Verde River

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Prescott National Forest (NF) · Open Access

2,999 ft
Elevation

Prescott National Forest has eight sites that offer access to the Verde River.  Some sites are commonly used to put-in or take-out non-motorized watercraft while others offer picnicking facilities or are popular for wading and fishing.  Down river, starting at Beasley Flat, the Verde River has Wild & Scenic River status protecting its outstanding natural and cultural values.  Upriver, the Verde Canyon Railroad follows the Verde River as it cuts through stunning red rock canyons that border the Prescott and Coconino National Forests.

Verde River Guide (&, 928 KB PDF)  Please plan ahead, be prepared, and practice Leave No Trace ethics to leave the Verde just as you find it for those who come after.

Canoe and Kayak Launch:

  • White Bridge Located across from the Verde Ranger Station on Highway 260, this site has picnic facilities and is the most popular boat launch for float trips to Beasley Flat.
  • Beasley Flat This site marks the beginning of the Wild & Scenic stretch of the Verde River which is recommended only for experienced boaters.  Float trips take out here, and there are picnic facilities and a nature trail. 
  • Clear Creek  Though boaters can put in or take out here, this is not a very good boat launch.  The access to the river is steep and slippery, and parking is limited.
  • Black Canyon A popular fishing spot, and a fun place to splash around on an inner tube!

Fishing, wading and picnicking:

Fishing:

 

Learn more about the National Wild & Scenic River program: Check out this story board created by the National Park Service!

Help increase awareness of our nation's Wild & Scenic Rivers by using the 2019 Forever Stamps featuring Wild & Scenic Rivers of the USA! 

Getting there

34.48550, -111.81920 · 34°29'7.8"N 111°49'9.1"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in1.41.51.30.60.50.31.82.51.51.10.81.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Verde River

Can you reserve a site at Verde River?
No. Verde River is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Verde River

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.