Powell Springs Campground
4.2337 reviewsCherry Road, Camp Verde, AZ
Powell Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Powell Springs Campground does not charge any fees for camping as it is a free campsite.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceEvery stone and timber at Powell Springs whispers stories from the Great Depression era, when the Civilian Conservation Corps brought hope and hard work to these mountains. As you explore, you'll discover mysterious chains embedded in ancient Ponderosa pines—some say they were placed to nourish the soil, while local lore hints at buried treasures from the nearby mining days. Speaking of mining heritage, the ghost town of Cherry lies just a short drive away, where weathered buildings and forgotten dreams offer a fascinating glimpse into Arizona's gold rush past.
Weather and SeasonsPowell 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.
ElevationPerched at 5,300 feet in Arizona's central highlands, Powell Springs offers a refreshing escape from desert heat. This sweet spot elevation delivers four distinct seasons—cool enough for comfortable summer nights yet mild enough that winter's touch remains gentle, bringing only occasional dustings of snow that transform the campground into a temporary wonderland before melting away under the high country sun.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your own private paradise in this hidden pocket valley, where nature has crafted the perfect camping amphitheater. Majestic Ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and spreading branches creating natural privacy screens between campsites. The landscape tells a story of water and stone, where Hackberry Wash has carved its seasonal path through the valley, nurturing a ribbon of lush riparian vegetation that attracts wildlife and creates a soothing backdrop for your wilderness escape.
Geological RegionPowell Springs occupies a remarkable ecological crossroads where mountain meets desert in a secluded pocket valley. Here, Hackberry Wash has sculpted a unique microclimate where Ponderosa pines mingle with hardy junipers, graceful oaks share space with twisted Manzanita shrubs, and riparian cottonwoods thrive along the seasonal creek. This diverse tapestry of pine forest and streamside habitat creates an ever-changing landscape—lush and green when the wash flows with snowmelt or summer rains, golden and serene during the dry seasons.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThis campground does not have wheelchair-friendly toilets or other specified accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe campsites vary in size, accommodating small to midsized RVs and tents. Some reviewers mention tight spots and close proximity to neighbors.
Sites PrivacyThe vegetation, including juniper and oaks, offers some privacy between campsites, but comments about site proximity were mixed, with one user stating, 'Sites are mostly private,' and another noting, 'Your neighbors are right beside you.'
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest choosing campsites with more privacy and shade. Avoid summer months due to beetle and ant infestations.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers are highlighted as the best; however, privacy and shade are generally noted as strengths.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
User reviews suggest that individual sites have enough space for typical camping setups, but no specific guest limits are listed.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 11 individual campsites with pedestal grills, picnic tables, and fire pits. Sites offer privacy due to surrounding vegetation.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, although closures occur during heavy rain or snow when the roads become impassable.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required, but visitors should contact the Verde Ranger Station for weather-related closures: 928-567-4121.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not required; walk-up availability only.
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.
Hiking
While 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 viewing
The 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
With its year-round accessibility, winter visitors have noted the campground to be quiet and serene, especially when it snows.Water Sports
Water-related activities like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are enforced between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife 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.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Verde Ranger Station (928-567-4121) for weather-related closures and emergencies. No specific information about hospitals or police stations is available.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities; campers must pack out all garbage.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is flanked by Hackberry Wash, a seasonal creek.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include noisy campers using generators, trash left by visitors, biting insects (sand fleas, beetles), and eroded parking aprons.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
37 reviews
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 37 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...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
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,'...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
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 37 reviewsSeasonal 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...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
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....
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 37 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and there are no restrictions mentioned beyond the leash requirement.
Based on 37 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025