McNary, Arizona provides multiple camping options within the eastern Arizona mountains, including established campgrounds and dispersed sites. Hawley Lake Apache Indian Reservation offers camping with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations just minutes from McNary. Los Burros Campground, rated highly by visitors, provides tent and RV sites and operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. Other nearby options include Timber Mesa Trailhead for dispersed camping and Show Low Lake Campground approximately 20 miles northwest, which offers electric hookups, showers, and boat access.
The White Mountains region experiences significant seasonal variations that impact camping accessibility. Most campgrounds operate during summer and fall, with many closing during winter due to snow and freezing temperatures at these higher elevations. Amenities vary widely across sites - Los Burros has vault toilets but no running water, while Hawley Lake offers more facilities including showers. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and travelers should verify current regulations before planning trips. Access roads to some sites may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or snow. As one visitor noted about Brown Creek Campground, "Very secluded but the roads on the way in from both Show Low and McNary were in decent shape."
Wildlife sightings represent a significant draw for campers throughout the area. Several visitors mention encounters with elk, deer, and various bird species. Reviewers frequently highlight the region's forested pine settings as a welcome escape from summer heat found in lower-elevation parts of Arizona. Campgrounds on Apache land, including Hawley Lake, provide unique opportunities but may have different rules and permit requirements. One camper at Hawley Lake advised, "Bring rope to protect your campsite from wild horses and wandering cows." Night temperatures often drop significantly even during summer months, requiring appropriate gear. The combination of mountain lakes, accessible fishing opportunities, and cooler temperatures makes the McNary area particularly appealing for extended stays during Arizona's hottest months.
$25 - $75 / night
"Probably the most beautiful campground in Arizona. Just outside Show Low, in the eastern part of the state, you are nestled in the pine & juniper of the region."
"The lake is fabulous for kayaking, or just hiking around. Each campsite is spaced well away from neighboring sites, among beautiful, tall pines. There is room to stretch out and relax. "
$18 - $150 / night
"Cute little Campground literally on the edge of town. If you look in one direction you'll see the apartment buildings about a quarter mile away (you can see it in the video)."
"There are no hookups at all on this second loop, but you can fill fresh water from over near the dump station. Short walk to the lake for swimming and/or fishing."
"We camped here when we had a permit to fish at nearby Christmas Tree Lake. Christmas Tree Lake is a beautiful little lake nestled in the White Mountains of Arizona on Apache land."
"Hawley Lake is the perfect escape when you want to get out of the heat. Pristine views, cool weather during the summer and clean facilities almost make you feel like your not in Arizona anymore."
"Excellent location near Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low. Easy check-in. Wifi available. Clean bathrooms. Laundry available. Wonderful hosts. 24 hour security driving around."
"We had to crab over them so that we didn't leave our plumbing with them (and very nearly did leave some plumbing the first time over the first one)."
"Los Burros was a beautiful little spot, tucked away in the pines near Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ. There are at least two camping spots that include a fenced in area for your horses to stay."
"There was a corral near one of the sites for horses. On the way in we passed an entire heard of cattle right next to the road. There is also 2 historic buildings from the ranger station."
"It's located on Fort Apache Indian Reservation you will need camping and fishing permits from White Mountain Apache Tribe (camping $9 per car per day; fishing over 15 yrs of age $9 per day)."
$45 / night
"My wife and I have always wanted to visit The White Mountains in Arizona since over the years we've gone by several times on I40. "
"There are plenty local attractions: lakes, rivers and streams, wilderness and national forests. Activities include: fishing, biking (wish I brought my mtn bike), hiking/walking and ATV trails."
"Quiet, large campground, easy access to lake, wildlife. Close to town but far enough that it feels like your way out."
"Very secluded but the roads on the way in from both Show Low and McNary were in decent shape. This is a hunting area so we did see quite a few people hunting."
"Great location between Show Low and Pinetop with Highway access."
LegendSouth of woodruff, Arizona on a good dirt road just before the bridge over a branch of the Little Colorado River, is a large reasonably flat turn off. There is a trailhead nearby, and excellent rock hunting with large chunks of rainbow Jasper, some clearly from petrified wood. Some local traffic, and no T-Mobile or any other services.
LegendAlthough it is close to the road, we only saw four cars go by all day and were the only ones here. Four campsites with picnic tables and fire rings on the west side of the road with additional room on the east side of the road with the horse paddock. Clean vault toilets on either side of the road as well as a poorly maintained wooden shelter. Campsites were reasonably flat and south facing so snow was not a problem. The area had been burned recently and the Forest Road was closed due to this. The view was nice despite the burn, and it was not nearly as bad as many other burned areas along US 191. No vehicles over 40 ft in length are allowed south of this point on US. 191. Be aware that Hallaran Meadows gas station and Cafe may be closed in the winter. Zero T-Mobile coverage.
LegendAfter finding our first and second and third choices unavailable, we pulled in Alpine RV park It looked like a long-term resident RV Park, with closely placed RVs and lots of semi-permanent additions. However, they had several empty spots available for short-term or one night stays, in the center of Alpine. Everything was very clean and well maintained and no dilapidated, RVs or rowdy characters. In fact, everyone was very friendly and helpful. There is a coin laundromat on site. And you can drop in for a shower for six bucks (Free with a night's stay). Plenty of hot water in the clean Grandma Chic restroom and showers. At&t and Verizon only. So if you have T-Mobile, you can put your money in the slot, and the owner will visit you the next day with your keys for the bathroom. Electric, water, sewer hookup, and hot showers included in the nightly price. Dog breed restrictions. Hopefully you will be able to see the local Elk herd, out on the nearby meadow. No fires allowed.
LegendI only gave it one star not because it was bad but because it was closed for the winter, and I had to put something. However, Alpine RV Park on the other side of town is open all year and has overnight and short-term spots available.
LegendWe arrived in February to find the campsite inaccessible, with a locked gate. The day use area was open, but clearly marked "Day use only, no camping".
TravelerThere was no power,they were locked.. but a very quiet place. They have tables and it is clean!
ScoutWe visited Greer and this location is less than 10 miles away. There are existing fire rings and spots to camp just past mile marker #2. Quiet and very dark at night.
TravelerGood place to dispersed camp on private property. Concrete pads, some with picnic tables. Safe and quiet.
RangerThe staff was friendly. We stayed so that we could do laundry and soak up some amenities m. Decent place for one night. Average price.
Camping sites near McNary, Arizona offer a mixture of tribal and national forest camping options with elevations ranging from 7,400 to 8,200 feet. The area sits within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and White Mountain Apache Reservation lands, creating diverse camping experiences across both jurisdictions. Summer thunderstorms typically arrive in July and August, bringing afternoon rainfall almost daily and cooling temperatures that rarely exceed 85°F.
Fishing at mountain lakes: Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res offers excellent fishing opportunities with special permits. "Christmas Tree Lake is a beautiful little lake nestled in the White Mountains of Arizona on Apache land. It boasts some amazing fishing for the native trout species- the Apache trout," notes one visitor who used Hawley Lake as a base camp.
Hiking trail systems: Los Burros Campground provides direct access to multiple trails. "There is a trailhead right in the campground (Los Burros Trail) that is moderate/easy and perfect for an afternoon or morning hike," explains a camper. The trail system accommodates both hikers and mountain bikers.
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at dawn and dusk. "We did wake up one morning to about 6 cows in our campsite and they didn't want to leave," reports a camper at Lower Log Road campground, highlighting the area's mixture of wildlife and free-range livestock.
Mountain coolness: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground provides a climate escape during hot summers. "We went a little early in the season, late April. The nights were below freezing. The lake is beautiful and calm," notes one visitor, highlighting the significant temperature difference from lower elevations.
Campsite spacing: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful site layouts at certain campgrounds. "The Mallard loop has generous paved sites. There is a picnic table and nice fire pit. Plenty of paved space to set up. Pines surround each site and provide ample shade," reports a visitor to Fool Hollow Lake.
Clean facilities: Show Low Lake Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. "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," explains a visitor, noting the consistent maintenance.
Reservation timing: Many campsites require advance planning. "Highly advise making a reservation at least 6 months ahead of time," recommends a Fool Hollow Lake camper.
Wildlife precautions: Free-range livestock and wildlife frequently enter campsites. One Hawley Lake visitor advises, "Bring rope to protect your campsite from wild horses and wandering cows."
Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites can be challenging. "The road is very rough and dusty and lower vehicle will have a tougher time in some spots," notes a camper at Lower Log Road Apache Indian Res.
Permit requirements: Tribal lands require special permits. "It's located on Fort Apache Indian Reservation you will need camping and fishing permits from White Mountain Apache Tribe (camping $9 per car per day; fishing over 15 yrs of age $9 per day)," explains a Lower Log camper.
Lake activities: Family-friendly water activities abound at several locations. "The camp store rents canoes and kayaks. Quiet hours are strictly enforced. Entire campground was clean," notes a family who enjoyed Timber Mesa Trailhead and nearby lakes.
Bathroom accessibility: Consider proximity to facilities when selecting sites. "The bathrooms were close to our camp site. Convenient to go at night since it had lights to lead the way," mentions a Show Low Lake visitor.
Space for activities: Look for campgrounds with open areas. "One side of the campground opens to a beautiful clearing and the other side is a dense wood," notes a Los Burros camper, describing the layout that allows for both wooded camping and open play areas.
Trail difficulty: Some trails are accessible for younger hikers. "Easy to get to, close to town, clearly marked trails and roadways. Hiking views were spectacular," reports a visitor to Timber Mesa Trailhead.
Site selection: Hon-Dah RV Park offers designated spaces for longer stays. "Able to secure large plot for full 4 months. Many return to the same reserved spot year after year. Allow you to build out your place with sheds and cabanas," explains a seasonal camper.
Speed bump caution: RV parks may have challenging infrastructure. "The speed humps in this place are MONSTERS! We had to crab over them so that we didn't leave our plumbing with them," warns a Hon-Dah visitor.
Seasonal timing: Most RV campers recommend specific months. "We spent 5-nights here (July 1-6, 2022). Ponderosa is a reasonably quiet RV park in the pines of Pinetop," notes a summer visitor, describing ideal conditions during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near McNary, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, McNary, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near McNary, AZ and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near McNary, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McNary, AZ is Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near McNary, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near McNary, AZ.
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