Camp Verde
cityCamp Verde, Arizona, nestled in Yavapai County, is located near the state's geographic center. As of 2024, the town has an estimated population of 12,608. Known as the oldest community in the Verde Valley, Camp Verde offers a blend of historical charm and natural beauty, attracting both tourists and new residents. Camp Verde's economy is diverse, with key sectors including light manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. The Cliff Castle Casino and the Out of Africa Wildlife Park are major attractions, contributing significantly to the local economy. The town also maintains its agricultural roots, with local farms producing a variety of crops. What makes Camp Verde distinctive is its rich history, dating back to the early 1860s when it was established as a military fort. Fort Verde State Historic Park preserves this history, offering visitors a glimpse into frontier life. The town's location in the Verde River Valley, surrounded by national forests and wilderness areas, provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, enhancing its appeal as a desirable place to live.
Camp Verde, Arizona
- Classification
- Town
- FIPS Code
- 04-09690
- Country
- United States
- County
- Yavapai
- Region
- Verde Valley
- Elevation
- 3,146 ft
- Total Area
- 42.36 sq mi
- Land Area
- 42.35 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.012 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.563637
- Longitude
- -111.854317
- Climate
- Camp Verde has a cold semi-arid climate with cool winters and very hot summers. The average annual precipitation is around 14 inches, with most rainfall occurring in the summer months.
- Notable Features
- Verde River · Black Hills · Prescott National Forest · Mogollon Rim
- Neighboring Areas
- Lake Montezuma · Cornville · Cottonwood
- Population (2020)
- 12,147
- Est. Population (2024)
- 12,608
- Median Age
- 44.1
- Median Income
- $58,383
- Poverty Rate
- 16.5%
- Family Households
- 63.8%
- Owner-Occupied
- 72.7%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Camp Verde is approximately 71.7% White (Non-Hispanic), 6.36% Other (Hispanic), and 6.25% American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic).
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- Town Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Camp Verde Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Community Library
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.49%
- Economic Profile
- Light manufacturing · Tourism · Agriculture · Casino · Retail
- Employment Sectors
- Accommodation & Food Services · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Major Employers
- Cliff Castle Casino · Out of Africa Wildlife Park
- Schools
- 5
- Students
- 1,615
- Teachers
- 85
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.9:1
- School Districts
- Camp Verde Unified School District
- Transportation
- Interstate 17 · State Routes 260, 169, and 179 · Gravel landing strip
- Utilities
- Municipal water · 100 Gbs fiber optic broadband internet
- Major Facilities
- Northern Arizona Healthcare medical clinic
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Fort Verde State Historic Park · Montezuma Castle National Monument · Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic Area · Verde River
- Parks & Trails
- Riverfront parks · Hiking trails · Equestrian facilities · Skateboard park
- Founded
- 1865
- Incorporated
- 1986
- Named After
- Camp Verde was named after the military Camp Lincoln, which was later renamed Camp Verde.
- Historical Significance
- Camp Verde served as a vital military post during the Indian Wars and played a significant role in the settlement of the Verde Valley.
- Key Events
- Establishment of Camp Lincoln in 1865 · Name changed to Camp Verde in 1868 · Post moved to present-day site in 1871 due to malaria outbreak · Name changed to Fort Verde in 1878 · Fort Verde State Historic Park established in 1970