Clay Springs sits among Ponderosa pines at the eastern edge of the Mogollon Rim at an elevation of 6,700 feet. The surrounding area offers both primitive dispersed campsites and developed campgrounds, with nighttime temperatures often dropping 30-40 degrees below daytime highs even in summer. Camping spots near Clay Springs, Arizona become limited from late fall through early spring as snow and freezing temperatures affect accessibility.
What to do
Fishing access: Show Low Lake Campground is located near a stocked lake with trout fishing opportunities. "There is a lake probably half a mile walk to where you can fish. Otherwise you can drive to it and park fairly close to the dock," notes one camper. The area includes a canyon where people hike down to fish.
Hiking trails: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground offers a lake trail suitable for walking dogs. "There is a nice trail to hike around the lake. Dogs are allowed on it," reports a camper who visited in October. The area offers a mix of pine and juniper vegetation with wildlife viewing.
Stargazing: GreatSky CampRanch provides exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "Camping in the Juniper and Cedars is an amazing experience, especially under the sky full of stars," mentions a camper who enjoyed the dark skies. The elevation and minimal light pollution create ideal stargazing conditions.
ATV riding: Dispersed camping near Dutch's Tank provides access to off-road vehicle trails. One camper discovered: "In the back of this area is a huge ATV/Moto-x like course. Great hills and tracks!!" Forest roads throughout the area connect to designated OHV routes.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Dutch's Tank offers wide-open areas for dispersed camping. "Nice place, wide open views, easy access for Truck/rv. Very clean, very little trash. Good dispersed camping," writes one visitor. The area provides ample separation between campsites.
Clean facilities: Show Low Lake Campground maintains their restrooms regularly. A camper notes: "For the cleanliness, this campground should get 5 stars. The people who work there clean the bathrooms throughout the day so they're always nice." Multiple reviewers mention the well-maintained facilities.
Privacy between sites: The camping areas around Clay Springs often feature natural separation. "The camp spots are large and clean. The bathrooms are always clean and the showers are hot," writes a camper about Show Low Lake Campground. Many sites include trees providing natural screening.
Lake views: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area offers waterfront camping options. "We went a little early in the season, late April. The nights were below freezing. The lake is beautiful and calm. There were turkey vultures galore. And there were goose parents with fluffy goslings!" observed one visitor who appreciated the wildlife.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. A camper at Dutch's Tank reports: "Almost no vz internet." Another camper at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area noted an unusual service gap: "We did not have a cell signal for some odd reason. We have T Mobile and usually have good coverage. Not sure what was going on with it."
Weather fluctuations: Late spring camping brings unpredictable conditions. "We went a little early in the season, late April. The nights were below freezing," reports one camper at Fool Hollow. The elevation means summer nights remain cool while winter brings snow.
Holiday crowds: Some campgrounds become extremely busy on holiday weekends. A camper at Show Low Lake observed: "We made the mistake of visiting here on a holiday weekend. At other times I suspect this is a decent place, but this particular weekend was chaos and everything was broken/dirty. Trash overflowing. Bathrooms with super long wait times (hour or more)."
Water availability: Most dispersed sites lack water sources. At Dutch's Tank, campers note there's no drinking water, requiring you to bring all needed water supplies. Established campgrounds typically offer water fill stations.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: AJ's Getaway RV Park provides family-friendly access to natural areas. "Finally a place to camp with the family in Heber-Overgaard. HUGE sites and trails right outside the Campground," reports one family. The area hosts elk, deer, and various bird species.
Fishing with kids: Show Low Lake offers family-friendly fishing opportunities. "We love to take our canoe and hang out on the lake. It has a remote feel, but is close enough to a Walmart in case you need supplies and an urgent care in case of emergency," notes a parent, emphasizing the balance of nature experience with convenience.
Holiday events: Several campgrounds host special activities during summer holidays. One camper at AJ's Getaway mentioned: "Great 4th of July events in town." Local communities organize parades, fireworks, and family activities during major summer holidays.
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with bathroom accessibility. A camper at Show Low Lake advises: "Each 'Loop' has about 4 to 6 spots and a hauled water dispenser with a faucet. There is a men's and women's bathroom for each Loop and a set of bear boxes."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal RV sites: Mountain Retreat in Heber offers monthly rates with no age restrictions on RVs. "This place is great for the whole family and there is no trailer year restriction. You definitely cant beat the price and its nice that the rate includes water, electric and sewage," writes a satisfied camper who appreciated the inclusive pricing.
RV site dimensions: Venture In RV Resort provides wide sites but with some challenges. "The sites are pretty level, really wide, and fairly deep. There is a concrete patio with each site. Sites are covered in cinders which are a bit of a pain. They present a somewhat soft surface which is like walking in about 6 inches of soft sand."
Winter access: Show Low Lake Campground remains open year-round with snow removal services. "Open all year and is plowed when it snows," notes an RVer who stayed during winter months. This makes it one of the few camping options near Clay Springs accessible throughout winter.
Off-season advantages: Campers report quieter experiences during weekdays and non-holiday periods. "This campground was really nice and quiet on the weekdays. I left on Sat morning, and Friday night it was hopping and crowded (It was also Fathers day weekend)," explains one RVer at Show Low Lake Campground.
