There are countless underrated RV destinations across North America. One of our favorites is Cottonwood, Arizona, and the surrounding area. It’s tucked into the Verde Valley—between Sedona’s iconic red rocks and the historic ghost town of Jerome. It’s a small but vibrant community that delivers big for RVers with beautiful scenery, easy access to outdoor adventures, rich local culture, a relaxed pace, and quality RV parks that invite you to keep coming back.
Cottonwood, AZ, RV parks are especially appealing because of the area’s versatility. You can spend the morning kayaking the Verde River, followed by an afternoon sipping wine at a local vineyard or tasting room, and the evening strolling Main Street. Once you get back to your campsite, you can then look up and relax as you stargaze under remarkably dark skies. Ahh… that’s my idea of a perfect day!
And thanks to the higher elevation of Cottonwood, you’ll often enjoy cooler temperatures than found in much of Arizona. It’s a great choice for spring, fall, and even winter travel. For example, this past week (in January), daytime temperatures were between 53 and 66 degrees F. In my opinion, that’s just the right weather for enjoying the outdoors—not too warm or too cold.
Where you choose to stay can, of course, make a big difference in your experience. So, we rounded up some of the top picks—from peaceful riverside campgrounds to full-service luxury RV resorts to family-friendly basecamps to keep the kids engaged, and off their phones (hopefully). No matter where you like to camp, you’re sure to find the right pick in Cottonwood or the surrounding Verde Valley.
Why Cottonwood Is Such a Great Place to Visit
The Verde Valley isn’t just a convenient place to park your rig on your way to (or from), say, the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park. It offers a well-rounded experience that will make you want to linger just a little longer. Some of our favorite activities include:
Stargazing: Because it’s away from major city light pollution, the area is a fantastic place for looking up. Clear desert nights reveal brilliant star-filled skies, and nearby dark-sky-friendly areas make it especially appealing for astrophotography fans and anyone who enjoys ending the day under a canopy of countless stars.
Wine Tasting: If you enjoy discovering new wines, you will likely be pleasantly surprised. The Verde Valley has quietly become a top wine region in Arizona, and Cottonwood is right in the middle. Old Town Cottonwood, in fact, has several tasting rooms. And nearby Page Springs and Cornville are also home to some well-known vineyards and wineries.
Cooler Temperatures: Okay, during this time of year, that’s not such a big deal. But as we get into spring and early summer, the roughly 3,300 feet in elevation can make the area noticeably cooler than nearby Phoenix and much of central Arizona. Daytime temperatures tend to be quite comfortable for hiking, biking, and exploring.
Adventures Galore: There’s no shortage of options for outdoor lovers. On warmer days, you can kayak or paddleboard on the Verde River. Trails in and around the area provide great hiking and biking opportunities for all skill levels. Finally, you’re in easy reach of Sedona, Tuzigoot National Monument, and Jerome. That makes Cottonwood a convenient hub when exploring northern Arizona. No need to keep searching for a new place to park your rig.
Local Flavor: Old Town Cottonwood is a charming little gem you don’t always find when RVing. The streets are walkable, the boutiques unique, the restaurants tasty. You can even find fun art galleries and events. The town is lively without feeling overly crowded, which is what I prefer. It’s a nice place to slow down and stroll or sit back with a good cup of coffee and enjoy the sights.
Photo by Alexander Simmons on Unsplash
The Top 10 Campgrounds and RV Parks in and Around Cottonwood, AZ
If you want a “classic” Verde Valley campground experience—with plenty of shade, river and trail access, and a true home-base feel, Dead Horse Ranch State Park belongs at the top of your list.
The name may be a little off-putting at first, but it’s all about the history of the park. In the late 1940s, the Ireys family came to Arizona from Minnesota. They were looking for a ranch to buy. One of the ranches they visited had a large dead horse lying by the road. After viewing properties for two full days, Dad Ireys asked the kids which ranch they liked the best. They quickly replied, “The one with the dead horse, Dad!” The name stuck. So much so that when Arizona State Parks later acquired the property, the Ireys family made keeping the name a condition of the sale.
