Best Dispersed Camping near Clay Springs, AZ

Dispersed camping around Clay Springs, Arizona occurs primarily on Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest lands, with multiple free camping options along forest roads. Notable areas include Rim Road (FR300), Dutch's Tank, FR738, and the Valentine Ridge area, where campers can set up in undeveloped sites without reservation. These primitive camping areas typically provide basic fire rings but minimal other amenities, creating authentic backcountry experiences on public lands.

Access to most dispersed sites requires navigation of unpaved forest roads that vary significantly in condition. Many areas like Dutch's Tank feature relatively good road conditions suitable for trucks and RVs, though some remote locations may require high-clearance vehicles. Most dispersed camping areas have no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring visitors to pack everything in and out. Fire restrictions commonly apply during dry seasons, and campers should always check current regulations. The typical 14-day stay limit applies to most sites in the region.

The dispersed camping experience near Clay Springs offers notable seclusion and natural beauty. Sites along Rim Road provide dramatic views overlooking canyons, with one camper noting that "there are many dispersed camping sites right on the side of the rim with great views that you can see miles out." Dutch's Tank receives positive reviews for its accessibility and quiet atmosphere, with a visitor commenting it has "wide open views, easy access for Truck/RV" though "almost no VZ internet." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, with deer frequently spotted on hiking trails. Be prepared for variable weather conditions, as afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly, especially during summer months.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Clay Springs, Arizona (36)

    1. Dutch's Tank

    3 Reviews
    Heber-Overgaard, AZ
    11 miles

    "Nice place, wide open views, easy access for Truck/rv. Almost no vz internet. Very clean, very little trash. Good dispersed camping. C20 miles to food/supplies."

    "Would bring the family back for some boondocking in our camper. Despite being the first spot closest to the road, so few cars pass here I rarely noticed."

    3. Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    35 Reviews
    Woodruff, AZ
    38 miles
    +1 (928) 524-3500

    "Right outside the South Gate of the Petrified Forest National Park. They offer free camping with no hookups for self contained rigs. Water is available at city hall if needed."

    "Dirt lot with about 20 spots for RVs, trailers, campervans, or any other self contained camper. They don't allow tent camping because there are no bathrooms available."

    4. Rim Road

    6 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    26 miles

    "We came up from Phoenix to get away from city life for 48 hours and this place is beautiful. We just got here and I have at least some reception because I’m doing the review from the site."

    "We showed late on Friday eve and were still able to get a great spot for tent camping. Pretty quiet and close to town."

    5. Timber Mesa Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Lakeside, AZ
    23 miles

    "Easy to get to, close to town, clearly marked trails and roadways. Hiking views were spectacular."

    6. Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    20 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-7300

    "Bear Canyon campground and lake located off AZ260 north east of payson."

    "The lake is not very easily accessible for camping but it's an easy hike down for fishing, photography, and simply enjoying nature. Keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a bald eagle."

    8. Concho lake

    11 Reviews
    Vernon, AZ
    39 miles

    "Nice spot along the highway. You can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it. There’s prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus. Clean porti potties and decent AT&T signal."

    "Great, great free camping. ~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings. Great Verizon Service."

    9. FR738 Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "Along with this site, there are many dispersed camping sites right on the side of the rim with great views that you can see miles out. Great for tent camping but also big enough for campers and RVs"

    "I tried camping nearby and everywhere was full. This site had at least 5 or 6 spots open and most sites have an overlook. The road to the sites was not bad at all."

    10. Valentine Ridge Campground

    2 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 467-3200

    "It was a small campground located off of some unpaved forest roads with large campsites equipped with fire pits and some even with BBQ grills. There were picnic tables at the sites as well."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clay Springs, AZ

142 Reviews of 36 Clay Springs Campgrounds


  • Nolan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    Bear Canyon

    Bear Canyon campground and lake located off AZ260 north east of payson. Near Woods Canyon lake(larger and more accessible), and Knoll lake(smaller than Bear Canyon)

    Bear Canyon campground is easily accessible and free. No reservations. No water/electric hookups. No picnic tables. No trash service-pack it in, pack it out. It will fill up on weekends during the summer as the weather is so temperate. We came up on a weekday and stayed to the beginning of the weekend and it wasn’t too crowded.

    Pros: The weather was amazing. High of 75-78 in the day and high 40’s at night. There was a constant breeze which kept it cool and fresh feeling. The lake is a short hike(0.2 miles) from the trailhead. And provides good fishing from the shore. There is plenty of free firewood’s around; just bring a saw and splitting axe. Near the Rim and other lakes (Woods Canyon and Knoll). Pit toilets were a far walk depending on where you camped but they were clean.

