Forest Lakes sits in Arizona's high country at around 7,500 feet elevation, offering RV campers significantly cooler temperatures than Phoenix during summer months. The area experiences dramatic temperature drops after monsoon rains begin in July, with nighttime temperatures often dipping into the 50s even during summer. The surrounding Mogollon Rim terrain provides a mix of pine forests and meadows with wildlife viewing opportunities.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Forest Lakes provides direct access to multiple trail systems that wind through the Mogollon Rim area. AJ's Getaway RV Park offers convenient trail access, as one camper noted: "HUGE sites and trails right outside the Campground."
Local festivities: Summer visitors can experience community events in nearby towns. One camper at AJ's Getaway RV Park mentioned: "Great 4th of July events in town."
Lake fishing: Multiple lakes within driving distance provide fishing opportunities. A visitor at Mogollon RV Park mentioned: "This is on the mogollon rim so there is some great hiking and sightseeing nearby. Several lakes close also."
What campers like
Spacious RV sites: Many parks in the Forest Lakes region offer larger-than-average sites. At Encore Venture In in Show Low, campers appreciate the generous spacing: "The sites are pretty level, really wide, and fairly deep. There is a concrete patio with each site."
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from desert heat. A camper at Encore Venture In noted: "Nice wide sites for your RV. This park is located in the forest area of Show Low, AZ... Temps are warm in June and then cool down significantly after the Monsoon rains begin."
Rural atmosphere: The setting offers a genuine country feel. At Oxbow Estates RV Park in Payson, campers enjoy: "Situated in a rural setting with trees and farm animals nearby. Across the street is a donkey that's very friendly likes to be pet and brays every now and again."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout Forest Lakes and surrounding areas. One camper at Encore Venture In reported: "Cell service is pretty bad here. We have Verizon cell phones which usually worked for phone service but sometimes cut out. We have Verizon and AT&T hotspots. AT&T worked the best but not fast enough to stream anything most of the time."
Site surface considerations: Many RV parks in the area use gravel or cinder surfaces which can affect mobility. A camper at Encore Venture In mentioned: "Sites are covered in cinders which are a bit of a pain. They present a somewhat soft surface which is like walking in about 6 inches of soft sand."
Entrance navigation challenges: Trees at park entrances can make maneuvering larger rigs difficult. One camper noted about Encore Venture In: "Almost all the sites have a tree planted right at the front next to the road. Some of the trees are a bit wide which really makes getting into the site difficult."
Tips for camping with families
Look for level sites: When traveling with kids, finding level, stable sites makes setup easier. At Elk Pines RV Resort in Overgaard, a camper appreciated: "I stayed at Elk Pines for about a month. It was so quiet and peaceful."
Check for family amenities: Some rv parks near Forest Lakes, Arizona offer kid-friendly features. One visitor to AJ's Getaway RV Park shared: "Finally a place to camp with the family in Heber-Overgaard. HUGE sites and trails right outside the Campground."
Storage options: For families that frequently visit the area, some parks offer seasonal storage. A camper at AJ's Getaway RV Park noted: "We store our RV there for the summer."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Be aware of site specifications when booking, especially for larger rigs. At Take It Easy RV Park, a camper found: "Level site close to I40 but road noise not too bad but makes it an easy stop."
Leveling requirements: Most sites in the Forest Lakes region require minimal leveling. At Oxbow Estates RV Park, campers report: "Sites are very level, decent amount of room and very clean."
Road conditions: Interior roads at some parks present challenges. About Payson Campground & RV Resort, a camper mentioned: "Great place, laundry, pool and close to town. Each spot is level and very clean restrooms. We spent two months there while my husband received treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. However, the roads are a bit of a challenge."
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