Best for: Outdoor lovers, families, photographers, and RVers who want convenience and access to nature.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- Because it’s adjacent to the Verde River, there’s easy access to fishing, paddling, birdwatching, and peaceful walks in nature.
- There’s great trail access for both hiking and biking in nearby parks.
- The location is close to town, wineries, and other Verde Valley attractions.
This is a very popular park. Prime loops and weekends can book up fast, especially in peak seasons. So, make sure you book in advance. Remember, as well, this is a state park campground, and it has that feel. It’s scenic and well-loved, rather than a high-end luxury resort.
One of the newest parks in Cottonwood, this is a strong pick if you want easy access to town, yet you’ll still feel like you’re in northern Arizona (rather than just parked in a sea of pavement).
Best for: RVers who like their comfort but also want great views and easy access to Main Street.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- It’s close to old town/main street with easy access to good coffee, restaurants, shopping, and yes, wine tasting.
- It’s an excellent launch point if you’re visiting Sedona, Jerome, Tuzigoot, or the Verde River.
- The location is exceptional if you’re looking to enjoy the dark skies, cooler temps, and breathtaking sunrise/sunset views.
This is a top pick for those looking for a “hub” to explore by day and relax at night.
Looking for a park that prioritizes peace, cleanliness, and a friendly no-fuss vibe? This could be the Cottonwood, AZ, park for you. Just 15 minutes outside of Sedona, you’ll find views of the Red Rock landscapes while being minutes out of Old Town Cottonwood. Inside the park, you’ll also have access to the Verde River Beach Trail and even Native Indian Ruins with spacious sites that keep RVers coming back year after year.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and those who enjoy a quieter park surrounded by nature.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- This park is well known for being well-kept and welcoming with a quiet, friendly vibe.
- The location makes it a great base. You can easily explore nearby attractions without having to move your rig.
Rio Verde is best known for its comfort and simplicity, so don’t expect a “resort” with extra amenities. For example, there’s no swimming pool or spa.
On the home page, you’ll see that this park clearly calls out that it’s an “adult park.” While children are allowed, they need to be accompanied by an adult, and quiet times are between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. For visitors who are looking for a bit more of a resort feel with a more mature vibe, these rules and regulations are a feature, not a drawback.
Best for: Primarily adults—often couples and retirees—who are looking for a quiet place to stay with plenty of amenities, including a fitness center, recreation room, library lounge, pool and spa, and dog run.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- It has a quieter atmosphere with fewer kid-focused amenities (e.g., no vibrant playground scene).
- There’s a more relaxed, community feel. The library lounge is great for reading and relaxing, and the park invites casual strolls, stargazing, and a slower roll.
If you’re traveling with a kid or prefer a more lively, family-centered campground, this one may not be your best fit.
Photo by Chuck Shields
Perhaps the biggest strength of this RV park is right in its name: Sedona. Sometimes, what matters most is the location. And this RV resort sits along the corridor between Cottonwood and Sedona. Not only does that make it a convenient basecamp. It also offers stunning views in every direction—including Sedona, the historic ghost town of Jerome, and Prescott National Forest.
Best for: RVers who want to be near the biggest attractions in the area: Sedona, scenic drives, and easy day trips.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- It offers convenient access to the trails through Sedona, red rock scenery, and nearby attractions.
- It’s a solid, short-stay option for travelers who prefer to spend their time exploring rather than hanging out at camp.
Some reviewers have described the park as utilitarian. So don’t expect a resort. This park is all about location, location, location, surrounded by spectacular views!
In contrast to the more utilitarian stay above, the Distant Drums RV park offers a true resort-style experience.
Best for: Upscale RVers looking for quality amenities, spacious concrete pads and paved roads, and a more polished atmosphere—that still provides amazing views.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- Spacious, beautifully maintained sites with a more private, resort-type feel than many other parks in the area.
