Thousand Trails Verde Valley: An RV Oasis in Central Arizona

RV Life

If you love to camp all year long, you’ve almost certainly been to Arizona before. This state is a beloved haven for snowbirds, but it also has RV parks and resorts that are great for a visit during any season. Because so many people flock to Arizona throughout the year, you might worry that finding an affordable campsite will be impossible.

But when you stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley, you can have a great experience, even if you’re on a tight budget. This massive sprawling campground hosts a huge range of amenities and activities, but you’ll only pay a fraction of its true value if you have a Thousand Trails membership. Many campers have been able to stay here for less than $10 per night, and for some it was more or less for free.

In addition to the stellar price options, this park offers all kinds of recreation, both inside the boundaries of the campground and throughout the surrounding area. With all of these options, you’ll never run out of things to do. Any way you slice it, Thousand Trails Verde Valley is definitely worth a stop next time you’re in Arizona.

Overview

Thousand Trails Verde Valley is located in Cottonwood, a fairly small town that’s in-between the larger cities of Flagstaff and Phoenix. However, this remote location grants extra elbow room and some lovely views of the desert scenery.

The Verde River also runs along the borders of the campground. This water feature helps the area stay green and lush, plus it’s a great way to cool off in the scorching summer months. This river also grants Verde Valley its name.

And because of the year-round warm weather, this campground is always open for business. Snowbirds are welcome during the winter, but travelers can always rest up here, regardless of the season.

The RV park itself is quite large, with 340 sites. There are also cabins and tent sites here as well, so there’s bound to be a setup that will work for any group. Full hookups are present at every site, although you’ll need to specifically book a site with 50-amp capabilities if a 30-amp site won’t work for your rig.

Rates

When it comes to the rates here, it all depends on whether you have a Thousand Trails membership or not. If you do, your stay will be drastically reduced (if not free). Memberships generally cost $605 per year and this price covers a single region: Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, or Southeast. Members can choose a single region for the base price, or add additional ones for $125 each.

This is a phenomenal value when you break it down. Many high-quality RV parks cost $75–$100 per night, so you can easily get your money’s worth from a membership even if you only camp a handful of times each year. And if you’re a full-time RVer, the cost breaks down to only about $50 per month. That’s how many guests who stayed here paid next-to-nothing for their campsites.

However, if you pay out of pocket, it will be a bit more expensive to camp here. After all, the Thousand Trails campgrounds are high-quality parks with lots of amenities and well-maintained facilities. But even if you pay the full price, you’ll still get fantastic value for your money.

The 30-amp RV sites generally cost $55 per night, while 50-amp sites cost $65 per night. Discounts are available if you book for a week, and certain seasons may also be cheaper or more expensive. But as you can see, even at full price, this RV park still won’t break the bank.

If you want to learn more about Thousand Trails memberships or explore additional park details for Verde Valley, visit thousandtrails.com.

Amenities

Pool area at Thousand Trails Valley Verde. — ***Photos courtesy RV LIFE Campgrounds.***

Regardless of whether you get a discount or not, the Thousand Trails Verde Valley offers a stellar value thanks to it’s gorgeous views and huge suite of amenities.

Guests of this park will gain access to:

Wi-Fi
A modern clubhouse
Year-round swimming pool
Hot tub/spa
River access with fishing opportunities
RV storage options
Nature trails for hiking and biking
Restroom/shower facilities
Playground
Basketball hoops
Pickleball court
Shuffleboard
Volleyball nets
Horseshoes
Mini golf course
Picnic/BBQ areas
Game room with billiards
Dog park (The whole park is pet-friendly)

In addition to all of this, the park managers go above and beyond by hosting all kinds of events. Guests can participate in arts and crafts, jam sessions, and planned activities for children. There are even live performances throughout the year, so be sure to check the event calendar before your visit.

Nearby Activities/Attractions

If you’re looking for even more fun during your stay, you’re in luck! Cottonwood, Arizona, is a charming town with plenty of activities for any age.

Outdoorsy types will have plenty of options to choose from, whether its riding horses through the desert landscapes, kayaking the Verde River, or hiking one of the many trails in the area. Popular destinations include Mingus Mountain, Cathedral Rock, and Devil’s Bridge Trail.

Cottonwood also has a thriving art culture. Be sure to stop at the Old Town Center for the Arts, which covers a variety of art forms including dancing, music workshops, live theater, and classic films. The Arizona Copper Art Museum also showcases stunning sculptures and art pieces. Additional galleries and showcases for local vendors are scattered across town, so there are many places to enjoy (and maybe purchase) one-of-a-kind pieces!

Fans of the old west will love attractions like Blazin M’ Ranch and tours through Cottonwood’s historic Old Town. Wineries, breweries, vineyards, and tastings rooms are around every corner as well. So if you love to sample the local brews, you’re in luck!

Cottonwood also has a decent dining scene. There are multiple options available to anyone who wants to grab a bite to eat. Whether you’re looking for a sports bar, a cozy cafe, or a fine dining experience, there’s bound to be something that suits your tastes. Some of the local favorites include:

Reviews

Entry sign to Thousand Trails Verde Valley.

Last but not least, it’s time to take a peek at some feedback from actual guests. After all, getting firsthand reviews is a great way to figure out if a park is worth visiting or not. In the case of the Thousand Trails Verde Valley, the campers made their voices heard and gave this park an excellent score.

On RV LIFE Campgrounds, the overall score is 8.5/10. This is the cumulative result of more than 250 reviews, with the vast majority of them ranking the park as either “Good” or “Excellent.” It’s worth keeping in mind that many people who left reviews were Thousand Trails members, so they were able to enjoy the park for a reduced rate.

But although a lower price may have been a factor, there were plenty of other positive aspects that made this campground stand out as one of the best-reviewed options in the state.

One major element that guests loved were the scenic views. The Verde Valley is a beautiful area that showcases the unique beauty of the desert, as well as mountains and greenery along the river. Visitors also enjoyed the proximity to cities like Phoenix and Sedona, without any of the hustle and bustle.

There were a few minor drawbacks, such as the limited number of 50-amp campsites. Guests noted that it was important to call or book in advance if they needed a site with a higher electrical capacity. A few of the sites were also a bit tricky to get in and out of, especially during the busier seasons of the year.

But these minor flaws were heavily outweighed by the attentive staff, prime location, and the impressive collection of amenities. All in all, it’s a very popular destination for Arizona campers, so be sure to keep it on your list.

Whether you’re seeking a warm winter hideout or a summer vacation that balances the urban with the natural, Thousand Trails Verde Valley is the place to go.

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