Zane Gray CG AZ

flyfishing48 wrote:
Looking for some input about the Zane Gray Campground in the Camp Verde AZ area.
We have stayed at Distant Drums, which is a little west of Zane Gray but never ventured that Far East while we were there. I have heard some good things about the campground, but wondering about activities near by.
If we are there a month we don't want to be getting in the truck and driving a 1/2 hr or more every time we want to do something. Looking on Google Maps I haven't seen much in this area.
We like cycling hiking, birding, photography and fishing.
Thanks in advance for any insight. :)

You didn't say what time of year you would be visiting. awful hot here now.
Dead Horse State Park in Cottonwood fits your needs. Plenty to do in the area. the lower loop (Quail) has trees for shade. the upper loops are much more open nice views.
There are great bike and hiking trails, even right out of the park. There is Tavasci Marsh adjacent to the park, they host a birding festival every year. The Park has three ponds on site to fish and you are walking distance to the Verde river. Plenty of photography opportunities in the entire Valley.

Thanks for all of the input everyone. This input will help us with our planing.

State what and when you're looking for a place. The area right now is very HOT.
If it's for a winter stay that area could be COLD. Shoulder seasons would be ideal.

We really enjoy Dead Horse Ranch State Park in nearby Cottonwood. It would cover all you original comments - biking, photography, fishing, close to town. However, there's a 2-week limit, I believe.

If thinking of a winter trip you might consider Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. Again, only 2 week limit but awesome photography, fishing in pretty lakes along the Apache Trail, biking and close to shopping. It's an absolutely beautiful park - we've volunteered there. :)

Or...there are plenty of RV parks in Apache Junction to do all the above.

Well, there is Fort Verde nearby :)

Looks like I'll keep looking for a spot in this part of the country.

The RV park is small and pleasant. However, you WILL be driving for your activities and shopping in Cottonwood.

LOTS of SHADE
Sites are nice/level and fairly spacious

Short trail down to river

8 miles east of I-17

Camp Verde has little in way of 'retail'
(NAPA/Mexican Restaurant at Main Street---------Bashas/CVS/Walgreens/PO at Finnie Flat)

Cottonwood.....has everything 15 miles from I-17

We have not stayed at Zane Gray, but have driven by it a number of times. It and the Clear Creek RV Park across the highway are on the far Eastside of Camp Verde. The Walmart, Frys, Safeway and other stores in Cottonwood are about 21 miles West. Sedona is about 38 miles away and Jerome about 30. There are a lot of Forest Service Roads off of AZ-260 East of Zane Gray RV Park.