Rim Campground

4.25

175 reviews

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ 85933, USA

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

7,579 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open from May 9 to O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7,579 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open from May 9 to O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Rim Campground

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for standard sites during peak and first-come-first-served seasons is $18. Additional fees apply for extra vehicles ($12) and may...

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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

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Provider

928-535-9859dianeholmes24@yahoo.com

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 175 reviews

79 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikinglake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are generally positive, highlighting friendly camp hosts, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to the Rim Trail and Woods Canyon Lake. However, some concerns about noise, generator use, and limited bathroom facilities are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ 85933, USA

Rim Campground

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ 85933, USA

Driving directionsLocated on Road 300 approximately 1 mile off of High 260.

Road 300 is accessible approximately 1 mile from High 260. The campground is described as relatively flat, with easy access for vehicles including tents, pop-up campers, trailers, and motorhomes. All campsites have parallel parking along the road.

Nearby places

Overgaard (~20 miles), Payson (~30 miles), Show Low (~40 miles)

approximate travel times depend on road conditions.

Nearby supplies

Some groceries and supplies like boat and kayak rentals, ice, and firewood are available at the Marina Store near Woods Canyon Lake (~3 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Rim Campground

Experience the perfect camping climate where summer nights require a light jacket and autumn days invite endless exploration. During peak season, expect gloriously clear skies with daytime temperatures hovering around a comfortable 70°F, while evenings cool to a refreshing 50°F—ideal for campfire gatherings. Mountain breezes occasionally sweep across the rim, and afternoon thunderstorms may roll through, painting dramatic skies and bringing the forest to life with the scent of rain on pine needles. This high-altitude haven offers relief from desert heat, with the camping season stretching through the mild months when wildflowers bloom and aspens begin their golden transformation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers pleasant nights and clear skies but is busy and prone to generator/noise complaints.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in AZ

Fall described as quieter and better for nature observation; comfortable daytime temps and crisp nights.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Positive spring signals in reviews; pleasant cool climate but main season begins in May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground operates primarily May 9–Oct 12; winter season not supported on-site.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 9, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 9 to October 12 for peak season. October 13 to October 30 switches to first-come, first-served camping.

About Rim Campground

Perched on the dramatic edge of the Mogollon Rim, Rim Campground invites you to experience Arizona's high country like never before. Twenty-six thoughtfully spaced campsites nestle among towering ponderosa pines, where the sweet vanilla scent of pine bark mingles with crisp mountain air. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll find modern conveniences including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and regular trash service. Just three miles down a scenic forest road, Woods Canyon Lake beckons with excellent fishing and peaceful paddling opportunities, making this the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Rim Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping, and pop-up trailers. All sites are non-electric.

Historical SignificanceWhile the campground itself stands as a gateway to experiencing the timeless grandeur of the Mogollon Rim, this landscape holds countless untold stories whispered through the pines and carried on mountain winds.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect camping climate where summer nights require a light jacket and autumn days invite endless exploration. During peak season, expect gloriously clear skies with daytime temperatures hovering around a comfortable 70°F, while evenings cool to a refreshing 50°F—ideal for campfire gatherings. Mountain breezes occasionally sweep across the rim, and afternoon thunderstorms may roll through, painting dramatic skies and bringing the forest to life with the scent of rain on pine needles. This high-altitude haven offers relief from desert heat, with the camping season stretching through the mild months when wildflowers bloom and aspens begin their golden transformation.

ElevationHigh above the desert floor, the campground sits in the rarified air of the Mogollon Rim's elevated terrain, where the atmosphere is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath feels like pure mountain magic.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the haunting bugle of elk echoing through cathedral-like stands of ponderosa pines, where shafts of golden sunlight filter through the canopy. The campground's gently rolling terrain makes for easy walking, while the surrounding forest creates a natural amphitheater of tranquility. As one of nature's most spectacular features, the Mogollon Rim serves as your backyard—a geological masterpiece where the earth dramatically drops away, revealing the rugged beauty of Arizona's diverse landscape stretching endlessly below.

