Childs Dispersed Camping Area

Star4.25
73 reviews
FR 502, near Verde River, 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde, AZ

Quick Facts

2,626 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Red Rock Ranger District site

Official Website
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Childs Dispersed Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is completely free as it is a dispersed camping area with no amenities. No garbage services are provided, and campers must pack out all trash.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-282-4119
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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 73 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"User reviews highlight the remote and rugged nature of the area, emphasizing the need for preparation due to rough roads and lack of amenities. Many appreciate the scenic beauty and proximity to Verde Hot Springs."

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Campground Map

FR 502, near Verde River, 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde, AZ

Childs Dispersed Camping Area

FR 502, near Verde River, 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde, AZ

Driving directionsFrom the White Bridge in Camp Verde, go east on Hwy 260 for 6.8 miles to FR 708 (Fossil Creek Road); turn right and proceed for 15 miles to the junction of FR 708 and FR 502. Continue south on FR 502 for 6 miles of very bad road to the Childs Power Plant and the Verde River. High clearance vehicles are highly recommended, and four-wheel-drive may be helpful. Avoid traveling via FR 57 and FR 16 as they are dangerous and impassable.
Primarily accessible via Hwy 260 and Fossil Creek Road. The last portion of the route, FR 502, is described as 'VERY BAD Road,' requiring high clearance and potentially four-wheel-drive. Roads are steep, rough, and muddy after rains.
Nearby places
Camp Verde (30 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Flagstaff (86 miles, approximately 2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Camp Verde, 30 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Childs Dispersed Camping Area

Experience the full drama of Arizona's seasonal theater at Childs, where summer transforms the canyon into a sun-drenched sanctuary with temperatures soaring above 100°F—perfect for those refreshing dips in the Verde River and hot springs. As autumn arrives, the desert cools to perfection, while winter brings crisp nights that can dip below freezing, occasionally dusting the ancient ruins with snow. Spring and fall rains breathe life into the riparian corridor, creating a verdant oasis that seems almost magical against the stark desert backdrop.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but summer temps 'soaring above 100°F'; good for river swimming but can be oppressively hot.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Cooler weather months are noted as more favorable; fall likely very pleasant for hiking and camping.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers pleasant weather and river activities; seasonal reviews say conditions favorable outside peak heat.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Open year-round and reviews consistent across seasons; winters milder but not a winter-sports site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Year-round availability; no peak pricing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: None currently noted.

About Childs Dispersed Camping Area

Hidden within the rugged landscapes of Coconino National Forest, Childs Dispersed Camping Area offers adventurous souls a chance to camp wild and free along the banks of the Verde River. This undeveloped gem rewards those brave enough to navigate its challenging access roads with pristine riverside camping, mysterious historical ruins, and the legendary Verde Hot Springs. Your high-clearance vehicle becomes your ticket to this remote paradise where the echoes of Arizona's hydroelectric pioneering past mingle with the rushing waters of the Verde.
Childs Dispersed Camping Area caters to dispersed campers with no amenities and limited camping spots. It suits those looking for a rustic experience.
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Stay Limit
14 days maximum. Seasonal closures or fire restrictions may apply.


Activities you can enjoy

Childs Dispersed Camping Area offers various activities for nature lovers, including hiking to Verde Hot Springs, wildlife viewing, and exploring the lush riparian area along the Verde River.
HikingThe area provides hiking opportunities, including a trail to the Verde Hot Springs. One user review highlights it as a 'wonderful hike and camping.'
SwimmingSwimming is possible in the Verde River, but specific safety measures and designated areas are not detailed.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is listed as an attraction. Specific species are not mentioned, but the lush riparian environment supports diverse fauna.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDifficult access roads; high-clearance vehicles recommended. Wildlife hazards include rattle snakes (noted in user reviews).
Active AlertsNone currently noted.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Childs Dispersed Camping Area

Reviews

4.3
73 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Childs Dispersed Camping Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote and rugged nature of the area, emphasizing the need for preparation due to rough roads and lack of amenities. Many appreciate the scenic beauty and proximity to Verde Hot Springs.
Review Summaries
Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the area's natural beauty, proximity to Verde Hot Springs, and the peaceful, remote setting. One reviewer described it as 'a totally awesome campground,' while another called it a...
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Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the extremely rough access roads, which require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles, and the lack of amenities such as restrooms and water. Some users also warned...
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Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing a high-clearance vehicle for the rough roads, packing out all trash, and not relying on GPS directions which may lead to incorrect access routes. One user advised,...
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Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are generally consistent year-round due to the campground's accessibility throughout all seasons. However, conditions may be more favorable in cooler weather months due to the high elevation...
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Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Please do NOT take FR 57 and FR 16 through the Pine Mountain Forest to get to the campsite.' - Velma Lopez - 'Totally awesome campground... The last 10 miles are a little rougher, and the final...
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Based on 73 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user mentioned that the area has 'about 7 sites,' and another stated, 'There aren't too many good spots for camping, but there are some.'
Based on 73 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility, but the rough terrain and lack of amenities suggest limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 73 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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