    Cons: This entire area is very rocky! We have a pop up but I can’t imagine tent camping without an air mattress. Each campsite maybe has a fire pit and that’s it. Boats and Kayaks would be a real challenge to bring down and up as the trail is very steep, rocky, and loose.

    Overall, we were disappointed that we were unable to use our kayaks but the weather make up for it and it was a great, relaxing trip.

  • Gillian C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping

    Highly Used Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping off dirt roads. Highly Used but still space for privacy. Fire restrictions in the summer. No cell service. Some groups were loud and some vehicle traffic throughout the night. Sites are not numbered, just camp near the road. Check out Woods Canyon Lake on the way in!

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2025

    Rim Road

    Beautiful Escape

    We came up from Phoenix to get away from city life for 48 hours and this place is beautiful. We just got here and I have at least some reception because I’m doing the review from the site. Was it easy to get to, right off the highway, we drove back about a mile into the woods and there was tons of places to camp. Granted it’s early January so that could have something to do with all the open spots. There’s no facilities of any kind. We’re totally Boondocking it with our RV no hook ups just the water we brought and a generator, but I couldn’t be happier so quiet.

    Oh yeah. If you are checking the weather, it’s closer to Heber than Payson. Payson low tonight expected to be 37, but Heber is expected to get to 24. Brrrrr

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 16, 2022

    Trail 1371 Dispersed Camping

    Easy access campground, but limited big rig areas

    Campground is good for tent, campervan, RV, and trailers (limited parking for campers, RVs, and trailers). Typical dispersed campground. No services, pack in, pack out.

    Once off the highway you follow a paved road (with plenty of potholes) about .5 miles. Turn right onto a dirt road, and the first right is the campground. At the interection of the dirt road and paved road there is a pullout area that I saw a trailer and RV parked. You could get an RV into the dispersed area, but only the first few spaces would really be suitable and may be difficult to turn around. Plenty of spaces in the dispersed area. First area has about 4 spaces with fire rings and a few without. If you continue up the road there are a lot more areas to park, the road gets a bit rough and narrow after the first area. I wouldn't recommend bringing a campervan or anything large up that area. Trees will scratch the side of your vehicle or trailer, and if the road is wet, you probably won't make it up.

    Overall, great dispersed camping, quiet area. As you go further up the road you can hear noise from the highway, but very minimal.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2023

    Carr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350

    FR 9350 dispersed camping

    Great boondocking spot off the main road as you would be heading to knoll lake just past Woods Canyon Recreation area . Beautiful setting in the Forrest. No amenities, located near the Rim. Peaceful and quiet. open space. Numbered sites. The main road is a good well maintained dirt/gravel road. Once you turn off on fr 9350 Campground (which is marked) to go towards the sites it is a bit rough but we were able to make with our Class A, just slow going. Sites are far apart, large with 10 person max and 14 day limit.

  • Jacob S.
    Jun. 11, 2019

    Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    Good Family Camp

    Spent a few nights up here dry camping. Sort of a rough road going out. Lots of people but we got a spot on the edge of the camp. Bathrooms are as basic as they get. Windy in the morning but settled as the day went on each day. The lake is about a mile away. There is a short but very steep hike, don’t plan on carrying too much stuff. Nowhere to launch kayaks from the campground side but we could see a boat launch on the far side of the lake. Lots of people fishing, sort of hard to find a spot on the shore with space between anyone else. The water was pretty clean and ok for swimming. The camp and lake had a decent amount of broken glass which is a bummer. Pine trees are tall but area has been pretty cleared out so campsites are a little bit exposed. We had shade as long as we moved around through the day.

  • Audrey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2018

    Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    Just don't go on a holiday weekend

    If you go during the winter months (that is, if roads are open), you may likely be the only one there! The lake is not very easily accessible for camping but it's an easy hike down for fishing, photography, and simply enjoying nature. Keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a bald eagle. The actual campground is usually crowded with no privacy. Perhaps suitable for a large group. Restrooms, never mind, just bring a shovel and use the woods; it's cleaner. Just don't be disgusting and leave it all out. Leave No Trace, PLEASE. Also, you'll need to carry out all your trash. On a holiday weekend (Labor Day especially) there are so many visitors but otherwise only a few venture out that way. Your best bet for solitude is to drive 2-4 miles passed the campground which will be on your right and find a good dispersed spot. Just bring ribbon or rope to mark a tree from the road in case you need to travel down to Woods Canyon Lake store or out to a Rim viewpoint for cell service.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Old Rim Road Dispersed Site

    Spread out sites

    Just under 50 sites off the dirt road. All sites have fire rings and are numbered. There were fire restrictions during my stay so definitely look into that beforehand, as with any other place. The sites were nicely spread out. The first few sites were along the rim. The others were within forested areas, well off the dirt road.

