Woods Canyon Group Campground requires advance reservations at $275 per night and operates from late April through early November in the Sitgreaves National Forest. The facility accommodates RVs up to 99 feet with full water and sewer hookups, though access roads can present challenges for some vehicles.
The campground features 12 individual sites arranged in a loop configuration, most suitable for multiple tents or RVs. A central communal area anchors the layout with a large fire ring capable of seating about 20 people, plus a concrete pavilion containing 10 picnic tables and oversized grills. Krista Z. notes the setup works well for groups since "we easily sat about 20 folding camp chairs around the pit each night." Individual sites include standard fire rings and picnic tables.
Vault toilets serve the campground loop, with potable water available from two faucets. A designated dumpster eliminates the need to pack out trash. Woods Canyon Lake sits within walking distance, offering fishing opportunities and seasonal boat rentals through an on-site store. Multiple hiking trails branch out from the area, and campers can access campgrounds around Forest Lakes for additional options in the region.
The single-entry loop design creates a contained environment that families appreciate for children's activities. Tall pines provide natural shade throughout most sites.
Description
Overview
Woods Canyon Lake Group Area is located in north central Arizona near the community of Forest Lakes. The camp is adjacent to popular Woods Canyon Lake and situated in thick pine forests, providing a great getaway for large groups of up to 100 people. It offers plenty of activities for anglers, boaters, hikers, families and photographers.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
The group camping area is primitive but convenient to the lake. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The facility can comfortably accommodate 70 people, though the maximum is 100.
Natural Features
Woods Canyon Lake is surrounded by a dense forest of pine, fir, oak and aspen, and sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Hikers who venture onto nearby trails are afforded expansive views of the land beneath the Mogollon Rim. The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as "muggy-own," is 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. Wildlife viewing includes birds, squirrels, deer and elk. Deer, skunks and bears are common campground visitors.
Nearby Attractions
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWoods Canyon Group Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
From Payson, Arizona, take Highway 260 northeast from Payson toward Heber. Turn left (west) onto Forest Road 300 and follow for 3 miles. Turn right at Woods Canyon Lake Road and travel 0.75 miles to the campground on the right side of the road.
Address
APACHE-SITGREAVES
AZ
Coordinates
34.3286111 N
110.9391667 W
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 5/5/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/5/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 5/5/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/5/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 55 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 56 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 6 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 12 min from Tucson, AZ













