Sinkhole Campground
4.45113 reviewsP.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA
Sinkhole Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate is $25 for standard non-electric campsites during peak season (May 9 - October 12, 2025) and first-come, first-served season (October 13 - October 30, 2025). Additional reservation fees may apply depending on the booking method.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of pine country near the sparkling waters of Willow Springs Lake, Sinkhole Campground invites you to experience the perfect blend of convenience and wilderness charm. This intimate 26-site retreat offers something for every camping style – secure your spot in advance at sites 14-26, or embrace spontaneity with first-come, first-served sites 1-13. Each spacious back-in site comes complete with its own campfire ring, grill, and picnic table, all connected by smooth asphalt roads that make arrival a breeze. With fresh drinking water on tap, regular trash service, and clean vault toilets, you'll find all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Plus, a friendly campground host is always nearby to share local insights and ensure your mountain getaway is memorable.
Sinkhole Campground caters to a variety of camping styles, including RVs and tent camping. It features 26 sites, with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options. While primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned, the lack of electricity and water hookups suggests a more rustic experience.
Weather and SeasonsSummer afternoons bring nature's drama to Sinkhole Campground, as July and August monsoons roll across the rim country with spectacular thunderstorms that refresh the forest and fill the air with the scent of rain-soaked pine. Even during the warmest months, you'll appreciate the campground's natural air conditioning – gentle breezes sweep through the sites throughout the day. Pack your favorite fleece for those crisp mountain evenings when temperatures dip delightfully low, creating perfect campfire weather. Early season campers in May and late-season adventurers in September should come prepared with extra layers, as nighttime temperatures can surprise lowlanders with their alpine chill.
ElevationPerched high on the legendary Mogollon Rim, Sinkhole Campground sits at an elevation where the desert gives way to mountain majesty. This dramatic escarpment marks one of Arizona's most significant geological transitions, lifting you into a world of cool pine forests and crystal-clear air. Here, summer temperatures rarely climb above the comfortable 70s and 80s, offering a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations. The rim's high altitude creates a unique microclimate where afternoon clouds gather, morning mists linger, and the air carries that distinctive crispness that makes every breath feel restorative.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines stand like ancient sentinels throughout Sinkhole Campground, their vanilla-scented bark and sprawling canopies creating a natural cathedral of shade and serenity. These majestic giants filter the sunlight into dancing patterns across your campsite, while their needle-carpeted floor muffles footsteps and creates perfect spots for afternoon reading. Keep your camera ready – the campground occasionally plays host to some of the rim country's most enchanting residents. Lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of the area's legendary wild horses moving like ghosts through the morning mist, while deer, elk, and a variety of bird species make regular appearances. The surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest stretches endlessly in every direction, offering a pristine wilderness playground right at your tent flap.
Geological RegionSinkhole Campground claims its place along the mighty Mogollon Rim, a 200-mile escarpment that forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau and one of Arizona's most spectacular geological features. This ancient uplift, carved by millions of years of erosion, creates a dramatic transition zone where the high country meets the sky. The surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest blankets this rugged terrain in a sea of ponderosa pines, creating one of the largest contiguous pine forests in North America. This unique geological setting not only shapes the stunning scenery but also influences everything from weather patterns to wildlife habitat, making every stay at Sinkhole a front-row seat to the ongoing story of the Southwest's remarkable landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features accessible vault toilets and two designated accessible campsites. Paved roads and back-in pads also enhance accessibility.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, including single and double sites. The sites are back-in, and parking pads are level and paved. Some users noted that the sites are a bit close together, impacting privacy.
Sites PrivacySites offer limited privacy as they are "a bit close and crowded, especially the shared sites." However, they are shaded by tall ponderosa pines, which provide some natural barriers.
Total Campsites26 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #26 is noted for being cramped and noisy due to neighbors. Sites closer to the highway (e.g., #21, #25) tend to experience more traffic noise. For a quieter experience, users recommend reserving a site farther from Highway 260.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites are universally rated as the best, although sites closer to the bathroom or highway may have drawbacks.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official check-in time is not mentioned, but reservations start at 12:00 AM local time on the scheduled date.
Check-out
Official check-out time is not mentioned, but late cancellations are recorded up until check-out the following day.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly mentioned. User reviews suggest typical camping group sizes range from individuals to larger groups.
