Incorporated 12/8/86
MAYOR’S Welcome
The first known European settlers into the Verde Valley - Sedona area in the 1860's could have camped most anywhere they liked. They chose however a nice vantage spot close to the Verde River with great views in all directions in what is now the Town of Camp Verde. I guess those early pioneers knew a good thing when they saw it. In addition, the current residents can easily attest that Camp Verde is truly a great place to live.
As the early growth occurred, the U.S. Calvary established a military post, Fort Verde, which still exists today as a State Park. It provides the most authentic experience for visitors to enjoy through restoration and maintenance of several majestic adobe block buildings. Period dress and military reenactments also add to this uniquely authentic destination.
Camp Verde also has among its many assets the most beautiful scenery filled with the green-belted Verde River, Beaver Creek, and Clear Creek. Surrounding the Town are panoramic mountain views. Squaw Peak, and the Black Hills are to the south and west and the White Hills and Clear Creek Canyon and forested mountains are to the west and north. Surrounding the Town are areas of open space which provide many varied recreational experiences such as hunting, fishing, canoeing, picnicking or swimming in a good old fashioned swimming hole complete with a rope swing, tied to an overhanging limb. With an extensive and ever improving trail system, one can conveniently horseback, mountain bike or hike through many scenic locations around the Town.
Nearby attractions are the Montezuma Castle National Park, and Montezuma's Well National Monument, Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Cliff Castle Casino.. If you are looking for something to do with a faster pace there is the Yavapai Apache Nation's Cliff Castle Casino, or the special events our Parks and Recreation Department offers; Fort Verde Days in October; Pecan and Wine Festival in February; Crawdad Festival in June, Pioneer Days General Crook's birthday in September as well as two gun and knife shows; canoe races; and the Cornfest which are among many events that fill out the rest of the year.
In addition to all of these wonderful assets, Camp Verde is full of some of the nicest folks with the biggest hearts you will ever want to meet. Many families have been here for several generations. The many large extended families, old friends and the new friends and families that recently located to our neighborhoods create that 'small town feeling'.
We are optimistic and enthusiastic about what lies ahead for our community. We anticipate having the best of both worlds, a strong and growing economy along our commercial corridors, and friendly, happy citizens with quality neighborhoods in which to live and raise our children.
If you are a visitor, let me encourage you not to pass us by. Step in at the Chamber of Commerce on South Main Street to get a review of all Camp Verde has to offer, take some time to get to know us, and enjoy the slower, friendlier pace of our hometown, Camp Verde; Arizona's Territorial Town.
Mayor Tony Gioia