Clark Peak Corrals provides equestrian camping near Mammoth, Arizona at 8,800 feet elevation with stunning mountain views. The campground offers primitive facilities with vault toilets and picnic tables in a desert setting that transitions to mountain terrain. Summer visitors enjoy cooler temperatures while winter access is restricted due to seasonal gate closures on forest roads.
What to do
Horseback trail riding: Clark Peak Corrals connects to multiple trails through diverse mountain terrain. "Nothing beats the summer Arizona heat like escaping to the top of the Pinaleños. At 8800 ft elevation, this corral and campsite offers amazing weather in the summer and gorgeous views off the edge of the mountains," notes Beth G.
Cave exploration: Colossal Cave Mountain Park offers underground adventures with guided tours. "We also did the Regular Cave Tour and it was really neat. Dane was our tour guide and he was very informative. It really was 70 in the cave and with it being in the 50s/60s outside we went in overdressed and ended up really warm," reports Krista Z.
Scenic drives: The mountain roads near camping areas provide spectacular vistas. "I highly recommend driving along the Gila-Pinal Scenic Route. Breath taking vistas," suggests Beth G. about the roads near Oak Flat Campground.
What campers like
Desert solitude: Primitive camping areas provide peaceful settings without crowds. "So I had lunch here and forgot to take a photo of the unbelieveable views. The two little sites are clean and each have an old wooden picnic table setup there are for sure toilets. Would be a prefect little spot to watch the stars," mentions Candice E. about Clark Peak Corrals.
Wildlife viewing: Oak Flat Campground offers opportunities to observe desert wildlife. "There's a dried out creek bed through the grounds but I doubt there is ever water in it," notes Krista Z., who also mentions seeing some "not so friendly critters" in the area.
Off-road adventures: For those seeking more remote experiences, unpaved roads lead to secluded spots. "It's a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn't recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we've seen them get stuck trying to turn around. The road is rough but if you don't mind driving slow over the holes and bumps then no big deal," explains Cass G. about Reddington Pass Dispersed.
What you should know
Water requirements: "Be prepared to bring in anything you might need, including water. There are only about 3 campsites located near the vault toilets, but their are dispersed sites further down the forest road," advises Beth G. about Clark Peak Corrals.
Weather considerations: Temperatures vary drastically between seasons and elevations. "This forest road is gated off during the winter months and this area is not accessible," warns Beth G. regarding Clark Peak Corrals.
Facility limitations: Catalina State Park Campground offers more amenities than most areas. "Campsites are typical desert sand, with mesquite and palo verde trees. I had plenty of location options within the site for setting up my tent, but had to choose carefully, as to not sleep atop an access hole to the round-tailed ground squirrel burrows that are in abundance throughout the campground," shares Janet H.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for shade: Desert heat requires careful site selection. "There were a lot of other sites that had some trees around them and seemed much shadier. Campground was very clean. Bathrooms were spotless with giant free showers, which was awesome," recommends Carly E. about Catalina State Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: "We saw (and heard) coyote, prairie dogs, and a rattlesnake eating a prairie dog along a trail right behind our campground loop!" reports Carly E. from Catalina State Park, offering an exciting nature learning experience.
Recreation options: Colossal Cave Mountain Park provides multiple activities beyond camping. "There are a few trails in the park (Path of Ancestors, Bundrick, and the Arizona Trail). We did parts of all 3 but Path of Ancestors was my favorite. It has information boards along the way talking about the Hohokam tribe," explains Krista Z.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Not all horse camping areas accommodate larger vehicles. "Every road in the entire park is REALLY rough. They are paved but there are potholes everywhere. I wouldn't take a super low clearance car through the park and you won't make it back to La Selvilla (if it's open) without high ground clearance and 4 wheel drive," warns Krista Z. about Colossal Cave Mountain Park.
Parking considerations: "Sites are level FHU and large enough to park tow vehicle or toad along side your RV. The great advantage of this place is the cost of $35 a day," shares Tod S. about Pima County Fairgrounds RV Park, which offers an alternative to primitive horse camping sites.
Vehicle requirements: For more adventurous RVers seeking horse camping opportunities, "We have camped up here a few times in the last year and it is always great. You will want 4x4 to get up farther into the pass. Like mentioned before you won't want too big of a rig and you do lose cell reception as you head east," advises Joshua M. about dispersed camping options.
