What RV Renters Know
- Jerome State Historic Park: Douglas Mansion museum with complete copper-mining history exhibits
- Phelps Dodge open-pit mine overlook: the 1,900-foot-deep open pit that replaced Jerome's underground mines
- Mile High Grill and whiskey bars: the Jerome bar scene is genuinely excellent and authentic
- Art galleries: 25+ galleries in a two-block commercial district with local artists
- Verde Valley views: on a clear day, views extend 50+ miles across the Verde Valley from Jerome's streets
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV in Jerome?
Large RVs should not drive into Jerome's historic district — the streets are steep, narrow, and designed for 1900s-era traffic. There is designated large vehicle parking at the lower approach to town on SR-89A near the Jerome State Historic Park entrance. From there, walk or take a short taxi into the main town. Base camping at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood (5 miles down the mountain) is the standard approach for RV travelers.
What happened to the buildings that slid downhill in Jerome?
Underground mining and dynamite blasting weakened the hillside under Jerome over decades. Several structures literally moved — the old jail slid 225 feet from its original location and now sits in a vacant lot as a tourist attraction. The jail slide happened gradually over years as the mine tunnels under the town settled. The structure is still standing and you can visit it. Other Jerome buildings show various degrees of slope-related settling and tilt.
Is Jerome's bar scene worth a trip?
Jerome has a disproportionately good bar scene for a town of 450 people. The Spirit Room, Paul and Jerry's Saloon, and Caduceus Cellars (Maynard James Keenan's winery) are the anchors. The bars have live music on weekends and a genuine local character unlike tourist-oriented establishments. Jerome is said to have more bars per capita than any other Arizona city — a legacy of the mining-era saloon culture that never fully disappeared.