Best Campgrounds near Clay Springs, AZ

Clay Springs, Arizona sits at the edge of the Mogollon Rim, offering a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities. The Arizona High Country Campground provides RV and tent sites with full hookups in Clay Springs proper, while Dutch's Tank offers primitive dispersed camping with no amenities about 10 miles north. The region includes several other options within a 30-minute drive, including Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area near Show Low and various RV parks with cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many closing between November and April due to winter conditions at the 6,000+ foot elevation.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. "We found this area randomly, and we were very pleased. It was easy to access, and dispersed campgrounds lined the road. Tons of space between sites," noted one visitor about FR 171 near Clay Springs. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, providing relief from desert heat, while winter brings snow and freezing temperatures. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with better coverage near Show Low and Lakeside. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends, while dispersed camping on Forest Service land follows a 14-day stay limit.

The White Mountains region surrounding Clay Springs attracts campers seeking cooler temperatures and pine forest settings. Campsites among tall Ponderosa pines provide natural shade and scenic views, with some offering lake access. Several visitors mentioned the area's peaceful ambiance and wildlife viewing opportunities. A review of Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area noted, "Probably the most beautiful campground in Arizona. Just outside Show Low, in the eastern part of the state, you are nestled in the pine & juniper of the region. Despite being in the middle of a developed area, once in the park, you feel appropriately isolated." Campgrounds closer to highways may experience road noise, while more remote sites offer greater solitude. Many campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary widely between developed and dispersed sites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Clay Springs, Arizona (157)

    1. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

    45 Reviews
    Show Low, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 537-3680

    $25 - $75 / night

    "Probably the most beautiful campground in Arizona. Just outside Show Low, in the eastern part of the state, you are nestled in the pine & juniper of the region."

    "The lake is fabulous for kayaking, or just hiking around.  Each campsite is spaced well away from neighboring sites, among beautiful, tall pines.  There is room to stretch out and relax.  "

    2. Arizona High Country Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clay Springs, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (928) 739-4383

    "We had a great site near the rear of the park with many shade trees and plenty of room. In general the sites are quite close together, but the folks were friendly and very helpful....."

    3. Dutch's Tank

    3 Reviews
    Heber-Overgaard, AZ
    11 miles

    4. Encore Venture In

    6 Reviews
    Show Low, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great place to spend the summer months in Arizona. A bit expensive, but I was here for work so it was paid for."

    "They present a somewhat soft surface which is like walking in about 6 inches of soft sand. Almost all the sites have a tree planted right at the front next to the road."

    5. Show Low Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lakeside, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 537-4126

    $18 - $150 / night

    "Cute little Campground literally on the edge of town. If you look in one direction you'll see the apartment buildings about a quarter mile away (you can see it in the video)."

    "There are no hookups at all on this second loop, but you can fill fresh water from over near the dump station.

    Short walk to the lake for swimming and/or fishing."

    6. Mogollon RV Park

    1 Review
    Clay Springs, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-4113

    $38 / night

    7. Mountain Retreat in Heber

    1 Review
    Heber-Overgaard, AZ
    13 miles
    Website

    $23 - $60 / night

    8. Elk Pines RV Resort

    1 Review
    Heber-Overgaard, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-3833

    9. AJ's Getaway RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Heber-Overgaard, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 433-8060

    $72 - $100 / night

    "HUGE sites and trails right outside the Campground.  We store our RV there for the summer. Great 4th of July events in town. We will be back for sure!"

    10. GreatSky CampRanch Show Low AZ

    1 Review
    Show Low, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 981-2267

    $40 - $85 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 157 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Clay Springs, AZ

587 Reviews of 157 Clay Springs Campgrounds


  • Sonja T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Forest Road 195 Campground

    Nice site but fills VERY quickly.

    We tried this site but it was full in both dides of 195. Not a site to be found. The roads off the main are VERY rough. In our Santa Cruz we had ti go very slow and careful. Better suited fir larger trucks with ample clearance. Cell services leaving Payson for ATT/Cricket was NONEXISTENT for most of the way, especially up in the dispersed areas. Use offline maps, don't rely on internet access if you have Cricket!

