Woods Canyon Lake Group

Star4.59
68 reviews
APACHE-SITGREAVES
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$275/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

May 9, 2025 - Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Woods Canyon Lake Group
$275.00 - $275.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Standard Non-electric sites are $275 per night during peak and walk-in seasons. Rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$275.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 68 reviews

481 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikinglakefriendly

Some mention

noise

"Woods Canyon Lake Group Area receives highly positive reviews overall. Visitors praise the natural beauty, family-friendly environment, and recreational opportunities. However, some criticisms cite crowded conditions during summer, the lack of shade in certain campsites, and occasional issues with campground management."

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Campground Map

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Woods Canyon Lake Group

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Forest Road 300 is unpaved, and accessibility varies by season. Walk-in season dates are weather permitting (mid-April to mid-May; mid-September to mid-November). This is a high-elevation facility, and caution is recommended when traveling from lower elevations.
Nearby places
Payson, Arizona: 35 miles west on Highway 260.
Nearby supplies
A small store is available near the lake for basic supplies. Full-service grocery and supply options are available in Payson, 35 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Woods Canyon Lake Group

At this mountain retreat, summer arrives with a gentle touch, offering pleasantly mild days that provide sweet relief from Arizona's desert heat. Mother Nature adds her own dramatic flair from late June through August, painting the afternoon sky with spectacular thunderclouds that roll across the rim. As evening falls, temperatures dip into sweater weather, creating perfect conditions for campfire stories and stargazing. Pack your rain gear and warm layers – the mountain's moods can shift as quickly as the clouds above.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Mild summer temps and activities praised; summer crowds noted as downside.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn less crowded; aspens and Rim views make fall appealing per overview.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Positive spring mentions in reviews but official opening is May 9 (late spring).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed out of season; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9, 2025 - October 12, 2025; June 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 9, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Out-of-season bookings not permitted.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Woods Canyon Lake Group

Nestled alongside one of Arizona's most beloved mountain lakes, Woods Canyon Lake Group Campground welcomes gatherings of up to 100 adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This primitive camping paradise invites you to cast a line for rainbow trout in crystal-clear waters, explore winding forest trails, and encounter the abundant wildlife that calls this high-country haven home. While embracing the simplicity of outdoor living with vault toilets and fresh drinking water, you'll find yourself immersed in the tranquil beauty of Arizona's pine-scented highlands.
The Woods Canyon Lake Group Area is a group campground suitable for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. While it is primarily set up for tent and group camping, it provides flexible spaces for RVs as well.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Woods Canyon Lake Group Area provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. User reviews highlight the serene environment, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly atmosphere. There are trails surrounding the lake, and the forested location allows for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
HikingThere are multiple hiking options near the campground. A trail circles Woods Canyon Lake, offering scenic views through the pine forest. The nearby Rim Lakes Vista Trail provides stunning vistas of the Mogollon Rim. "Nice hike around the whole lake at a little over 3 miles," described a reviewer. Another noted, "An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake," making it accessible for most skill levels.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Woods Canyon Lake. "People were fishing and catching trout left and right," reported one user. The lake is frequently stocked with trout, and both lake and stream fishing are possible. Only electric boat motors are permitted, which ensures a tranquil fishing experience.
BikingThe paved roads in the recreation area are suitable for biking, and trails around the lake offer additional opportunities. "The paved roads in the recreation area make for great afternoon bike rides," according to the official description.
BoatingNon-motorized and electric motor boating is allowed. Kayaks and paddleboards are popular choices. Boat rentals are available at the lake's marina. "Boat rentals are so cheap, $50 for 4 hours," noted one reviewer.
Wildlife viewingWoods Canyon Lake provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Squirrels, deer, elk, and a variety of birds, including osprey and bald eagles, are frequently observed. "Osprey and bald eagles... what a sight to behold!" exclaimed one camper.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsDuring weekends, educational programs led by Forest Service rangers are available, offering insights into local ecology and conservation.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears, skunks, and deer may visit campgrounds. Afternoon thunderstorms during rainy season. High elevation may pose challenges for visitors from lower altitudes.
Active Alertsnull

Weather at Woods Canyon Lake Group

Reviews

4.6
68 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Woods Canyon Lake Group is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Woods Canyon Lake Group Area receives highly positive reviews overall. Visitors praise the natural beauty, family-friendly environment, and recreational opportunities. However, some criticisms cite crowded conditions during summer, the lack of shade in certain campsites, and occasional issues with campground management.
Review Summaries
Based on 68 reviews

What Campers Love

Many visitors highlight the serene environment, excellent fishing opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere. "If you're looking for a peaceful and picturesque camping spot, look no further," said...
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Based on 68 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include overcrowding during peak times, brown water from taps, and narrow parking areas. Noise from other campers was also mentioned in isolated instances.
Based on 68 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site with shade, particularly in summer. Bring bottled water to avoid potential issues with on-site water quality. Prepare for afternoon thunderstorms if visiting between...
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Based on 68 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Despite summer crowds, the campground is praised for its cooler temperatures and accessibility to outdoor activities. Autumn visits appear less crowded based on reviews.
Based on 68 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, which provides a serene and calming atmosphere." (Anna Thundergun) "Vault toilets were clean and abundant." (CA Huff) "Nice hike around...
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Based on 68 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 47 is noted for its lack of shade, while sites 43 and 44 are described as more desirable due to their tree cover.
Based on 68 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA access is mentioned in broader terms but not specifically detailed for this group campground.
Based on 68 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, enhancing the campground's family-friendly appeal.
Based on 68 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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