it all off with classic campfire s'mores under a star-filled sky! Two tents available for you: - Large cabin tent allowing up to 8 guests - Bell tent allowing up to 2 guests

3. 1/2 Glamp - 1/2 Camp - 100% Relax.

100%

(1)

46mi from Rio Verde · 1 site · Tent, RV · Pine, AZ

Located on Saguaro Lake in the Tonto National Forest, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Fully Built and Operational Casino and restaurants (12 miles) and a stones throw from a trout stocked man made lake you just may find your next quick camping trip. No setup or breakdown required. It’s already done for you. Just 30 miles from The Phoenix Airport, Saguaro Lake AZ, and 11 miles from the We Ko Pa full scale casino, this 1/2 Camp 1/2 Glamp getaway will offer you privacy in dispersed camping, Fishing, boating, water or skiing, lounging in a hammock, roasting hotdogs or snacking on S’mores in the 246 square foot nd 2000 plus cubic feet of space, this secluded getaway cozies up to the East Verde River. Sunrises, sunsets, and panoramic views are filled with pine trees and towering ponderosas. The gentle river, when flowing, is only 6 inches to a foot deep in most places—perfect for setting up a camping chair with a cold beverage while your dog relaxes right beside you without fighting a current. It’s quiet and private, yet just a mile from the main road and another mile into town. There, you’ll find a family-owned grocery store connected to a restaurant and tavern, plus charming local shops selling honey, beef jerky, and collectibles. The local firehouse is right down the street, and the friendly residents will make you feel like a local, too. This campsite has no close neighbors—you’ll be secluded, but still close to civilization if needed. Amenities include a charging station for your electronic devices and lighting. The huge 256-square-foot dome tent (over 2,000 cubic feet) is larger than the average hotel room. It features a queen-sized bed with fresh linens and pillowcases for a restful night’s sleep. The tent also has heating and space for up to 4 more adults on the floor—bring sleeping bags and share the experience with family and friends. The “Domed Taj Mahal” tent boasts 8 windows for stargazing and 2 doors for easy entry and exit. Relax in the netted adult hammock or the child-sized hammock for an afternoon siesta. We’ve even rounded up firewood for you—plenty of “cowboy cable”

4. Coconino National Forest

97%

(65)

396 sites · Flagstaff, Arizona

Discover a wide range of landscapes in this national forest.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Top of the World Haven

47mi from Rio Verde · 1 site · Tent, RV · Miami, AZ

Top of the World Haven is a 2 plus acre at elevation 4600 near Miami, AZ. It is 8 miles east of Superior, AZ and 8 miles west of Miami, AZ. It is known for the lower temperatures than most of the hot, airy weather of the rest of Arizona. The nights can drop to much cooler temperatures, which makes it perfect for sleeping !!! This property is drycamping ONLY !!! RV, van, motorhome or travel trailer.

6. Eagle View RV Resort at Fort McDowell

11mi from Rio Verde · 21 sites · Fort Mc Dowell, AZ

Welcome to Eagle View RV Resort (Asah Gweh Oou-o), a truly unique destination that combines the rich history of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation with the breathtaking beauty of the Arizona landscape. Nestled on the eastern edge of Scottsdale, Arizona, our premier RV resort offers stunning views of the Four Peaks rising majestically from the desert floor, while the Verde River flows nearby, providing a vital resource for local wildlife. At Eagle View RV Resort, we celebrate the ancient traditions and culture of Arizona, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and enriching. As you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and watch eagles soar overhead, you'll quickly understand why this region holds a special place in our hearts. Our resort is the ultimate haven for RV enthusiasts, boasting ideal weather conditions and a range of local amenities that set us apart from other RV parks. With spacious sites and a commitment to privacy, we ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. Eagle View RV Resort is also well-equipped to host RV rallies and caravans of all sizes. Whether you need multiple RV sites or wish to organize a group outing at Fort McDowell Adventures, we are here to cater to your specific needs and preferences. Experience the best of Southwest RVing at Eagle View

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Rio Verde

Childs Dispersed Camping Area

43mi from Rio Verde · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Coconino National Forest

100%

(4)

Fossil Creek Campground

46mi from Rio Verde · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Coconino National Forest

Stories from the community

J

James

3 weeks ago

26 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

This most recent stay was our 4th time at Shantel’s. Convenient to local restaurants and hiking parks. After a full day, returning to our site really allows us to unwind. We can’t wait to go back

Morning view from tent of beautiful Sonoran desert

K

Katherine

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

We arrived at night, so everything was even more pretty in the morning. The toilet was clean, the spot was so cute and quiet. We loved everything!

S

Stephanie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 1/2 Glamp - 1/2 Camp - 100% Relax.

We had such a wonderful stay! The host was incredibly friendly and responded quickly to any questions, which made everything great. The campsite itself was absolutely beautiful! peaceful and surrounded by nature. Lots of trinkets and tools for use. A lot of wildlife in the area. Many coyotes at night but did not bother us or come that close. The site feels secluded but also conveniently close to town, so we had the best of both worlds. We also really appreciated the generous amount of firewood provided, which made our evenings around the fire even better! The road to the campsite is a little rough but could be cause of the rain. I highly recommend this spot. Lots of good hiking around the area like Tonto national park. Thanks Paul!

visited by the sweetest dog while preparing breakfast :)

Brandi

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Tent Camp at Tuck & Bird Ranch

We had an absolutely amazing time, the tent set up was beautiful! Marissa was always quick to respond, despite being on a trip herself :) The blackstone grill and utensils were perfect for cooking our meals. We were even visited by the sweetest dogs on the property. It was a short drive to tonto creek where we hiked and swam. I would definitely recommend this place and would book again!

J

James

May 2025

26 ft travel trailer

1 night at Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

Not our first visit nor will it be our last. A nice quiet spot located minutes from the town centers of Cave Creek and Carefree.

Kristine

March 2025

33 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

Beautiful location within Cave Creek. Extremely well kept property. Very close to downtown Cave Creek but in a peaceful, quite neighborhood. Host was very welcoming. We really enjoyed our time there. I would highly recommend.

D

Debbie

January 2025

34 ft toy hauler

Weekend Trip to Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

Peaceful, private, clean, and beautiful place! Very kind hosts

El-Shaddai

December 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

This area was absolutely stunning. I was exactly the scenery I had in mind. The horses were beautiful added a nice touch, which we loved. Shantel was an amazing host and very responsive. I highly recommend.