- Resort-style features, such as a heated pool and spa, immaculate private showers, cable TV, WiFi, and trash pickup included, as well as night security, a BBQ backyard patio, and a country store.
- If you are looking for more entertainment, they also provide a free shuttle to Cliff Castle Casino.
This RV resort is a little farther out of town, but many RVers enjoy the high-quality amenities, saying it’s well worth the short commute.
One of the most versatile resorts in this region, Verde River RV Resort offers full-range RV sites, charming rental cottages, plenty of activities, and access to the Verde River.
Best for: Families, multi-generational groups, and RVers who are looking for on-site amenities and activities to fill their days with fun.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- It offers something for everyone—with access to kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing by the river as well as a pool, restaurant, activities, clubhouse, and recreation areas. (Note, the pool is closed November through February.)
- Large, level gravel sites are spacious even for larger rigs with slideouts, and every site offers full hookups.
Because this area is so popular year-round, don’t forget to make a reservation—especially for weekends or during peak seasons.
The beautiful, shaded RV sites (many with the creek nearby) feel more like a lush nature retreat than a traditional RV park, which makes this a stand-out option for nature lovers who love greenery and wildlife.
Best for: Nature lovers, families, and RVers who prefer a cozy campground feel over an RV parking lot layout.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- The creekside setting with mature trees, grassy areas, and abundant birdlife is a camping haven.
- In addition to the peaceful environment, you’ll still find amenities like a pool and spa, clubhouse, playground, and horseshoe pits.
- For those of us who need to unplug from time to time, internet and cell service often doesn’t reach the campsites. However, you can find WiFi access at the clubhouse and by the office.
If you want to slow down naturally, this is the kind of place you’ll want to stay.
If you have a Thousand Trails membership, this park offers extended stays in the Verde Valley with plenty of amenities—from a swimming pool to a clubhouse to mini golf and other facilities. If you prefer to be outdoors more, you’ll find nearby fishing, nature and hiking trails, and river access, along with expansive desert and mountain backdrops.
Best for: Thousand Trails members, snowbirds, and RVers who want to stay longer in nature-forward settings.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- It has a spacious layout with desert scenery and a quieter feel than many parks found in more urban settings.
- A great location to explore Cottonwood, Sedona, and the surrounding Verde Valley.
Frequent travelers (especially full-timers) can find memberships to be money-saving and an easy way to find parks in a wide range of locations. Others find they run into booking difficulties and inconsistent park quality. So do your research and some self-reflection on the types of campgrounds you enjoy before you sign up.
First of all, Camelot RV Resort is best understood as a long-term RV community. It is NOT a vacation-style campground. Knowing that upfront can help travelers decide whether it’s the right fit.
Best for: Snowbirds and RVers seeking monthly or seasonal stays rather than short-term vacations.
Why RVers 🧡 It:
- A stable, community-oriented atmosphere for long-term residents.
- Convenient location in beautiful Old Town Cottonwood for daily life. You’ll have access to groceries, appointments, and local outings.
If you’re looking for a getaway weekend or short-term stay, this probably isn’t the right place for you. There are plenty of better vacation destinations. But if you’re looking for a place to stay for months at a time, Camelot RV Resort is inviting with plenty of shade and a community feel.
Photo by Peter Chapin on Unsplash
Finding the Perfect RV Parks, Cottonwood, AZ, for Your Adventure
You don’t have to choose between scenery and convenience, relaxation and adventure, small-town charm and big experiences—at least in and around Cottonwood, Arizona. No matter what type of park you’re looking for—peaceful riverside sites, lush nature retreats, quiet adult-oriented, or full-scale RV resorts—you can find exactly what you’re looking for in this area.
Plan your next weekend escape, family vacation, or seasonal stay with Cottonwood as your hub. You’ll be right where you want to be to explore nearby Sedona, Jerome, Tuzigoot, and Arizona’s growing wine country.