Verde Hot Springs

Childs (near Camp Verde / Strawberry) · Yavapai County

Primitivehigh-clearance (FR 708 then 6 miles of FR 502, described by the USFS as a very bad road) to Childs, then a short hike upstream and a river wadeno fee

°F scale 60–120

Waternot published

FeeFree to soak

Seasonyear-round

LandUSFS (Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District)

WhereChilds (near Camp Verde / Strawberry), Arizona

DrivePhoenix ≈ 2 h 45, Tucson ≈ 4 h 30

The ruins of Verde Hot Springs, once a famous resort, sit upstream of the free Childs camping area on the Verde River, a short hike and some wading away. Getting to Childs is the hard part, about 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde on FR 708, then six miles of FR 502, which the Forest Service calls a very bad road. High clearance is highly recommended and four-wheel drive may help. River rules mean fire pans only, portable toilets for river overnights, a 14-day stay limit and no garbage service, so pack it all out. Check for fire restrictions before you go; nobody publishes a water temperature.

Check hours and fees

From USDA Forest Service, last checked 19 September 2026. A few details here came secondhand, so it's worth a call before you go.

Listed in

Last checked 19 September 2026. Map coordinates 34.36, -111.71. Something changed? Tell us through the contact page, with a link to the operator's page.