Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Glamping near Kohls Ranch is the perfect choice. The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Kohls Ranch experience while glamping. You're sure to find glamping for your Arizona camping adventure.
Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails nearby. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area.
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
$20 - $170 / night
Aspen Campground is a scenic hideaway for anglers, boaters, families and photographers, located in north central Arizona near Heber and Payson. It sits in a dense pine and aspen area forest near the shore of Woods Canyon Lake at an elevation of 7,000 ft. With spacious campsites, calm and scenic lake waters, a marina, boat ramp and many amenities, Aspen is one of the most popular camping spots in Arizona.
Popular activities include trout fishing, hiking, boating and photography. Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Two other lakes are within a short drive. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the campground's paved roads make for great bike rides. Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends.
The large and rambling campground offers several camping experiences and environments from marshy meadows to a rocky forest. Wildlife viewing includes birds, squirrels, deer and elk. Deer, skunks and bears are common campground visitors. Summer temperatures can be very pleasant because of the elevation. However, the rainy season often brings afternoon thunderstorms from late June through August. Visitors should come prepared for rain and cool nighttime temperatures.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181.
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. The Mogollon Rim Visitor Center, open weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, is only a short drive from Aspen Campground. Visitors can find an informative staff as well as books and gifts related to the local area. The nearest towns are Heber and Payson.
$34 / night
This secluded forest camp offers easy access to two features of high visitor interest.The first is Knoll Lake, a medium-sized body of water tucked away in a picturesque setting. People come here to fish for trout and tour the lake in small boats.The second feature of interest near this campground is the spectacular Mogollon Rim, a two thousand foot escarpment that marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. This picturesque plunge from cool highlands to low deserts extends across most of Arizona. The area around Knoll Lake, however, is the home of some of the Rim's most magnificent views. It provides a scenic setting for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or just sitting back and enjoying the panorama.Group Campouts and Events: This campground does not have facilities for large groups or group activities. If one campsite cannot accommodate your group (eight at a single site, 16 at a double site), please call the Mogollon Rim Ranger District at 928-477-2255 to plan your group camp-out at Elks, Moqui, or Long Valley group campgrounds.__Hover mouse over photo to display slideshow controls. View album on Flicker
Located in the ponderosa pine forest, this campground is within walking distance of Willow Springs Lake which provides boating and fishing opportunities. Hiking and mountain biking opportunities are nearby in the non-motorized Wildlife Area. The General Crook National Recreation Trail is also within a mile of the campground. Be prepared for rain, often heavy, through July and August. Expect cool to cold nighttime temperatures.
Fishing and boating are available at nearby Willow Springs Lake which is approximately one mile from the campground.
Sinkhole Campground is surrounded by ponderosa pines. The entrance, roads and back-in section is asphalt.
Woods Canyon Lakes is located approximately 10 miles west off of Road 300 and Road 105. The store at the lake has boat and kayak rentals. Gas, phone and groceries are available approximately four miles east at Forest Lakes.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181.
$24 / night
Spillway Campground is on the shores of popular Woods Canyon Lake near the town of Heber in north central Arizona. Situated in a pine forest with plenty of shade, the campground has individual campsites as well as one group campsite for small gatherings. Given its proximity to the lake, hiking trails and scenic areas, Spillway is a convenient getaway for anglers, boaters, hikers, families and photographers.
Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Trout fishing (both lake and stream) is a favorite pastime. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. Two other lakes are within a short drive. The Rim Lakes Vista Trail, less than a mile from the campground, and others in the area lead to spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the paved roads in the recreation area make for great afternoon bike rides. Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends.
Spillway is located in a thick forest of ponderosa pine, oak and Douglas fir at an elevation of 7,500 ft. The campground is situated on the lakeshore overlooking the calm blue waters of 52-acre Woods Canyon Lake, where visitors may see squirrels, deer, elk and a variety of birds. Nearby hiking trails offer views of the Mogollon Rim, a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation and serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. Summer temperatures can be very pleasant because of the elevation. However, the rainy season often brings afternoon thunderstorms from late June through August. Visitors should come prepared for rain and cool nighttime temperatures.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181.
Gas, phone and groceries are available 10 miles east at Forest Lakes. The nearest full service community is Payson, Arizona, 35 miles west on Highway 260. Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico.
