The best camping near Tuzigoot National Monument

This small monument preserves the ruins of Sinagua Indian dwellings in a pueblo. This village was once home to around 250 people. Abandoned in the 15th century, the ancient buildings are mostly crumbling walls just a few feet high. One building is complete with a restored ceiling. A ladder leads to the roof providing a cool place to hang out in the heat of the summer. Sitting atop the building on the sandstone ridge, you can get some great views.

Start your visit at the small visitor center built in the style of the original dwellings. Don't miss the interesting exhibition of Indian artifacts. A wheelchair-accessible path loops up and around the hill. As you look down across the Verde River valley, you can see layered cliffs and ridges.

Follow a quarter-mile trail from the center to the Tavasci Marsh, one of Arizona's largest marshlands. Bird watchers can spot migratory birds that gather at certain times of the year. Keep a lookout for unusual bird species such as the great horned owl. In the far distance, spot large and colorful spoil heaps formed by waste from the old copper mines of the Black Hills.

The monument lies east of Clarkdale. Cottonwood is the closest town. A visit here takes around half an hour and is best done in cooler weather as there is little shade.

Pitch your tent or park your RV in nearby campgrounds. There's a good choice of small and medium-sized sites in the area including some lovely mountain retreats up in the cool forests.