Dispersed camping options around Forest Lakes, Arizona offer solitude and flexibility away from established campgrounds. Located near the Mogollon Rim at approximately 7,500 feet elevation, these sites provide natural cooling during summer with temperatures typically 15-25 degrees lower than Phoenix. Forest Road 171 and areas near Rim Road feature multiple pull-off locations where RVs and tent campers can find spots with varying degrees of privacy.
What to do
Trout fishing nearby lakes: Woods Canyon Lake, accessible from several campgrounds, offers stocked trout fishing throughout summer. "The lake is stocked during the summer almost everyweek but the hold overs in the spring can get pretty huge!" notes Shaun S. about Aspen Campground.
Hunting for crawdads: Christopher Creek provides opportunities for simple crawdad catching. "The best part is catching crawdads with our home made fishing poles (which is a step up from when i was a kid and would catch them with cups)," shares Jennifer A. from Christopher Creek.
Morning paddling: Early access to the lakes before day crowds arrive creates peaceful conditions for kayaking. "Early morning access before day use crowds come is great for quiet early morning kayak or SUP use," recommends David M. about Spillway Campground.
Wildlife spotting: Keep watch for wild horses, especially near Black Canyon Lake. "We saw quite a few wild horses in the vicinity," reports Zachary C. about Black Canyon Rim Campground.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from desert heat. "Always a great place to stay in the summer. Usually about 25 degrees cooler in then Phoenix," notes "Z-Man" about Aspen Campground.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. "You can see so many stars at night, it's wonderful," shares Mike C. about Mogollon Campground.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. "Dense ponderosa pine forest with lots of space to explore. Sites have space for multiple vehicles and multiple tents/campers," observes Curtis about Black Canyon Rim Campground.
Lake proximity: Several campgrounds offer direct or nearby lake access. "Site #15 was very open and easy to back into and right by the lake. Good shade," explains Melissa S. about Spillway Campground.
What you should know
Roads can be challenging: Some dispersed sites require careful navigation. "The roads throughout the area can be bumpy but generally passable for most vehicles, though some areas become soft in early spring and require caution with heavier RVs."
Fire restrictions: Check current fire rules before arrival. "We road out a crazy storm, and the canyons made the thunder sound like a really mad Greek God," reports Daniel L. from Black Canyon Rim Campground.
Limited phone service: Cell coverage varies throughout the area. "We were able to get starlink when dishy was set to flat. With senior pass cost was $22.50," notes Frank J. about Sitgreaves National Forest Canyon Point Campground.
Bathroom facilities vary: Established campgrounds have different levels of facilities. "Nice to walk around and lots of room to fish. Lake was low when we went," shares Daniel L. about Black Canyon Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions for children. "We took our 9 Month old and 6 year old and they had a blast," explains AJ A. about Mogollon Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites farther from main roads for quieter stays. "The sites were too small for my truck and Aliner but lots and lots of shade which was cool!" mentions Emily Z. about Christopher Creek.
Water activities: Lakes provide cooling options during hot days. "Campground is reasonably maintained. Most campsites a situated near the creek. Also still had a few bars of service," shares Skyler C. about Christopher Creek.
Wildlife education: The area offers opportunities to teach children about local animals. "Elk wander through the campgrounds in early mornings and evenings. Beautiful place," notes Sharon F. about Aspen Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have size limitations. "This is a very nice forest camp. Sites are great, semi private. Lake is beautiful, store available," Karen G. explains about Aspen Campground.
Utility options: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Forest Lakes have limited hookups. "Nice to be able to connect to electric a few days so didn't have to worry about solar panels," shares Frank J. about Canyon Point.
Dump station access: Plan for waste management. "Double lane dump station but no full hookups. Very clean restrooms and showers (require a ticket, not open on Mon & Tues)," advises Larry K. about Canyon Point.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional work to level. "They have a small convenience store down by the lake with some essentials you may have forgot. Closest town is Forest Lake (10miles) with gas and groceries," explains Melissa S. about Spillway Campground.
