Powell Springs Campground

Star4.26
92 reviews
Cherry Road, Camp Verde, AZ

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Prescott National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Powell Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Powell Springs Campground does not charge any fees for camping as it is a free campsite.
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
928-567-4121
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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 92 reviews

82 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulclean

"Reviews highlight the natural beauty, serenity, and simplicity of Powell Springs Campground. It is praised for being free, clean, and a great escape into nature. However, some concerns include biting insects, lack of amenities, and occasional disruptive visitors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cherry Road, Camp Verde, AZ

Powell Springs Campground

Cherry Road, Camp Verde, AZ

Driving directionsTake Hwy 69 to Dewey, left on Hwy 169. Approximately 9.5 miles, left on Cherry Rd, a dirt road accessible to passenger cars except during wet weather. Follow road approximately 4.5 miles to campground on left.
Accessible via dirt road (Cherry Road) which is maintained and accessible to passenger cars, but may become impassable during heavy rain or snow.
Nearby places
Dewey (9.5 miles), Camp Verde (approximately 8 miles south), Cherry (approximately 4 miles away
old mining town).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for camping, groceries, and fuel are accessible in Camp Verde, approximately 8 miles south along Interstate 17.

Best Time to Camp at Powell Springs Campground

Powell Springs welcomes adventurers throughout the year, though Mother Nature occasionally has other plans when winter storms dust the pines with snow or summer monsoons send flash floods through the washes. Each season paints the campground in different hues—spring brings wildflowers to the meadows, autumn turns the oaks golden, and winter offers crisp, star-filled nights. Summer can be magical here, though seasoned campers recommend visiting before June or after August, when the local beetle population tends to be less enthusiastic about sharing your campsite.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer brings monsoons and insect issues (beetles, ants) frequently mentioned.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is frequently cited as one of the best seasons to visit (pleasant conditions).

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is highlighted by reviewers as one of the best seasons to visit.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Winter offers snowy beauty and quiet, but roads may become impassable at times.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, although closures occur during heavy rain or snow when the roads become impassable.
  • Current Alerts: The campground may close during heavy rain or snow. Visitors should check with the Verde Ranger Station or website alerts.

About Powell Springs Campground

Step back in time at Powell Springs Campground, where the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps lives on in this rustic mountain retreat. Built in the 1930s when young men transformed America's wilderness, this intimate campground offers 11 peaceful sites tucked beneath towering Ponderosa pines. Here, the simple pleasures of camping take center stage—gather around fire pits under starlit skies, dine at historic picnic tables, and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of Hackberry Wash trickling nearby. While you'll find the essentials like vault toilets and pedestal grills, this is a place to disconnect from modern conveniences—there's no running water or trash service, inviting you to practice true leave-no-trace camping.
Powell Springs Campground provides basic camping options in a natural, rustic setting. With no fees, it attracts both families and solo campers seeking simplicity.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
After 2:00 PM
Check-out
By 12:00 Noon
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days within a 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Powell Springs Campground are fairly limited, emphasizing a quiet, nature-centric experience. Wildlife viewing is a common highlight, and there are some easy-to-moderate trails nearby for hiking. No formal swimming, fishing, or water sports activities are available.
HikingWhile no formal hiking trails are listed, users mention 'easy to moderate trails' and opportunities to explore the surrounding hills. One reviewer wrote, 'Lots to explore around camp if you don't like to just sit.'
Wildlife viewingThe serene forest setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation, with mentions of coyotes and bears. As one reviewer cautioned, 'It is a bear neighborhood...bring protection or you will regret it.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include bears, coyotes, and wolves, as noted in user reviews. Other concerns include biting bugs like sand fleas and beetles during summer.
Active AlertsThe campground may close during heavy rain or snow. Visitors should check with the Verde Ranger Station or website alerts.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Powell Springs Campground

Reviews

4.3
92 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Powell Springs Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the natural beauty, serenity, and simplicity of Powell Springs Campground. It is praised for being free, clean, and a great escape into nature. However, some concerns include biting insects, lack of amenities, and occasional disruptive visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 92 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the campground's peaceful atmosphere, cleanliness, and scenic setting among Ponderosa pines. A frequent highlight is that the campground is free. One reviewer noted, 'Love...
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Based on 92 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms often focus on the presence of insects such as ants and beetles, noisy visitors, and a lack of amenities like water or trash services. One user described the restrooms as 'smelling awful,'...
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Based on 92 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water, bug spray, and being prepared for the lack of cell service. Wildlife precautions, especially for bears, are strongly advised.
Based on 92 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the peace and beauty of the snow-covered landscape, while summer reviews frequently mention insect issues, such as beetles and ants. Spring and autumn seem to offer the best...
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Based on 92 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Great location to bring the family or solo camping!' 'So sad to see the type of people that come here now... no longer my favorite due to trash and loud visitors.' 'Nice small 6 space campsite....
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Based on 92 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific comments mention the proximity of campsites to each other, with some being very private and others less so. Highlights include 'fire pits with rings, picnic tables, and grills at all...
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Based on 92 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 92 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and there are no restrictions mentioned beyond the leash requirement.
Based on 92 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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