$34 - $185 / night
The Moqui Group Campground sits in a beautiful setting surrounded by ponderosa, oak, and aspen at an elevation of 6,915'. The campground consists of 3 individual group sites: Simmons, Spooner, and Ernst. Each site can accomodate up to 50 people offering picnic tables, fire rings, grills, vault tolets, trash collections, and piped drinking water. For groups larger than 50 people, multiple sites can be reserved. The Simmons and Spooner Group sites can each accomodate a maximum of 3 trailers or RV's up to 22'. The Earnst Group site is best suited for tents and smaller equipment.
Many visitors spend time relaxing and exploring the area. The nearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake offer opportunities for water based recreation, while the Arizona National Scenic Trail, General Crook National Recreation Trail, and historic Cabin Loop Trail System offer opportunities for hikers, bicyclist, and equestrian users. There are also several Fire Lookout Towers in the area.
The campground is in a forested setting. The nearby Mogollon Rim is one of the most striking geologic features in the state. This steep escarpment, measured in thousands of feet, stretches from New Mexico diagonally accross two thirds of Arizona and offers sweeping views of the landscape.
The community of Happy Jack, Arizona has a gas station, two convenience stores and two restaurants.
$85 / night
Located on central Arizona's largest lake, Windy Hill offers great water recreation opportunities to the public. Because of its close proximity to the Lake, Windy Hill allows fishing, non-motorized and motorized boating, along with hiking trails. There are plenty of developed campsites available at Windy Hill, which allows for an easy, quick escape during any time of the year for families and individuals.
Fishing is popular activity where anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish species, such as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel and Flathead Catfish. This campground is also situated right on the shore of Roosevelt Lake which is open to boating, kayaking, and other water-related activites. A fully accessible boat ramp and fishing dock are available for easy lake access, and maps and other important site details can be found at the kiosks at the entrance to the campground.
Two National Scenic Byways (AZ Hwy 88 Apache Trail and AZ Hwy 288 Spines to Pines Highway). Roosevelt Dam, Tonto National Monument, the Arizona Trail, endless miles of jeep trails, Towns of Payson and Globe, Superstition, Sierra Ancha, and Four Peaks Wilderness'. Don't forget to stop by the Tonto Basin Environmental Center learn about the history of the area.
$25 - $50 / night
Traveler
This site is well kept and spacious. And the closest site to Water Wheel which is about ten miles away and Arizona’s best kept secret. I usually set up camp the afternoon before and get up early to make the drive to Water Wheel and get in a day hike. This place has extraordinary water falls and swimming holes. I have probably camped at Mesa Houston more than any other place in Arizona just so I can hike Water Wheel and have never had a negative experience. Payson is beautiful and this camp site is near amenities and great hiking spots.
Scout
My dog and I love it up here during an Arizona summer. Nice and cool with the Willow Springs lake nearby. Clean good camping.
Guide
The campground is being totally overhauled. It looks great so far and the facilities are very clean and nice. there is a nice big pool. the major thing missing are trees for shade and some privacy. there are only a few spots with nice big trees, all other sites have nothing. Which is OK in the Arizona winter, but not when it is still hot.
We were here when it as really slow, not sure what it will like when the campground is full.
GuideWe've camped at Houston Mesa Campground several times and consistently have a fantastic experience. Here's why we give it 5 stars:
Amazing Staff: The camp hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
Spacious Sites: We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay. Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees.
Nature's Playground: The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Serene Setting: The abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun.
Clean Facilities: The bathrooms are well-maintained and clean, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Dry Camping Friendly: We appreciate the ability to dry camp at Houston Mesa, making it a budget-friendly option.
Heads Up: While Verizon service isn't optimal, it's manageable. Additionally, campsites near the freeway can experience some road noise. However, the convenience of having Home Depot and Walmart nearby outweighs these minor drawbacks. Overall, Houston Mesa Campground is a fantastic choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a comfortable and scenic camping experience. We highly recommend it and will definitely be back soon!
