Davis Dam Camp, Apache
Fishing in Arizona
Near Mcnary, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Davis Dam Camp, Apache
Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.
Based on the terrain, climate, and wildlife at Davis Dam Camp, here's what to bring.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
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First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
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Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
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Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
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Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
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Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.
Wildlife Gear
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
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Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
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Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
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First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.
Climate Gear
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Insulated layers — Body heat escapes rapidly when you stop moving; an insulated layer traps warmth during breaks and at camp.
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Hand warmers — Cold fingers lose dexterity fast, making it harder to operate zippers, buckles, and navigation devices when you need them most.
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Thermos — A hot drink on a cold trail restores core temperature and morale faster than any other comfort item.
Terrain Gear
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SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.
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Extra hydration — Altitude increases respiration rate and urine output, depleting fluids faster than at sea level; carry more water than you think you need.
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Slow acclimatization advice — Ascending too quickly above 8,000 feet triggers altitude sickness in many people; gaining no more than 1,000-1,500 feet of sleeping elevation per day reduces risk.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
- Winter: Microspikes/traction devices
Activities & Best Time to Visit Davis Dam Camp, Apache
The Urban terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Davis Dam Camp supports 9 outdoor activities, with boating being the most popular draw.
Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.
Activities
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boating — Explore lakes, rivers, or coastal waters by motorboat or sailboat.
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camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
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fishing — Cast a line in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters in pursuit of local fish species.
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ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
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ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
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picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
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rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
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walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
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wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Urban — Urban terrain blends built infrastructure with parks, green spaces, and fragmented natural habitats.
Wildlife Safety at Davis Dam Camp, Apache
While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.
With a danger score of 35/10, Davis Dam Camp has a few wildlife hazards worth preparing for.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Elevated (8,179ft)
- Remote (138mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
Venomous snakes here include . They're most active during warm months.
- Watch where you step and place hands
- Stay on trails
- Wear boots and long pants in snake country
- Do not reach under rocks or logs
- If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
- Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol
Nature & Wildlife at Davis Dam Camp, Apache
The Urban terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
Davis Dam Camp sits within a Urban ecosystem home to 6 documented mammal species and 30 bird species.
Trees (2)
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Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Its thick bark forms broad orange plates separated by dark fissures. -
Gambel Oak — It often grows in dense thickets, spreading by underground sprouts to form large colonies.
Wildflowers (5)
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Woods' rose — Pink five-petaled flowers with yellow centers. -
Yellow Sweetclover — Tall stems with elongated clusters of small yellow flowers. -
alpine cancer-root — Small tubular flowers cluster along the stalk. -
pinewoods geranium — Leaves are deeply divided and form a low basal clump. -
woodland pinedrops — Clusters of small tubular flowers line the upright stem, often tinged in cream, maroon, or rusty tones.
Other Plants (5)
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great mullein
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Scarlet Gilia
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western blue flag
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alligator juniper
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Spinystar
Mammals (6)
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Abert's Squirrel — A gray tree squirrel with distinctive long ear tufts in winter. -
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Chipmunk-like rodent with golden shoulders and white eye ring. -
American Black Bear — A stocky bear with rounded ears and a straight facial profile. -
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail. -
Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
Birds (30)
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Great-tailed Grackle — Glossy black male with long tail -
Dark-eyed Junco — Slate-gray form with white belly -
Red-winged Blackbird — Male black with red and yellow shoulder patch -
Gadwall — Subtle gray male with black rump -
Mallard — Male with glossy green head and white neck ring
Reptiles (5)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head. -
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — A slender snake with longitudinal yellow or cream stripes over a dark brown, gray, or greenish body. -
Madrean Alligator Lizard — A long-bodied lizard with rough keeled scales and dark crossbands. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Amphibians (3)
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Arizona Tree Frog -
Boreal Chorus Frog -
American Bullfrog
Insects (15)
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Springwater Dancer -
Plains Forktail -
Arizona Snaketail -
Flame Skimmer -
Common Whitetail
Fungi (3)
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Fly Agaric -
lobster mushroom -
Spring Polypore
Other Wildlife (1)
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Virile Crayfish
Nature Bingo at Davis Dam Camp, Apache
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Davis Dam Camp, Apache Climate & Sun
For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.
The climate at Davis Dam Camp averages 44.4°F annually, with Alpine conditions.
Climate type: Alpine
Annual avg temp: 44.4°F
Annual precipitation: 34.9 in
With an average annual temperature of 44.4°F and 34.9 inches of precipitation, Davis Dam Camp has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 62°F, while winter lows drop to 29°F.
Best months to visit: Jun. Consider avoiding: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Dec.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°F | 3.7 in |
| Feb | 31°F | 3.2 in |
| Mar | 35°F | 3.3 in |
| Apr | 41°F | 1.4 in |
| May | 49°F | 0.8 in |
| Jun | 59°F | 0.8 in |
| Jul | 62°F | 5.3 in |
| Aug | 61°F | 6.1 in |
| Sep | 56°F | 3.1 in |
| Oct | 46°F | 2.3 in |
| Nov | 37°F | 2.2 in |
| Dec | 29°F | 2.7 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.
Summer: 5:06 AM – 7:31 PM
Winter: 7:16 AM – 5:11 PM
Davis Dam Camp, Apache Trip Planning & Access
Planning your trip to Davis Dam Camp — here's the practical information you'll need.
The nearest major city to Davis Dam Camp is Phoenix, about 138 miles away.
Visitor Friendliness
This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent
- Elderly: highly_suitable
- Strollers: excellent (100/100)
- Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)
Places Near Davis Dam Camp, Apache
There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.
There are 12 outdoor destinations within easy reach of Davis Dam Camp.
Nearby Trails
- Los Burros Motorized a Trail, Apache 9.05 mi
- Los Burros Shortcut Trail, Apache 9.93 mi
- Los Burros Trail, Apache 10.13 mi
- Four Springs Trail, Apache 11.36 mi
- Four Springs Connector, Apache 11.56 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Los Burros #1 Campground, Apache 10.13 mi
- Los Burros Campground, Apache 10.31 mi
- Brown Creek Campground, Apache 13.42 mi
- Lakeside Campground, Navajo 16.96 mi
- Scott Reservoir, Navajo 17.07 mi
Stargazing & Night Sky at Davis Dam Camp, Apache
Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.
The skies above Davis Dam Camp register a Bortle class 2, making this a Typical truly dark site location for stargazing.
Constellations
From Davis Dam Camp, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.
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Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round. -
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.
Meteor Showers
Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.
Planets
Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:
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Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star -
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky -
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light -
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue
Equipment Guide
- Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
- Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
- Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune
Viewing Tips
- Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
- Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
- Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
- Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
- Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
- Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)
Best Viewing Months
- Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
- Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep
Seasonal Highlights at Davis Dam Camp, Apache
The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Davis Dam Camp.
The seasons shape the experience at Davis Dam Camp — here's what each one brings.
Spring Wildflowers
Peak bloom: March - April
Check local park websites for bloom reports
Fall Foliage
Peak color: October 15 – November 5
Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen
Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier
Bird Migration
Spring peak: March - April
Fall peak: October - November
Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges
Indigenous Land at Davis Dam Camp, Apache
This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.
Davis Dam Camp sits on the traditional lands of Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache), White Mountain Apache.
Territories
Data from Native Land Digital
Davis Dam Camp, Apache Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Davis Dam Camp sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.
Bedrock Geology
- Rock Type
- Pliocene to middle Miocene volcanic rocks
- Lithology
- Major:{rhyolite,dacite,andesite}
- Age
- Cenozoic
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 29
- Richness
- Moderate
- Minerals Found
- Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Sand and Gravel, Construction
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 91°F (2021-06-13)
- Record Low
- -40°F (1971-01-07)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 44
- Largest Fire
- Turkey (9,002.8 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- Ord Creek
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 3 (NUFORC)
- Bigfoot Reports
- 1 (BFRO)
- Eeriness Score
- 24/100
Davis Dam Camp, Apache Safety & Conditions
Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.
Check current conditions at Davis Dam Camp before heading out using these official sources.
Coordinates: 33.99338, -109.758711