Scott Reservoir Campground

Great campsite with private sites, many overlooking the reservoir. We arrived late at night but still found a spot. The shore is mainly large rocks but if you want to swim, go to the boat launch and it has some sandy entrance and can also enter via ramp. The elks herds in the area made interesting noises- we thought we were in Jurassic park, a neat twist for anyone who had dinosaur obsessed kids!

We arrived at Scott Reservoir on Easter Sunday and the place was a mob scene. My star rating for that day would have been a 2. Lucky for us there was a nice spot available and the campground cleared out the next day.

There are designated campsites that vary in length. They're nicely spaced so you aren't camping on top of your neighbor.

Our "no shoes in the trailer" rule had to be enforced because the red dirt from the road here leaves tracks.

There isn't any water here, but there is a trash dumpster and a pit toilet. Site #1 has a picnic table.

I heard they stock the lake with fish but I can't remember with what.

One other thing to note. The sheriff drove around the loop almost every day. I don't know if that means there can be problems at this campground or if it's why there wasn't any during our stay.

Busy on the weekends but quiet during the weekdays. I made the mistake of trying to go around the entire loop. My advice if you have a trailer bigger than a pop-up or more than a small MH, pull into the first place you see, then walk around the loop. This won't take more than 10 minutes because once you turn from the boat ramp area, there is one pretty tight turn and rutty. I think most of those sites are for tents and smaller camping units. No harm, I made the turns unscathed and so will you but just to avoid the hassle, walk the loop. From the main road and as you turn right into the campground loop, there are several pull thrus which will handle pretty much anything. In my opinion, the premier spot for a trailer is site #15. In fact this could handle a couple of trailers if you are traveling with friends. Site #13 was a back in site and was pretty quiet because it is beyond the main turn to the campground sites. It was probably slightly breezier than other sites, but it kept any and all bugs away. There is a vault toilet near the boat ramp.

This is close to Show Low, Lakeside/Pinetop so there are grocery stores and shopping nearby.

Two good hikes in the area, one is the Ice Cave Trail from the campground. Follow the trail to the other side of Scott Reservoir. This is an easy 2 mile trail. Don't bother hiking around the lake, its not a great trail and some places had broken bottles and trash.

The other is called South Fork and is off of RT 260 going east towards Springerville. The trail follows water so you and your dog will enjoy this trail. Its an out and back trail so can do up to a 14 mile hike or less. The first 3 miles parallels the water mostly.

If your dog happens to get into the Reservoir water, it smells pretty bad. Found a great self-service dog wash, Mountain Mutts in Lakeside/Pinetop, only $12.00.

Stayed here over Memorial Day weekend. Most of the sites were full, and the campers were loud, but everyone quieted down around 10pm in accordance with the campground rules. The vault bathrooms were cleaned in the morning and were surprisingly clean and stocked with TP. Our site had a picnic table and fire ring, which was nice. Beware the red dust that gets everywhere!! Seriously. Everywhere.

As a previous reviewer stated, the Ice Cave trail is pretty easy and the cave is cool (no pun intended). It's a tight squeeze through the entrance, and there isn't much to see inside, but it's neat to take a look and feel how much colder the temperature is inside. Bring headlamps or flashlights!

Overall, we were just excited to find an open campground for free on such a busy weekend. It was much better than expected and we would definitely stay here again.

Lovely lake, nestled in pine, oak, juniper forest. Nice and quiet during 2 weekday nights we stayed. Not too far off main road. Road is a bit rough and rocky. But so short that it's no big deal.
Spouse asked me to ammend this review because men's toilet was a bit nasty. We did pull in on a Sunday afternoon, after a busy weekend. No real check out time, so sites were still being used well into afternoon. There is a host on site but, he didn't do much besides shoot the breeze with campers. Septic clean out came in as we were leaving.

I think this a place mostly visited by those from Phoenix. We heard generators, a/c units and tv all night. Actually heard someone complain that our campfire was making smoke (we had the only one there). Not a real camping destination. We were closer to our neighbors than we are at home. 😕

Stopped here overnight on the way from Tucson to petrified forest NP. Was disappointed to see the amount of rubbish left behind at all the sites. My site had a great view of the lake and it seems all sites have fire pits and benches. Would definitely stay again.

Built on that lava rock, but right in the middle of pines and cedars. Lots of space for the dog. Lake extremely low. Clean and tidy. Huge campsites. Other campers present. I’d stay again.

Sites were nice. The Forest service is doing their best to keep it nice, but needs our help by doing our part to help keep it clean. A little rough, but only due to the winter snow. Not meant for big rigs especially once you get into the campground. A few bigger spots on the outside that could fit some bigger rigs. If you have a trailer walk the loop first.

Stayed 3 nights end of March and we were the only ones there camping. This is a free campground.

Picnic tables, fire rings, 2 pit toilets, walking distance to the lake. They are making some road improvements which will look nice when completed. Very close to town, my guess it could get rambunctious, however this is only my speculation. Visited the Hungry Buffalo restaurant which is across the street from the entrance, a fun local restaurant.

Easy access. Each site has tree coverage providing shade and privacy. All sites looked decently level. Bathroom was clean, however the Men’s was locked the entire time we were there so hubby had to use the Women’s, no biggie. It was very quiet. We walked to the Hungry Buffalo restaurant nearby, it’s .7 miles each way. The food was AMAZING. You have to go. I would definitely stay at this park again.