Scout
For every good thing there was a bad. We stayed at Coyote Loop. You can’t fish from the shore because all the dead trees that go out about 10 feet along the entire shore (awesome if you have a boat; I guess). I expected lots of generators and the sound that it makes, myself included. I didn’t expect three campsites to be taken up by the same group of people and here F-bombs all night till 10 o’clock. Then people turn high power lamps on you and everyone for long periods of time because they can afford expensive toys but not a simple flashlight. It was peaceful at 10:00pm and we could hear the lake wildlife. Maybe not a good place to take children. There seem to be one super secret place to dump your trailer water, grey & black. While you can dump there for free; you cannot find it without a treasure map, a devining rod, and a map of the stars. Don’t bother asking the site Camp Host because his directions were equally as cryptic; if you can find them at all. I and to wait to get home and map it so here it is:
PQJV+2J Tonto Basin, Arizona
RangerBeautiful retreat in the Arizona forest. Saw many different birds while there, especially hawks. Could smell skunks but none seen at the campground. Was warned by rangers that bears had been spotted in the area, so keep that in mind with food and trash.
Each site I saw had a good amount of space and wasn't right next to other campsites. We were lucky and got shade in our campsite. Plenty of hiking opportunities nearby, and a caves not too far away.
The restroom facilities were clean and included flush toilets. Showers were available for $3 (coin operated).
Gear Review: This contains a review of the LuminAID Packlight 16 and the LuminAID Packlight Spectra, which were provided to me free of charge***
LuminAID's lanterns are a gamechanger. Seriously. They are incredibly lightweight, bright, float when inflated, and most amazingly are solar powered.
The Packlight 16 resembles a pillow and has several settings depending on how bright you want it. I was able to read a book with the Packlight 16 hanging from the ceiling of my tent. Everyday I set it outside to charge for a couple hours and have yet to see it run out of energy, even when left on the dimmest setting for several hours.
The Packlight Spectra is a fun little box shaped lantern that has seven colors (including white) and a color-changing mode (see the video I included in this review). The first color is red, which is nice when you don't want to scrub your nightvision.
I'll definitely be ordering these for my friends. They are great for hiking and the perfect addition to an emergency kit (when folded the Packlight 16 is about the size and weight of an emergency poncho).
Ranger
What a great find! This spot seemed quite unique in comparison to the surrounding camping areas. The town of Mormon Lake was bustling with 4 wheelers and camper trailers, but this "first-come, first-served" camp ground had an entirely different vibe. Of course, it is 4th of July weekend, but campers here were quiet and respectful, observed quite hours. I arrived early, having taken a Thursday off and snagged campsite #11, what I felt was one of the best spots. Sites 10, 11 and 12 are large, with parking for 2 cars and very spread apart. Not near the dumpster (one site is … why they would do that, I don't know). There is a fresh water spigot right across from the site and the restroom is just a short jaunt away. At the moment there is a strict fire ban, so no late night campfires this time around.
The back of the campsite is walled by trees, ready for exploring. The tiny nearby creek can almost be heard from the site, and to the right there is a small field that the Arizona Trail crosses through. I made use of my time her by hiking both directions of the trail straight from the campground. This time of year I also found an ample butterfly population! The hummingbirds were sociable, and the bugs weren't bad, I made it without bug spray but I came across a mosquito or two.
Just across the street from Mormon Lake - notorious for never actually having any water - this time it also didn't.So … don't expect much as far attractions at this spot. However, just down the road you can visit Upper Lake Mary and play in the slighter quieter area away from the bustle of the main part of the lake.
The camp hosts are very friendly, the sites are $20 a night per group for 1 vehicle (up to 8 people) and any additional cars are $8 each. There is no recycling - I packed mine up to take home and recycle. They are dog friendly and I found it really a great spot to camp with a dog. The toilets are decent-ish, cleaned (really as clean as those standard campground toilet pots can be) and at the moment there is a sanitizer jug with a squirt top outside, which is helpful. I didn't see the nearby Dairy Springs campground but I would DEFINITELY come back to this one. On Thursday night they didn't fill up but about 2pm on Friday all the sites were full.
Do note: Campsite does not have cell service (and I have Verizon). You can walk out to the camp entrance just at the main road and pick up some service there if needed.
Traveler
Hosts are nice. Amazing place to be! We saw few times elk and deer. Parking can be full jn Summer. Lake is near by. Road is rocky and raw. I has to replace one tires. Beautiful I ll be back!
