10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Limited horse-friendly camping options exist near Clay Springs, Arizona, though the surrounding Tonto National Forest provides trail systems that may accommodate horses and riders seeking access to the Mogollon Rim area. While campgrounds like Mogollon Campground, Colcord Ridge, and Larson Ridge provide camping in the Mogollon Rim area, none offer dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities based on the available data. Campers can find dispersed camping opportunities at Little Green Valley and free camping along Forest Service roads. Many sites accommodate tents and RVs, with picnic tables and fire rings at established campgrounds. The roads to these camping areas vary in quality, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles especially during monsoon season.
Trail access connects campers to scenic areas including Woods Canyon Lake and the Mogollon Rim with its panoramic views. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, typically May through October, due to winter conditions at these higher elevations. Visitors should check current fire restrictions before traveling, as bans are common during summer months. Larson Ridge includes a basic toilet facility maintained by volunteers, while Mogollon Campground offers drinking water and more developed amenities. Pack-in/pack-out principles apply at the dispersed sites, with no trash services available.
"Unfortunately I was unable to stay at Lancelot campground due to a highway closure the night of my stay. The host stayed in contact as I figured out my next steps."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Trailer was about 40 feet from the edge with unparalleled views. I'd stay away from the rim edge on windy days. No worries during our stay."
"And to see the view was just a 20 foot walk. Also we were right by a trailhead so we did have passerby’s but no worries. There is a host that comes around so that feel safe and welcoming."
"For the distance it is away from Phoenix you can beat it ! 2hrs drive time!"
"Just a 1/2 mile on dirt road so that’s nice but the walk in spots for this campsite are SMALL and VERY tight/close together. Not only that but all spots are parallel."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance."
"Big open spots with lots to do nearby. There are multiple places to pull of of this road and camp. This is a pack in/pack out site with trees and fresh air."
"Free entry and a toilet near the entrance. Saw some deer while on a hike and seems like a great area for off-roading in an ATV or dirt bike."
"The sites are within a 1/4 mile of the highway (close enough to see the vehicle lights at night) but there is no highway noise."
from $100 - $1000 / night
Check Availability"The woods were awesome and very little noise besides cars driving along the road. Thr road was a very easy drive. Only downside is the campsite was very close to the road."
"This is just a dirt road off of the highway."
"A peaceful place to think your thoughts, go on walks, listen to wildlife, look at wildflowers and read a book. Very serene. Magnificent sunsets and stars are bright at night."
from $10 - $200 / night
Check Availability"The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable."
"Biggest downside it is RIGHT off the highway so expect road noise. About the loop (single spaces called Brundrett 1): There are 12 spaces with co-ed bathrooms (toilet only)."
from $16 - $150 / night
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GuideAMAZING campgrounds if you’re looking to escape the heat in the summer months. Spread out areas all up and down Young Road. Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance.
GuidePROS: Spacious campsites; some have phenomenal views overlooking a canyon. Free entry and a toilet near the entrance. Saw some deer while on a hike and seems like a great area for off-roading in an ATV or dirt bike. CONS: some of the campsites are close to the road and passing trucks can be loud. It was kind of crowded and noisy until late this Memorial Day weekend.
TravelerAwesome high elevation! Very cool for AZ summers! For the distance it is away from Phoenix you can beat it ! 2hrs drive time!
TravelerSpent a couple days on the rim side. Cabled my dog to stop her from following squirrels into the abyss. Trailer was about 40 feet from the edge with unparalleled views. I'd stay away from the rim edge on windy days. No worries during our stay.
ScoutUnfortunately I was unable to stay at Lancelot campground due to a highway closure the night of my stay. The host stayed in contact as I figured out my next steps. Was very helpful and provided good directions. Hoping I can stay sometime soon.