Groups
No specific group camping sites or their capacities are detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has two loops, each with 13 sites. The north loop contains first-come, first-served sites, while the south loop is reservable.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9 to October 12 (reservable season), October 13 to October 30 (first-come, first-served season).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites 1 through 13 are available on a first-come, first-served basis during peak season and after October 12th until the campground closes.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up until midnight, 1 calendar day before the scheduled check-in for individual campsites. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sinkhole Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, primarily centered around its proximity to Willow Springs Lake. "Fishing and boating are available at nearby Willow Springs Lake, which is approximately one mile from the campground." Hiking and mountain biking trails are also accessible, including the General Crook National Recreation Trail located within a mile. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with sightings of wild horses being mentioned.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound, with trails like the General Crook National Recreation Trail within a mile. Other users noted proximity to a "wilderness trail that is located right next to the campground." Trails vary in difficulty and length, offering options for both short walks and more extensive hikes.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Willow Springs Lake, which is stocked with trout. Some visitors have mentioned difficulty fishing from the shore, recommending a boat for better access.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available in nearby areas, including the non-motorized Wildlife Area.Boating
Boating is supported at Willow Springs Lake, which features a boat launch. Reviews indicate that kayaks are a great way to enjoy the lake.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are a highlight, with multiple reviews mentioning wild horses. "We even had wild horses come by one morning and hang out near our campsite," one user shared.Winter Activities
Snow occurs seasonally, and one user mentioned leaving early due to snowfall. Specific winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are popular at Willow Springs Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings and grills are provided at each site. Fire restrictions may be enforced depending on local conditions.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated; implied through generator restrictions and user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsTraffic noise from Highway 260 is a common complaint; earplugs may be necessary for tent campers. Wildlife, including chipmunks, can be a nuisance if food is left out.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 88%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Overgaard (approximately 4 miles east).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9, 2025 - October 12, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash services are available, but recycling options were not mentioned. One user noted that trash is charged "by the bag."
Proximity to water featuresWillow Springs Lake is approximately one mile from the campground and offers fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints about road noise, small and closely spaced campsites, and rude behavior from certain campground hosts. Bathrooms, while generally clean, have occasionally been reported as having overpowering odors.
HostCampground hosts vary in personality and service quality. Positive feedback highlights hosts like Sharon for their friendliness, helpfulness, and cleanliness efforts. Negative reviews criticize certain hosts for rudeness and excessive monitoring.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA
Driving directionsLocated on Willow Springs Lake Road approximately 1/2 mile off of Highway 260.
The campground entrance, roads, and back-in sections are asphalt. It is easily accessible off Highway 260, approximately 1/2 mile down Willow Springs Lake Road.Nearby places
Overgaard (approximately 4 miles east), Forest Lakes (approximately 4 miles east), Woods Canyon Lake (approximately 10 miles west off Road 300 and Road 105)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including gas, phone, and groceries, are available approximately four miles east at Forest Lakes.
Camper Reviews
4.5
113 reviews
Sinkhole Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Sinkhole Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.26 out of 5. Highlights include the cleanliness of the facilities and friendly camp hosts like Sharon and Bud. Negative feedback often centers around road noise and the close proximity of campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 113 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently cited include the proximity to Willow Springs Lake, well-maintained facilities, and helpful camp hosts. "The campground is very well maintained with clean restrooms and...
Based on 113 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Road noise from Highway 260 is a common complaint, with several users mentioning disrupted sleep. Campsites being too close together was another recurring issue. Some users also reported unpleasant...
Based on 113 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
To mitigate road noise, consider RV camping or using earplugs. Visitors should be prepared to bring their own water containers and take advantage of host-provided drinking water. Fishing is better...
Based on 113 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with reviews often highlighting pleasant weather and the coolness provided by the tall pines. Rain is common in July and August, while late spring and early fall...
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Camper Quotes
1. "Sharon the camp host is the best I have ever seen. She is so friendly and makes everyone feel like family." - User review. 2. "The restrooms were very clean along with the entire campground. It...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback highlights that "site #21 smelled bad" due to its proximity to the restroom, while "site #26" was praised for its quiet and cleanliness. Double sites occasionally cause...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are positive, with users noting the paved roads and accessible vault toilets. Two sites are specifically designed for accessibility.
Based on 113 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed and must be on a leash. Users bringing pets should ensure they are well-behaved and not left unattended.
Based on 113 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025