TravelerThe campground host was super cool and pointed out some wildlife to us. It was a neat place to camp. Only drawback was the noisy neighbors.
ScoutThis lake was amazing! We camped a short distance (about a mile up the hill) away from the lake where we had a completely secluded campsite and the boys built an incredible rock campfire pit! It was cool, woods-y and beautiful. There was great hiking and mountain biking right around our site. Side Note: the campsite we choose was a decent drive off the main road and the terrain was quite rugged so I recommend taking a 4x4 or a truck! (aka I did not take my little volvo haha)
TravelerThis was one of our first camping experiences. We really didn't know what we were doing and ended up not camping within the campground but we were in the dispersed camping area. Lake Knoll was beautiful.
GuideAmazing campground and if you are looking to get away, this is the place. No cell service and very quiet. Takes some time on a rigged dirt road but any car can make it if you go slow. A favorite of ours. At night you can hear the coyotes and sometimes elk bugleing. Beautiful lake within walking distance.
ScoutKnoll Lake Campground was a great spot for Me, my fiancé, our two friends and two dogs. We had a great time and the camp site was in great condition. The drive in to the site is very bumpy and takes about 40 min total to get through, but it was well worth it. We had to drive down to the lake which is still walking distance away, but we decided to drive and it was a great call. We were able to set up a spot by the lake and relax and enjoy the beautiful weather. Overall it was a great stay and totally worth the trek through the bumpy roads.
RangerI didn't stay at the campground because I prefer to camp alone. There are lots of dispersed camping along the first road 295 (which leads up to Knoll Lake). Coconino National Forest allows camping up to 300ft from the road. According to the rangers, bears are active in the area so it's important to follow the safety protocols. Spent the day on the lake which is well worth the extra drive to avoid the crowds at Woods Canyon. Found one spot with cell service where you turn off fr300 towards Knoll Lake.
GuideZero cell service lots of hunters but very secluded only know of hunters by the shots every now and then lake knoll is beautiful lots of Fish !! Five stars but for experienced campers only bring 4wd and a spare tire lots of awesome 4x4 trails and hiking this is camping at its best
TravelerLove this area! Twenty plus miles on dirt roads to get in there. Lots of dispersed camping in the area as well. We didn’t stay at the campground...the lake is beautiful but small. Only real negative was the amount of trash piling up along the lake. Keep an ear out for coyotes around sunset!
TravelerThis campsite is a bit far away and a good 1/3 of the drive is on switch back fire roads but this campground is worth it. Large campsites and walking distance to Knoll Lake, very peaceful location in the middle of know where with plenty of trees. Was advertised as having camp hosts that would sell firewood but this was not the case and it's an hour each way to get supplies so make sure to bring plenty with you. Drinking water is a must, the water at the campground is barely clean enough for cleaning, unless it can be boiled ahead of time.
Stayed a few years back so do not remember the site number but it was a double campsite, with 2 tables and 2 tent pads.
TravelerWe didn’t camp at the actual Knoll Lake site. We turned off at FR 752 which is shortly after Babe Haught trail. You have to take it slow heading back since the road is rough. I drive a Hyundai Sante Fe Sport and was fine. Was able to get 3-4 miles back and had just a 1.25 mile hike down to the lake. If you have a truck or high clearance SUV you can get probably a quarter mile away from the lake.
A good amount of dispersed camping spots and it amazingly quiet. The next closest campers were probably a half mile away. Didn’t see any wild life but we definitely could hear a lot. The elk were loud in the early morning. Would definitely recommend this area.
ScoutIn the middle of FR300. Worth the drive! Woods Canyon Lake is closest ‘store’ so come prepared. Lake, trails, views, and off-roading!
TravelerWent on a fishing trip to Knoll Lake with my brothers. The lake was great, plenty of space. Great weather in August. (We did have to take cover from a thunder storm, but it passed quickly). The campsite was great too, not crowded where we set up. Not another campsite in site.
GuideI tent camped right near the lake with a larger group of people. While exploring the area, I discovered many camp areas that were perfect for larger groups. The area we were in is all primitive. No water, electric or toilets. This is a pack in and pack out area. Unfortunately, not all abide to this rule as evidenced by the litter shrewn throughout the areas. So, if you go..please be a good environment steward and take all you waste and trash with you..perhaps even clean up some left behind by others.. We did!
