Campground Overview:
The Childs Dispersed Camping Area is a very popular dispersed camping area located on the Coconino National Forest. It sits below the remnants of the old power plant buildings on the edge of the Verde River. A short hike upstream and some wading will get you to the ruins of the Verde Hot Springs, a once famous resort.
From the White Bridge in Camp Verde, go east on Hwy 260 6.8 miles to FR 708 (Fossil Creek Road); turn right and go 15 miles to the junction of FR 708 and FR 502. Go south on FR 502 for 6 miles of VERY BAD Road to the Childs Power Plant and the Verde River.
While the majority of the forest roads in the area are well maintained and used frequently, during snow or heavy rain, a high clearance vehicle may be required. Always use common sense and be prepared.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Payson |
Fishing: |
Verde River |
Campground Website: |
Childs Dispersed Camping Area |
Campground Map: |
N/A |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
In 1908 the Arizona Power Company began construction of the Childs Power Plant. For more than 90 years, the water of Fossil Creek had been diverted by a system of pipes and flumes from its natural course to power the turbines of the Childs and Irving hydroelectric plants. During this time, Fossil Creek had been reduced to a mere trickle, compared with the normal one million gallons per hour flow once witnessed by early inhabitants of the region.
Verde Hot Springs Resort, located deep in the forested area of the Verde River between Strawberry and Camp Verde is the ruins of a long-abandoned resort. A luxurious location in the early twentieth century, the resort eventually closed, was abandoned, and most of the building burned to the ground in 1962. There are several pools; the main pool is built into the foundation (all that remains of the resort), with several other pools in the cliffside. Hiking to the ruins is quite an adventure!