Geological RegionPrepare to be awestruck by your front-row seat to one of Arizona's most magnificent geological wonders. The Mogollon Rim rises like an ancient fortress wall, offering breathtaking 100-mile vistas that stretch across valleys, mesas, and distant mountain ranges. This dramatic escarpment, cloaked in pristine ponderosa pine forests, creates a natural boundary between two worlds—the cool highlands above and the vast expanse below. The relatively gentle terrain atop the rim provides comfortable camping while positioning you perfectly to witness sunrise and sunset performances that paint the landscape in ever-changing hues of gold, crimson, and purple.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit of 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Authoritative source does not specify the guests per site.

Groups

Details about group sites are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layout26 sites organized into two loops, each with 13 sites. Sites are parallel parking only, with spacious areas for tents or small RVs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov via app or website for advanced and Scan-and-Pay campsites. First-come, first-served reservations can only be made on-site.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is possible during the first-come, first-served season (October 13 - October 30).

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made before the scheduled arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations involve forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Modifications are allowed with a $10 change fee for new dates; extending stays incurs no extra fees.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets are accessible, and the campground features level sites appropriate for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeAll campsites have parallel parking and are approximately 40 feet in length, accommodating tents, pop-up campers, trailers, and motorhomes.

PrivacyThe sites offer varying levels of privacy. Some are described as secluded and spacious, while others are noted to be close to neighbors, leading to limited privacy.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesOuter loop campsites provide more privacy and scenic views. Avoid sites near the road to reduce traffic noise.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rim Campground offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can engage in hiking, fishing, and boating, with Woods Canyon Lake nearby providing additional recreational options. Observing wildlife such as elk and coyotes is also common.

HikingHiking is a major activity at Rim Campground. The Rim Trail is accessible directly from the campground, offering beautiful views. Some reviewers noted the presence of other trails within a mile or two of the campground.

FishingFishing is available at Woods Canyon Lake, located approximately three miles from the campground. The lake is described as a great spot for anglers.

BikingBiking is possible on nearby trails. One user reported riding on the Crook Trail, where an elk accompanied them for a short distance.

BoatingBoating is available at Woods Canyon Lake, which offers kayak and boat rentals.

Wildlife viewingCampers frequently observe wildlife such as elk and coyotes. One reviewer noted an elk running alongside their mountain bike.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWindy conditions near the Mogollon Rim can affect campfire safety. Wildlife such as elk and coyotes frequent the area. Ravens causing minor disturbances were noted in reviews.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings with grills are provided at each site. Fires should be used cautiously during windy conditions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are officially designated from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Overgaard (~20 miles). Specific hospitals or police stations are not listed in authoritative sources.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available. Recycling services are not specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesApproximately 3 miles from Woods Canyon Lake, offering fishing, boating, and kayak rentals.

Camp HostThe camp host, Larry Penny, is frequently praised for his friendly and accommodating demeanor. Larry and his dogs Diesel and Dora add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Weather at Rim Campground

Reviews

4.3

175 reviews

Satisfactory

Rim Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, highlighting friendly camp hosts, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to the Rim Trail and Woods Canyon Lake. However, some concerns about noise, generator use, and limited bathroom facilities are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 175 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the clean and spacious campsites, helpful and friendly camp host Larry, and the opportunity to observe wildlife. The campground's proximity to hiking trails and Woods Canyon...

Based on 175 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the limited number of bathrooms for the number of sites, generator noise, and the closeness of some campsites leading to reduced privacy. Traffic noise from a nearby highway...

Based on 175 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray, booking sites farther from the road for reduced noise, and taking advantage of nearby trails and the lake for activities. One user suggested avoiding sites near...

Based on 175 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busy, with many visitors mentioning congestion and generator noise. Fall is described as quieter and more enjoyable for nature observation.

Based on 175 reviews

Camper Quotes

Quotes include: 'Larry and his dogs, Daisy and Diesel, are welcoming and go above and beyond to make the stay at Rim Campground a fabulous experience.' 'The vault toilets were acceptable.' 'The...

Based on 175 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 22 and 23 are mentioned as spacious but sometimes noisy due to nearby large groups. Site 24 received positive mentions for being close to wildlife viewing areas.

Based on 175 reviews