McHood Park Clear Creek
A surprising desert oasis near Winslow, Arizona, offering cool waters for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing amidst arid landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
McHood Park Clear Creek
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A surprising desert oasis near Winslow, Arizona, offering cool waters for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing amidst arid landscapes.
"This place is a pretty dope spot to camp. You are able to fit a whole small village at the campsite areas!"
Kayak & Paddleboard Ready
Bring your kayak or paddleboard for an amazing day on the water! :kayak:
Check Facilities Beforehand
Restrooms/showers can be unreliable. Come prepared for basic amenities. :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Clear Creek Reservoir
McHood Park
A stunning desert oasis perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and cooling off.
Paddleboard Paradise
Clear Creek Reservoir
Glide across the cool waters, a welcome respite from the Arizona heat.
Fishing Haven
Clear Creek Reservoir
Cast a line in this popular spot for anglers seeking a peaceful catch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Desert Oasis Adventure
Campground Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kayak & Paddleboard Ready
Bring your kayak or paddleboard for an amazing day on the water! :kayak: 
Check Facilities Beforehand
Restrooms/showers can be unreliable. Come prepared for basic amenities. :toilet:
Day Use vs. Camping
Separate areas for day visitors and overnight campers. Plan accordingly. :tent:
Budget-Friendly Fun
Affordable day-use and overnight fees make it a great value. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Kayak & Paddleboard Ready
Bring your kayak or paddleboard for an amazing day on the water! :kayak:
Check Facilities Beforehand
Restrooms/showers can be unreliable. Come prepared for basic amenities. :toilet:
Day Use vs. Camping
Separate areas for day visitors and overnight campers. Plan accordingly. :tent:
Budget-Friendly Fun
Affordable day-use and overnight fees make it a great value. :moneywithwings:
Desert Oasis Vibes
Enjoy the surprising beauty of this water spot in the middle of the desert. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McHood Park is celebrated as a surprising desert oasis, offering fantastic water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding on Clear Creek Reservoir. Visitors appreciate the beautiful scenery and affordable fees, making it a great escape from the heat. However, potential visitors should be aware that campground facilities, particularly restrooms and showers, can be unreliable, and there are no hookups for RVs.
"This is definitely an oasis in the desert! This place surprised me when I went searching for it after hearing about it. This campground located by Clear Creek Reservoir offers fishing, boating, paddleboarding as well as a picnic area and bbq pits for daily &/or nightly use. There's no electric or water hookups at the campground, but is a clean and basic place to enjoy peace and solitude."
Jennifer Ortega
"Oh man this place is nice! Easy computer kiosk check-in for $10 day/$15 night, beautiful scenery, water and playground. Very popular place for Arizonan kayakers (yes, that's a thing...). Separate camping and day use areas. A must for fisherpeople."
Main Scream
"$7 day use/$15 overnight. Pleasant enough place except bathroom/shower blockhouse not functional. Toilet full of excrement, no water for shower. Nice scenery, quiet and off the road. If I had checked the bath/shower situation before checking in I would've just driven on."
Paul Black
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McHood Park is located near Winslow, Arizona. From Phoenix, take I-17 North to Flagstaff, then I-40 East towards Winslow. Follow signs for McHood Park. The drive offers a scenic transition into Northern Arizona's unique landscape.
Yes, McHood Park has dedicated day-use areas perfect for a refreshing escape. You can enjoy picnicking, swimming, and water sports without staying overnight.
The most common route involves taking I-40 East towards Winslow. Keep an eye out for local signage directing you to McHood Park and Clear Creek Reservoir.
Once you're near Winslow, look for signs pointing towards McHood Park. It's a well-known spot for local kayakers and paddleboarders.
The drive to McHood Park showcases the transition from desert landscapes to the unique beauty of Northern Arizona, offering a visually interesting journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day-use fees are typically around $7, and overnight camping fees are around $15. These prices can vary, so it's good to confirm upon arrival. +1
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure your spot.
McHood Park is generally open for day use and camping, but specific hours for facilities like restrooms or showers may vary. It's best to check locally.
Yes, there's often a computer kiosk for easy check-in for both day use and overnight stays.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but the standard fees are considered quite affordable for the experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing in Clear Creek Reservoir. There are also picnic areas and BBQ pits. +1
Yes, the cool waters of Clear Creek Reservoir are perfect for swimming, especially during the hot Arizona summers.
The campground offers basic amenities with no electric or water hookups. Restrooms and showers may not always be functional, so be prepared for a rustic experience. +1
Absolutely! McHood Park is a popular spot for anglers, offering a peaceful environment to cast a line.
Yes, boating is permitted on Clear Creek Reservoir, making it a great destination for those with their own watercraft.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
McHood Park itself does not have on-site restaurants. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for picnics or camping meals.
Pack a picnic! The park has BBQ pits and picnic areas, making it ideal for enjoying meals outdoors.
Yes, campsites are equipped for cooking, and many visitors bring their own grills or cooking equipment to prepare meals.
The nearest significant town with grocery stores would be Winslow, so it's best to stock up on supplies before heading to the park.
Visitors often bring easy-to-prepare picnic items, BBQ essentials, and snacks for a day of water activities.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning contrast of the desert landscape meeting the clear blue water of Clear Creek Reservoir. Sunsets over the water are particularly beautiful.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow on the water and surrounding scenery.
The shoreline of Clear Creek Reservoir provides numerous vantage points for capturing the water activities and the vast desert backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations regarding facilities. Since restrooms and showers can be unreliable, consider bringing extra water and sanitation supplies. The lack of hookups means families should ensure their RV or camping gear is fully equipped for off-grid living. The affordable day-use fees make it an accessible option for a family outing, even if you're not camping overnight.
🎣 Anglers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Remember that the park is a desert oasis, so pack accordingly. While the water activities are the main draw, be prepared for the arid surroundings. The affordable day-use and overnight fees make it an attractive option for a weekend getaway focused on water sports and fishing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Activities at Clear Creek Reservoir
Beyond paddling, swimming is a popular pastime, with the reservoir's refreshing temperatures making it ideal for a dip. For those who enjoy a more relaxed pace, fishing is also a significant draw. The park is known to be a good spot for anglers, offering a peaceful environment to cast a line and enjoy the tranquility. While the park offers basic amenities, the primary appeal lies in its natural beauty and the opportunity to engage with the water.
It's important to note that while the reservoir is a highlight, the campground facilities are basic. There are no electric or water hookups, and restroom and shower facilities can sometimes be non-functional. Therefore, visitors should come prepared for a more rustic camping experience, focusing on the outdoor activities the park provides.
Camping and Facilities at McHood Park
Reviews indicate that the restroom and shower facilities can be unreliable, with some visitors reporting them being out of order or not properly maintained. This is a key point for potential campers to consider when planning their trip. While the park aims to provide basic services, it's wise to come prepared with your own sanitation solutions or to manage expectations regarding facility availability.
Despite the basic facilities, the peace and solitude offered by the campground are often cited as major advantages. The separate camping and day-use areas also help maintain a quieter atmosphere for those staying overnight. The ease of computer kiosk check-in for both day use and overnight stays adds a layer of convenience to the arrival process.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit