Pt 44 Mogollon Rim a campers paradise
From visitor center to high elevation hideaways where cell service and wifi dies and the showers are 10 miles a way.
The best adventures don’t always start with a bang. Sometimes, they begin with a simple plan that comes at the perfect time and a left turn. Or was it a right? After our stop at the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center, we had our sights set on Woods Canyon Lake, a glittering gem tucked high in the ancient pines of the Rim Country. It wasn’t far but when every bend in the road comes with a campground, well… when in Rome..or, Arizona in this case.
Need to catch up?
Want to read about the Monsoons?
PT 40 Where the Pine Bark Smells Like Butterscotch: Only in Payson, Arizona
Or, Start from the beginning
After we left the Mogollon Rim visitor center we had a plan. We decided Woods Canyon Lake would be our destination. A fabulous place to get a feel for the ancient, well-protected forest. From the visitor center, we headed northwest toward Rim Road (Forest Road 300 (FR 300)) and hung a left, following it towards Woods Canyon Lake Road. It’s a mere 4.8 miles, but with all the scenic pullouts and stops for photos, it could easily take us an hour. And every minute was worth it.
This is a camper’s haven, with plenty of campgrounds to choose from tucked among the pines. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest doesn’t charge an entrance fee or require an annual pass, but that also means you’re responsible for packing out your garbage. Or disposing of it at the Woods Canyon Dump Station for a small fee. RVs can fill up on potable water there too, and that part’s free and for another fee can pump out those tanks.
All campsites in this area won’t offer Wi-Fi or even cell service. Honestly, that’s music to my ears. I am off on an imaginary adventure just us, Mother Nature, and the sun by day, stars by night. Some campgrounds can accommodate RVs under 40 feet, but always double-check before you go. Oh, and not to sound like your nagging mum, but fuel up everything before heading out, especially if are pushing diesel. Diesel is a rare commodity out here, with the nearest station all the way back in Payson.
The first campground, although we weren’t heading that way, is Sinkhole Campground, located just a half-mile past the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center on Willow Springs Lake Road. It’s within walking distance of both the General Crook National Recreation Trail and Willow Springs Lake, a reservoir created in 1966 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The 150-acre lake is stocked with trout, who leisurely meander through its cool waters like they’ve got nowhere else to be.
Boats are allowed, so long as the motor doesn’t exceed 10 horsepower and there’s no fee to launch or for day use. But fair warning, don’t get caught fishing without an Arizona State fishing license, which you can conveniently pick up at the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center.
The campground itself is well-kept, thanks to the camp host on site who oversees its 26 developed sites. Sites 14 through 26 are available for advance reservations, while 1 through 13 are first-come, first-served. There are two accessible sites, two double sites, and the rest are singles. All are back-in style and come equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, and trash service. Single sites are non-electric and go for $24 per night, according to the park’s website.
And one more friendly nag (you knew it was coming, mothers always nag in threes) keep an eye on that moody monsoon weather. These storms don’t RSVP—they just show up, usually right after you’ve started roasting marshmallows or decided to “air dry” your laundry on a boulder. One minute it’s blue skies and pine-scented breezes; the next, you’re clutching your rainfly and questioning your life choices. Worse, you could find yourself washed away or rowing your tent radically down a stream, which might sound adventurous… until your camp stove floats by. Don’t be that camper. Check the forecast. Seriously.
The first campground we passed was Rim Campground, perched near the very edge of the Mogollon Rim and boasting sweeping 100-mile views. What sets this site apart? If you’ve got an RV 40 feet or under, you’re in for a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking vistas in Arizona. This small-but-mighty campground offers 26 sites, each equipped with a campfire ring, grill, and picnic table. There's a camp host on-site, plus accessible vault toilets, drinking water, and trash service—so you can rough it without totally roughing it.
We passed Rim Lakes Vista Observation Site, deciding to save that stunning stop for the way back. Not far beyond, tucked just off FR 105, we spotted Crook Campground, a well-shaded hideaway perfect for larger groups. Designed with two cul-de-sac loops, it offers 110 campsites, with several able to accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. A central picnic shelter anchors the group use area, giving it a cozy, community vibe.
Each site comes with the basics: a fire ring, picnic table, vault toilets, drinking water, and an on-site camp host. What makes this spot even better? It borders the paved Meadow Trail, which runs for just over a mile and leads straight to Woods Canyon Lake. The Rim Trail is also nearby—just a quarter mile from the campground. When it’s not reserved for group use, you might luck out and snag a site on a first-come, first-served basis.