TravelerThank you to the others that post reviews. My nephew and I went up and stayed 3 days 2 nights and it was great. We managed to grab a spot (#16)that didn’t have a view but we were thankful because it was full and didn’t seem that anyone was leaving any time soon. And to see the view was just a 20 foot walk. Also we were right by a trailhead so we did have passerby’s but no worries. There is a host that comes around so that feel safe and welcoming. No bathrooms or showers which is fine by me bc it means less people. This spot offers great views without having to go as off road at my fav spot in Flagstaff (The End of the World). No complaints at all. Oh and we did have cell service so that was a bonus for safety. Thanks friends for your posts.
GuideJust a 1/2 mile on dirt road so that’s nice but the walk in spots for this campsite are SMALL and VERY tight/close together. Not only that but all spots are parallel. This doesn’t make it very convenient unless you are tent camping which we were not. Close to the Mogollon Rim paved path which is amazing, reference the picture for that! The hosts were great...hence why I gave the 4 stars! But I wouldn’t be going back here anytime soon.
ScoutStayed here many times and always a wonderful experience. The campsites are always clean with clean toilets and drinking water. The campsites are pretty spreadout from each other. Woods Canyon Lake is just a short drive away to enjoy hiking and you are within walking distance to the Rim.
RangerEnjoyed three nights and generally had the place to ourselves excluding the host. The host was very nice. The fee station was out of order during our stay, so we paid via daily tickets at a place in Globe on our way out. The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable. Little to do in the way of hikes within walking distance, but we enjoyed walking around the campground and into the woods to the north and east. Verizon service was great the entire time. Sites are well maintained and level. Vault toilets were clean. Each site has a steel fire ring and grate as well as a nice metal picnic table. There a a few group areas with full grills and communal tables. The campground appears fairly new.
The Clay Springs area offers wilderness camping options at elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet, providing cooler temperatures during summer months. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Service roads feature varied terrain from pine forests to juniper-dotted landscapes. During monsoon season (July-September), campers should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms and potential flooding in low-lying areas.
Hiking to swimming holes: From Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed, access a 7-mile trail leading to Hells Gate with a swimming hole at the end. "It also has a 7 mile hike to a place called Hells gate that has a swimming hole at the end of the hike. Lotta weekenders come up and hike up there," notes Thomas S.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing conditions. "Magnificent sunsets and stars are bright at night," shares Judy L. about her experience at Desert Falcon Ranch. Minimal light pollution makes this area ideal for astrophotography.
Off-road exploration: The network of forest roads accommodates ATVs and side-by-sides. "Seems like a great area for off-roading in an ATV or dirt bike," reports Rose C. from Larson Ridge. Many campers bring recreational vehicles to explore the surrounding canyons and ridges.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Colcord Ridge Campground, campers report diverse animal sightings: "Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance," says Caitlin S.
Secluded camping spots: Many dispersed areas provide privacy despite weekend popularity. "Everything you need for a good getaway. Definitely a good amount of people but lots of spots and not crowded feeling at all," notes Cade S. about Little Green Valley.
Temperature relief: The elevation provides escape from summer desert heat. According to Mark F., Little Green Valley offers "Quiet cool spacious camp in the pines. Great spots even for larger rvs. Very quiet but it will fill up depending on season/day of week."
Road conditions vary: Access roads range from well-maintained to rough depending on location and recent weather. At Lancelot desert camping, Kevin H. notes: "The only issue is the road to get to the campground is almost 10 miles of a non maintained road, very bumpy."
Fire restrictions: Summer months typically bring strict fire regulations. During high-risk periods, the forest may implement complete bans or closures. Kat E. advises about Colcord Ridge: "Double check what the fire restrictions are before leaving for your trip! This forest tends to have fire bans or can be completely closed during summer seasons when the fire risks are high."
Seasonal changes: Weather conditions affect accessibility significantly. "Beware monsoons if you have 2wd," warns Mark F. about Little Green Valley, highlighting the challenges during wet periods.
Mushroom hunting: Some areas provide educational opportunities for children. "Sometimes you can find wild mushrooms growing which has always been a cool experience to me," shares Kat E. about Colcord Ridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Clay Springs, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Clay Springs, AZ is Lancelot desert camping with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Clay Springs, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Clay Springs, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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