TravelerKnoll lake campground is very clean and well kept. Designated areas for tents that were raked up. The bathrooms were cleaner than most restaurants.
Legend
Campground Review
The area near Woods Canyon Lake has multiple campgrounds and is a very popular summer getaway because of the cooler weather, lake access, beautiful views, and hiking trails. Because of this, the campgrounds are usually full on the weekends and I highly suggest reservations on recreation.gov. Aspen in particular has 148 campsites of which only 27 are first come first served. The closer sites in Aspen are about half a mile walk from the boat dock and store while the farthest are around a mile walk. There is parking at the lake but it is always packed so plan to walk or use the overflow parking lot, which is about a quarter mile away. The roads and the driveways are paved which makes parking, driving, and walking through the campground very easy.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that even with 148 sites most of them had a decent amount of space in between. We camped with friends and reserved two spaces hoping to have some space for the kids to play without disturbing the neighbors and we could have easily only reserved one. We found very little trash on the ground from the previous occupants and the sites seemed to have fairly level clearings for tents. Each site had a metal fire pit with a fold over adjustable grill grate. There was also a standalone BBQ and a picnic table. Most of the driveways were surrounded by large boulders so depending on the length of your RV or trailer you should pay attention to the length of the driveway when you make reservations as you may not have room to hang over the end or bring an extra vehicle.
There were bathroom buildings and water faucets throughout the facility and there was hardly ever a line. The bathrooms have both a men’s and women’s side and were always stocked with toilet paper and relatively clean. Aspen has a weird design and there is only one single lane to exit the campground. This is also where the dumpsters are located so on our way out on Sunday morning there was a line of cars parked in the road blocking traffic while they threw out their trash.
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this trip, I tested the Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack. Matador has put some nice features on the backpack but has left a few things to be improved on. I am going to start with some of the pros:
With all that being said here are some areas I think Matador could have improved the Beast28:
Overall, I am happy with the Beast28. It is working well as a more capable day pack than what I have been using and allows me to carry a full hydration bladder, lunch, snacks, and a few layers of clothing for the varying weather conditions. It is super light and compresses down so it’s easy to throw in my bag for longer trips but still capable of being used for more technical outings. I have highlighted a few things that I think Matador could improve on but none of them are notable enough to keep me away from using this as my primary day pack moving forward.
ScoutI’ve been to this area a lot of times as a kid and decided to take my kid up here. It still a great area. Its quiet and very clean. The bathrooms are cleaned daily and are very nice. The host were very friendly also. Will come back again
GuideJuly 29 - August 4, 2019. Site # 131. 131 is a pretty open site as it sits next to Aspen Meadow. There is a movie screen or projector in the meadow where they show movies on Saturday nights (weather permitting) and they also hold Junior Ranger programs there. A previous camper roped up a swing between the campsite and the meadow, which was great for the kids. The campground itself is huge as it holds over 140 sites. Some sites are more open than others and it’s easy to find the best ones for next time by driving through the grounds. There are plenty of Pines as the elevation is upwards about 7,500 feet. Mon -Thu was pretty quiet and felt more of a open, or private camping experience, while Friday and Saturday nights the campground was completely full and thus made the sites more congested. Still, the ground seemed capable of catering to everybody. This seems to be the case as the Aspen Campground is just a short walk to Woods Canyon Lake, where there is a general store, fishing, boating etc. Next time we come back, we are bringing kayaks or something to get out on the water.
LegendSite #102 was very open and easy to back into. Good shade. Our spot has a large table, metal fire ring and charcoal grill. The water spigot is right across the street and the vault bathrooms are just a few spots down. The campsite has 140+ sites and over half are available to reserve 6 months ahead of time. It’s just a short walk to Woods Canyon lake. It’s fully stocked over the summer month with trout. They have kayak rentals available also and electric trolling motors are allowed on the lake. 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. The entire campground is paved which makes it nice for children who like to ride bikes or scooter around. No service at all at camp
ScoutAlways a great place to stay in the summer. Usually about 25 degrees cooler in then Phoenix. Close to lakes and creeks along with hiking trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Kohls Ranch, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Kohls Ranch, AZ is Houston Mesa Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Kohls Ranch, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 glamping camping locations near Kohls Ranch, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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