A little further along the same road, you’ll find the Woods Canyon Dump Station—an unglamorous but essential pit stop. It offers three service lanes, each equipped with dump access and fresh water. If you’re lucky, the system accepts credit cards: just insert your card, the lid unlocks, and, well… you know the rest. Welcome to the less photogenic part of camping life.
There’s also a potable water spigot, though fair warning, the system isn’t always reliable, so it may or may not be working when you arrive. You can also dispose of your trash here (for a small fee), which is a decent trade off considering there’s no fee to enter the park. Rumor has it there are even restrooms on site, though we didn’t go on a fact-finding mission to confirm.
We turn right onto Woods Canyon Road and pass Aspen Campground . If you want to wake up to elk bugling and the occasional bear ambling by under a canopy of trees, this is the place to be. Surrounded by dense pine and aspen, this campground is popular for good reason. It is also the closest to Woods Canyon Lake.
This spacious, well-developed campground includes 136 sites spread across four loops, nestled into alternating marshy meadows, wooded pockets, and rocky forest terrain. If you're not into lake-dipping for a refreshing cleanse, bring plenty of disposable baby wipes. Just like the other camps, there are no showers on site. The nearest ones are 10 miles away at Canyon Point Campground for $5 (remember, you are not paying a Forest entry fee).
Although rugged in its natural beauty, the roads here are paved, making it ideal for walking, biking, or a leisurely cruise to the restrooms. Like the other campgrounds, each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Non-electrical sites are $34.00 per night and can accommodate up to eight people. Payment is by cash or check only, no cards, no exceptions. Although that could change. Check the website before going.
Finally, there’s Spillway Campground. Located just a couple of miles east of the Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina, sitting above the south shore of the lake. A pothole-riddled paved road brings you up to just under 7,500 feet, where this shady little nook offers 26 tightly spaced non-electric individual campsites and one group site that can accommodate up to 25 people. This entire campground is reservation only. No first-come, first-served options here.
Although it can accommodate RVs or trailers, they must be under 32 feet due to a main loop road with a fairly tight turning radius hemmed in by trees. At least, that’s what the USFS says on the reservation site. According to my TripWizard app, several seasoned campers say otherwise. One reviewer wrote,
“Confirmed and we tested it with a 30-foot fifth wheel towed by a long-bed king cab dually. No issues. Our friends drove their 38-foot Class A and also had no problems. We were in sites 3, 5, and 8—a little further from the lake. Site 5 was a pull-through, so we grabbed it for our fiver. Site 8 worked fine for the Class A, and all three could easily handle a trailer and toad. If we come back in spring, we’re gunning for Site 20—it has a water bib right in the site.”
Still, I’d recommend calling the ranger’s office ((928) 535-0181) to confirm before you go. Unless you’re okay dropping $10,000–$80,000 on a new paint job. I know, but that’s a story for another time (and it’s not pretty).
Some lucky sites have lake views. All come equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill. There’s a camp host on-site and vault toilets. Water hydrants are also marked as compliant with the Architectural Barriers Act for accessibility. What exactly that means, I’m not sure, but it sounds official.
This campground allows quiet generators, and according to everyone we talked to, the fish are definitely biting. Bonus: if there’s been decent rain, nearby trails will reward you with water cascading over boulders and slabs of rich terracotta rock. Now that is worth a little extra magic, just for showing up.
If you fancy dispersed camping, you’re in luck! You may camp outside of recreational areas anywhere in the forest at no charge. Along the Old Rim Road, look for Designated Dispersed Camping areas. Keep an eye out for signs that read “Camp Here” or “Camp within 50 feet of Camp Here” post. They make it pretty straightforward. These spots are first come, first served, and best of all, no permits are required to camp in Wilderness areas. And, no amenties so bring that can of beans and your flint to get that fire started.
If you are into camping then I am sure you are salivating at all the campsites to choose from. If you are reading this for the adventure, well…throughout our ride past these campgrounds, we were flanked by thick Ponderosa pines towering like stoic guardians on either side. The occasional shaft of sunlight pierced the canopy, spotlighting the swirling dust our tires kicked up as we veered just a little too close to the edge of the paved road…oops. Next up we hit the Woods anyon Lake Store and Marina and then the adventure begins. But, alas, you know what I am going to say, that is a an adventure for next week. Stay tuned.
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Need to catch up?
Want to read the Monsoon post?
Pt 43 Views, Vistas, and the Long Way to Something Beautiful
PT 40 Where the Pine Bark Smells Like Butterscotch: Only in Payson, Arizona
Or, start from the beginning
Thank you for tuning in and reading this. I super appreciate you.
~Karen
Beautiful place to camp!
I love that you always have animal photo in your post Karen. Is that a moose?