  • M
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Diamond Creek Number Two Campground

    Drove to campground

    We followed directions via Dyrt map down Indian Rt 61. There were no signs. The road became primitive and once we reached the destination via map, still no signs. We turned around and headed back toward the highway. Cannot review this campground, don’t know if it exists -but at least provide some info.

  • Mary Ann H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Los Burros Campground

    Pretty Quiet, best in Fall

    We love this campground.  Small, usually not full - we have been here summer and Fall, and only one night have we seen it full.  Easy roads but pretty basic, fire pits, table and clean vault toilet.  The elk come in in the fall and are delightfully noisy so if you have trouble sleeping this won't be your gig. Excellent trail system for hikes and mountain bikes and a trailhead right at the campground. 

    There is a camp host but site is free.  Dispersed camping nearby if you want more solitude.

  • Rene F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    Lots of spots with slabs to the left looking at building.

    Was going to stay the night before, but needed a real bed. So I stopped this morning. It is tight next to south entrance of Petrified national forest.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Crystal Forest Campground

    Close to Petrified Forest

    We camped on the north side of the road. I believe there are four campsites that are pull through and maybe five or six campsites back in . $25 per night for electric. Only 30 amp. Sites were nice & level. Mary, the lady who runs the place, was very nice and accommodating. Only about 2 miles from the entrance to the national park.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sun Valley RV Park

    Really nice park

    The owners and staff here is really friendly, great location as they are conveniently located right off the interstate, and yet still fairly quiet.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    OK RV Park

    Nice place, friendly and helpful.

    Long full service sites, multiple sewer connectors along the sites, picnic table, playground, laundry, clubhouse, nice showers.

  • Perry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Promontory Butte South

    Great Views

    Amazing spot for views overlooking the rim. Fire ring available, space to park or tent.


Guide to Clay Springs

Camping near Clay Springs, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making them perfect for fishing or kayaking. At Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground, one camper mentioned, "We had the most beautiful view of the lake and plenty of wide open space for my kids to explore!"
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. A visitor at Mogollon Campground shared, "We took a 3.3 mile hike to Woods Canyon Lake. There is a marina and boat rentals available."
  • Wildlife watching: Campers often spot wild horses near Black Canyon Rim Campground. One reviewer noted, "This is a great campground with a short drive off of hwy 260. The site is clean, secluded and well kept."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A visitor at Sitgreaves National Forest Canyon Point Campground said, "Bathrooms and showers are kept very clean. Sites are very clean. Staff was very helpful."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A camper at Aspen Campground mentioned, "The site was lovely... Plenty of water spickets. The lake is only a minute away as well."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful surroundings. One reviewer at Show Low Lake Campground stated, "Excellent place to camp. If you want to feel like camping in the forest and having access to the towns amenities this is the place."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups or showers. A visitor at Fr 171 Campground noted, "No drinking water, no electric hookups, no showers."
  • Crowded on holidays: Popular spots can get busy during holiday weekends. A camper at Show Low Lake Campground warned, "We made the mistake of visiting here on a holiday weekend... everything was broken/dirty."
  • Cell service can be spotty: Many areas have weak cell reception. A reviewer at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground mentioned, "Cell for AT&T is weak to non-existent in some spots."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Aspen Campground said, "Campsites have a decent amount of space."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Mogollon Campground shared, "We had to 10 person tents, 210 x 10 foot canopies, plenty of area around the fire pit."
  • Check for nearby attractions: Look for campgrounds close to lakes or hiking trails. A camper at Sinkhole Campground noted, "The hosts were polite, attentive, and clearly take good care of this area."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A visitor at Venture In RV Resort mentioned, "The RV spots are good size. Great hookups and a very quiet place."
  • Look for electric hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric connections. A camper at Sitgreaves National Forest Canyon Point Campground appreciated, "Nice to be able to connect to electric a few days."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds may have unpaved access roads. A reviewer at Black Canyon Rim Campground noted, "The road in isn’t paved but anything with more clearance than a Honda Civic will make it just fine."

Camping near Clay Springs, Arizona, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clay Springs, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clay Springs, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Clay Springs, AZ and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clay Springs, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clay Springs, AZ is Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 45 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clay Springs, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Clay Springs, AZ.