Clay Springs, Arizona sits along the Mogollon Rim at approximately 6,000 feet elevation, offering a cooler climate than Arizona's desert regions. The area experiences temperature shifts from warm summer days to chilly nights with typical readings of 80°F during summer days and dropping to 50°F overnight. Yurt camping near Clay Springs provides a unique way to experience the pine forests of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest while maintaining comfort in variable weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake offer trout fishing within a short drive of Clay Springs. At Sinkhole Campground, you'll find easy access to Willow Springs Lake. According to one camper, "Willow Creek Canyon Lake is a peaceful lake with gas motor restriction. I parked on the Northeast side and walked the quarter mile to the lake. Not overcrowded like the boat ramp."
Hiking trails: The area features numerous hiking paths for all skill levels through ponderosa pine forests. Near Aspen Campground, visitors can find "beautiful trails for hikers of all levels," as one reviewer noted. Another camper mentioned, "Deep on the 300rd you'll find campsites that haven't been used in years. We found the perfect on right on the cliff of the mogollon rim."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to observe native wildlife. A visitor at Aspen Campground shared, "Elk wander through the campgrounds in early mornings and evenings." During overnight stays, campers might hear "coyotes and sometimes elk bugleing" according to a visitor at Knoll Lake Campground.
What campers like
Temperature relief: The Clay Springs area offers significantly cooler temperatures during summer months. As noted by a camper at Knoll Lake Campground, "We didn't camp at the actual Knoll Lake site. We turned off at FR 752 which is shortly after Babe Haught trail... A good amount of dispersed camping spots and it amazingly quiet."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Sinkhole Campground, a reviewer observed, "The hosts were polite, attentive, and clearly take a good care of this area and bathroom facilities which were especially clean. Drinking water available and firewood for purchase."
Weather patterns: Summer afternoons often bring brief rain showers. According to an Aspen Campground visitor, this location is "Always a great place to stay in the summer. Usually about 25 degrees cooler in then Phoenix. Close to lakes and creeks along with hiking trails." Many yurt options near Clay Springs provide protection from these predictable weather patterns.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require travel on rough forest roads. For Spillway Campground, a visitor noted it has a "gravel road so no strollers or skateboards. Well water nearby but no flushing toilets."
Reservation requirements: Popular campsites fill quickly during summer weekends. "This is one of our go to campgrounds because of its proximity to Woods Canyon Lake. Not many sites here so it's quiet but you are kind of close to each other," shared a Spillway Campground visitor.
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential. At Hawley Lake, a camper advised, "Bring rope to protect your campsite from wild horses and wandering cows." Another visitor mentioned, "be aware that I did experience some free range cattle snooping through the camp at 2am which was a bit unexpected."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely across the region. A camper at Knoll Lake reported, "Zero cell service lots of hunters but very secluded only know of hunters by the shots every now and then lake knoll is beautiful lots of Fish!"
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate activities: Many campgrounds offer kid-friendly spaces. A visitor at Timber Camp Recreation Area shared, "We reserved this spot for a large family gathering and it served our needs perfectly... It is a very large space and each family can spread out as much as they want - and still have space for wiffle ball!"
Safety considerations: Parents should monitor children near water and during weather changes. At Sinkhole Campground, a camper mentioned their site was "just a walk away from the lake" and "easy to find" with "exceptionally clean" facilities.
Accommodation options: Yurt camping in Clay Springs, Arizona provides a middle ground between tent camping and cabins. Many families appreciate this balance, particularly with young children.
Bathroom accessibility: Most developed campgrounds have vault toilets. According to a visitor at Timber Camp, "Vault toilets were clean. Each site has a steel fire ring and grate as well as a nice metal picnic table."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campsites vary in size and levelness. At Mountain Retreat in Heber, a visitor noted, "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."
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer limited or no hookups. One camper at Spillway Campground observed it's "small, no trailers over 14 feet. It fills up fast in the summer and the sites are a little close together but it is a beautiful campground."
Road access concerns: Some forest roads present challenges for larger rigs. A visitor to Timber Camp mentioned, "Plenty of people were there in 5th wheels. Downside... The spaces are pretty close together."
Generator policies: Rules regarding generator use vary by location. Before planning your yurt or RV camping trip near Clay Springs, verify the current policies as they may change seasonally.
