Cabins near Forest Lakes, Arizona provide summer refuge at an elevation of 7,000 feet where temperatures typically remain below 80°F even during July. The Mogollon Rim area features multiple cabin options within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, with most cabins situated among Ponderosa pine forests that offer natural shade and windbreak protection.
What to do
Rim trail hiking access: Canyon Point Campground offers direct trail access to the Mogollon Rim and other forest trails. "We stayed in site 75, which is at the very back of Loop B, and we were amazed at how well the sites were laid out near us," shares one camper who enjoyed the Sinkhole Trail.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Multiple lakes within 5-7 miles of Rock Crossing Campground provide fishing opportunities. "The views were spectacular, and we took the adventure to the reservoir... even if you aren't going out on the water, it's worth the drive," notes a visitor.
Stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Mogollon Campground shared, "You can see so many stars at night, it's wonderful. We took a 3.3 mile hike to woods canyon lake."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: The higher-end cabin areas maintain exceptionally clean facilities. A visitor to Canyon Point noted, "The bathrooms were immaculate! They were clean and fully stocked with paper products, a trash receptacle, and air freshener."
Spacious, private sites: Long Lake Dispersed Camping offers more secluded cabin options. "Pristine and usually unoccupied lake off the beaten path. 17 miles of dirt road from Highway to the lake and the last 7 are truly a challenge for anything other than a slightly lifted vehicle," warns a recent visitor.
Natural buffer zones: Trees between sites create natural privacy screens at most cabin locations. A camper at Mogollon Campground commented, "The campsites are always clean with clean toilets and drinking water. The campsites are pretty spreadout from each other."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to more remote cabins requires appropriate vehicles. At Long Lake, "Skip the first turn off to the right as that is the very narrow part of the lake and rather ugly. The second turn off has two to four campsites with vault toilets."
Seasonal availability: Many cabin facilities close during winter months. Timber Camp Recreation Area remains accessible year-round, with a visitor noting, "Sites are well maintained and level. Vault toilets were clean. Each site has a steel fire ring and grate as well as a nice metal picnic table."
Reservation requirements: Reserve cabins early, especially for summer weekends. A visitor to Mogollon Campground advised, "I would recommend going here during the week if possible. On the weekend it is packed and right on a dirt road which is like a freeway on the weekend and creates a lot of dust and noise."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin kitchen necessities: Bring cooking equipment suited to cabin amenities. At Happy Jack Lodge & RV Park, cabins offer more complete kitchen facilities. "It was good. People make it their home and the spaces are pretty good size. Lots of trees," notes a recent visitor.
Child-friendly activities: Plan for weather variability at high elevation. A Canyon Point camper reported, "The area has plenty of hiking trails, streams, and lakes. The closest lake is Willow Springs which is about 5 miles West of Canyon Point and allows fishing."
Group accommodations: For family reunions, seek group cabin areas. A visitor to Timber Camp observed, "We reserved this spot for a large family gathering and it served our needs perfectly. The spot is in a great patch on Ponderosa Pines...and still have space for wiffle ball!"
Tips from RVers
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some cabin locations. A Timber Camp visitor noted, "The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable."
Power options: Mountain Retreat in Heber offers reliable electricity for extended cabin stays. "This place is great for the whole family and there is no trailer year restriction. You definitely cant beat the price and its nice that the rate includes water, electric and sewage," shares a visitor.
Cabin parking limitations: Most cabin areas have specific parking restrictions. A Rock Crossing camper mentioned, "A few of the sites are very open, but we found one that was a little off the road and they only had every other site open so it was very quiet and we had our own space."