  • Jessalyn C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2023

    Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed

    Little Green Valley/Bear flats

    This is a beautiful spot off AZ state highway 260. Roads are a bit bumpy, and they have some shallow water crossings. Rvs and campers can make it in with relative ease.

    This place is dispersed, meaning no hook-ups. Pack out what you pack in, no trash services. Can get a little loud on the weekends with the side by sides zooming around.


Guide to Clay Springs

Primitive camping near Clay Springs, Arizona features elevations between 6,000-7,500 feet, creating a distinct high-desert climate with dramatic temperature swings between day and night. The area sits at the convergence of ponderosa pine forests and juniper grasslands, creating varied camping environments. Summer thunderstorms commonly develop in afternoons between July and September, requiring preparedness for rapid weather changes.

What to do

Night sky observation: The FR738 Dispersed Camping area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. One camper noted that sites are positioned "right on the side of the rim with great views that you can see miles out," providing unobstructed sky views for astronomy enthusiasts.

ATV riding: At Dutch's Tank, visitors discovered "a huge ATV/Moto-x like course" with "great hills and tracks" located in the back area of the camping zone. This unofficial course offers technical riding opportunities not widely publicized in camping guides.

Wildlife watching: Early morning hours (5-7am) offer the best opportunities for wildlife viewing around Clay Springs. At Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area, visitors report frequent elk sightings, while one camper mentioned seeing "pine trees are tall but area has been pretty cleared out" creating good visibility for spotting wildlife.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: Valentine Ridge Campground receives praise for its isolation, with a camper describing it as "a small campground located off of some unpaved forest roads with large campsites equipped with fire pits and some even with BBQ grills." Another visitor noted they were "the only ones in the campground" during off-season visits.

Dark skies: The remoteness of the area creates exceptional stargazing conditions. A Rim Road visitor mentioned camping there "to connect nature and recharge from the bustle of the city," noting they seek places "further from the toys and noisy people" for better night sky viewing.

Lake access: Though not directly on lakes, many campsites offer reasonable proximity to fishing spots. One camper at Rim Road mentioned "the lake just 6ish miles from the highway has always provided me with a super fun and productive fishing experience year after year," indicating reliable fishing opportunities in the area.

What you should know

Road conditions: Most primitive camping near Clay Springs requires traveling on unpaved roads of varying quality. A visitor to Valentine Ridge noted it's "about 8 miles down a fairly well kept dirt road but with the switchbacks and hills it take about 30 mins from highway 260," providing realistic travel time expectations.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. A Concho Lake visitor reported "Good Verizon!" service, while a Dutch's Tank camper mentioned "almost no VZ internet," demonstrating the inconsistent coverage patterns.

Seasonal closures: Some areas close during fire danger periods. A Concho Lake reviewer reported, "Due to fire danger in the area currently it's closed," highlighting the importance of checking current closure status before traveling to remote sites.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner options: For families new to primitive camping, Concho Lake offers an accessible starting point. A camper described it as having "at least 10 spots" with "port-o-potty's that were not too bad" and "lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake" that children might enjoy observing.

Educational opportunities: Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts combines camping with learning experiences. A visitor noted "covered picnic tables, cement tipis, very strange dinosaur sculptures, and a LOT of free petrified wood" that can spark educational discussions about geology and natural history.

Weather preparation: Temperature variations require careful planning for family comfort. A Rim Road camper cautioned about checking "the weather, it's closer to Heber than Payson. Payson low tonight expected to be 37, but Heber is expected to get to 24. Brrrrr," highlighting the significant temperature differences between nearby towns.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Many primitive sites near Clay Springs require careful positioning for RVs. A Dutch's Tank reviewer mentioned staying "in the first spot with a 16' livestock trailer" noting it was "easy to get in and out, road ain't terrible" suggesting manageable access for modest-sized rigs.

Generator needs: Due to lack of hookups, power management becomes essential. A Crystal Forest Museum visitor mentioned they "opted for the left side. 25$ got us electrical and er we are in paradise now. Site is fairly level and there was a little shade," suggesting the value of occasional paid sites with electrical access between boondocking stays.

Parking configurations: Site layouts vary considerably across dispersed areas. A camper at Timber Mesa Trailhead reported finding "some flat spots for a tent" but noted the "highway got quieter in the middle of the night," indicating the importance of positioning rigs to minimize road noise exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clay Springs, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clay Springs, AZ is Dutch's Tank with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Clay Springs, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 36 dispersed camping locations near Clay Springs, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.