All
of these campground except Verde Glen cover about a 1 1/2
mile stretch of the East Verde River. None of
these campgrounds has water, trash or toilet facilities.
If you camp in these campsites please have a self contained
vehicle or a portable toilet. When camping, this is definitely
one of the "Be Self Contained" Camp Areas.
To get to these campgrounds you will begin by heading north
out of Payson and turning right on Houston Mesa Road (F.
R. 199). We will start with the most downstream Campground.
1st
Crossing is 7 miles up Houston Mesa Road and
as its name implies, is the first time you cross the East
Verde River.
Water
Wheel is 7 1/2 miles up Houston Mesa Road and you
will see a parking area on the right. The East Verde crosses
under a bridge and there is a nice hike upstream to a variety
of waterfalls. The last time I was there, rappelling equipment
was in place to scale down the largest waterfall some 30ft.
You can hike upstream farther to a swimming hole with a
fallen tree that has been carved with stairs in it to climb
up and jump into a refreshing if not cold pool. Be advised,
the rocks by the upper pool are extremely slippery I have
seen many people slip and injure themselves on the wet rocks.
2nd
Crossing is 8 miles up Houston Mesa Road and is
the easy to notice as you actually cross the river (your
tires get wet). Parking is immediately on your left and
a small campground sits on the stream. If you cross the
street from the parking area, you will climb a hill and
descend down to a swimming hole with a 20 foot waterfall
at its head. There are places to cliff jump across the river
and you must be careful here as it can get relatively slippery
on the rocks. this area makes for a nice day picnic area.
3rd
crossing is 8 1/2 miles up the river.
Verde
Glen is up Houston Mesa Road 10 miles then turn
left at the Control Road and drive 1/2 mile to the camp
area.
Rainbow
trout on the smaller size can be caught along each of the
camp areas except Verde Glen.
