Cabins near Kohls Ranch, Arizona sit at 5,000-6,000 feet elevation in the Tonto National Forest. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Most cabin accommodations close during winter months when snowfall can make access difficult on the unpaved forest roads.
What to do
Rim trail hiking: The hiking trail from Mogollon Campground provides direct access to the Mogollon Rim with spectacular views. "We always find ourselves coming back to the rim! It's beauty and pure majesty of the area is truly an experience that you never want to leave. Even on the busy holiday weekend we are able to find isolated camping!" notes Jenny M.
Lake activities: Woods Canyon Lake sits just a short drive from many cabin locations. A camper at Mogollon Campground shares, "Woods Canyon Lake is just a short drive away to enjoy hiking and you are within walking distance to the Rim." The lake offers boat rentals and fishing opportunities. "There is a marina and boat rentals are available," adds Mike C.
Stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions. "You can see so many stars at night, it's wonderful," reports a visitor to Mogollon Campground. The lack of urban development makes this area particularly good for night sky photography.
What campers like
Tree coverage: The dense pine forests provide natural separation between cabins. At Zane Grey RV Village, visitors appreciate the vegetation. "Shady, lots of trees, pristine condition of all facilities including dog park, walking trail next to the creek, and large enough sites for our 42' rig," reports Melody C.
Temperature relief: The higher elevation offers significantly cooler temperatures during summer months. "Very cool for AZ summers! For the distance it is away from Phoenix you can beat it! 2hrs drive time!" notes Jacob T. about Mogollon Campground. This temperature difference makes the area particularly appealing from June through August.
Creek access: Several cabin locations feature creek access for wading and exploration. At Zane Grey RV Village, one camper notes, "We explored the insanely well kept/clean park and found an incredible little creek! We threw rocks in it for hours with our 2 little kids."
What you should know
Site size variation: Cabin and RV sites vary significantly in size across different locations. "The sites are large and spread out. Very quiet," notes a visitor to Canyon Point Campground. However, at Mogollon Campground, Emily Z. warns, "The walk in spots for this campsite are SMALL and VERY tight/close together."
Seasonal access: Most cabin facilities operate on limited schedules. Long Lake areas require special consideration: "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," according to Steve M.
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at most locations. "Took Friday off to get a Non-reserved spot early as this small ground can fill up quick for the weekend," advises AJ A. about Mogollon Campground. Many cabins require booking 3-6 months in advance during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Rock Crossing Campground offers family-friendly amenities with well-maintained facilities. "Rock Crossing Campground is, in my opinion, one of the best campground we have stayed. It has water and toilets near the camping grounds, which by the way are super clean," shares Pablo S.
Weekend considerations: Canyon Point Campground provides excellent weekend family programming. "Clean, very widely dispersed camp sites (lots of social distancing trees) especially in loop B," notes Larry K. Weekend traffic increases significantly at most locations.
Supply logistics: Pack extra water and food supplies for cabin stays. "The sites are great! Love the location by a beautiful creek! Very convenient to our hikes at Red Rock," shares a Zane Grey visitor. Most cabin accommodations require bringing your own bedding and cooking supplies.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Verde River RV Resort & Cottages offers varied site types depending on needs. "We had an end/corner spot, which felt very spacious. The landscaping was nice with grass between units and trees in some areas. Felt more like a park than packed in parking lot feel of others," notes Mike T.
Hook-up availability: Electric hookups vary by location. At Rancho Verde RV Park, visitors appreciate the comprehensive facilities: "This was the perfect base camp for Montezuma, Tuzigoot and Out of Africa. We loved driving through the small towns and finding new stuff for our next adventure." Bring extension cords as some sites have hookups positioned awkwardly.
Road access information: Many forest roads leading to cabins have limitations. "The sites are similar to other campground around the area. The sites are kind of close together but that's to be expected. Nice paved roads, close to forest lake estates, and Payson is a short drive away for anything you might have forgot or need," reports Matt M. about Canyon Point Campground.
