Is Knoll Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Knoll Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Knoll Lake Campground?

Knoll Lake Campground is open Forest Road 95 is closed during winter, which may affect campground accessibility.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Knoll Lake Campground?

Knoll Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Knoll Lake Campground?

Cell phone service at Knoll Lake Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Knoll Lake Campground have?

Knoll Lake Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Knoll Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Knoll Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Knoll Lake Campground?

Knoll Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Knoll Lake Campground

3.99

110 reviews

Summer Destination

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Forest Road 95 is cl...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mogollon Rim Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Forest Road 95 is cl...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mogollon Rim Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Knoll Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-477-2255

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Knoll Lake Campground

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Campground Map

Knoll Lake Campground

34.4262, -111.0936

Nearby places

Flagstaff is approximately 80 miles away.

Driving directionsDrive 55 miles south of Flagstaff to Clints Well on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road). Turn left (northeast) on to AZ 87, go about 10 miles to FR 95 which is just past the ranger station, turn right and drive 6 miles south to FR 96, turn left and travel 2 miles to FR 321. Turn right and drive 10 miles to FR 300. Turn east (left) and go 4 miles to FR 295E. Turn left again and drive to lake and campground.

Weather at Knoll Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Knoll Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, clear weather and dramatic rim-top views — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s°F with chilly nights in the 30s–40s°F — making hikes and rim photography especially pleasant. Water levels remain good for late-season fishing and paddling while crowds thin after Labor Day, so you get quiet lakeside campsites and excellent wildlife viewing. Expect brilliant late-season color in aspen and mixed-conifer stands and fewer afternoon monsoon/ Peak months: October, September, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall noted as best: cool days, aspens color, crowds thin after Labor Day.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Forest Road 95 is closed during winter, which may affect campground accessibility.

About Knoll Lake Campground

Knoll Lake Campground sits at high elevation in Coconino National Forest, operated by the Mogollon Rim Ranger District near Flagstaff. This very small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for the stunning Mogollon Rim views, elk and deer sightings, and lakeside access for fishing, kayaking, and hiking in a peaceful, secluded setting.

Knoll Lake Campground primarily supports tent and RV camping. It does not cater to large groups or glamping enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, clear weather and dramatic rim-top views — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s°F with chilly nights in the 30s–40s°F — making hikes and rim photography especially pleasant. Water levels remain good for late-season fishing and paddling while crowds thin after Labor Day, so you get quiet lakeside campsites and excellent wildlife viewing. Expect brilliant late-season color in aspen and mixed-conifer stands and fewer afternoon monsoon/ Peak months: October, September, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Knoll Lake against the backdrop of the Mogollon Rim, a 2,000-foot escarpment marking the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Ponderosa pines dominate the forest, with mixed-conifer stands adding color in fall. Elk and deer frequent the area, especially at dawn and dusk in nearby meadows. The lake reflects the surrounding forest and rim cliffs. At 7,400 feet, the elevation creates cooler temperatures than the desert valleys visible from rim overlooks.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not provide hotel-style lodges or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No specified stay limit was noted.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Eight at a single site
16 at a double site.

Groups

There are no group camping facilities at this site. Groups larger than 8 (single site) or 16 (double site) are advised to use nearby group campgrounds like Elks or Moqui.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable for this first-come, first-serve campground.

AccessibilityAccessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly described in the source materials.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious and include options for double sites. One reviewer stated, "We used a double campsite which had plenty of space for our four vehicles and setup.

PrivacyThe campground offers secluded sites but can get crowded on holiday weekends. One reviewer noted, "Nice and secluded," while another mentioned it can become overwhelming during busy times.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesDouble campsites are recommended for larger groups, with amenities such as two picnic tables and spacious layouts.

Best Campsitesnull

Amenities available

Knoll Lake Campground is described as a secluded forest camp with high visitor interest. Key attractions include Knoll Lake, which supports trout fishing and boating, and the spectacular Mogollon Rim, known for its panoramic views, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The campground is well-maintained with amenities such as vault toilets and trash facilities.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Knoll Lake Campground offers a variety of activities, including trout fishing, small boat tours, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation. The scenic Mogollon Rim enhances recreational experiences.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; instead, clean vault toilets are provided and well-maintained, with one reviewer noting, "Vault toilets were clean and well-kept."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

110 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Knoll Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews for Knoll Lake Campground are positive, highlighting the pristine environment, friendly camp hosts, and well-maintained facilities. Common themes include the area's natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and recreational opportunities like fishing and kayaking.

Review Summaries

Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

- Stunning views of the Mogollon Rim and Knoll Lake. - Well-maintained facilities, including clean vault toilets. - Peaceful, secluded environment suitable for relaxation. - Abundant wildlife,...

Based on 110 reviews

Common Concerns

- Rocky and bumpy roads leading to the site. - Limited information about closures and restrictions, with one reviewer upset about unannounced seasonal closures. - Noise from nearby campers,...

Based on 110 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several reviews highlight specific site features, such as double sites with ample space. For example, one user said, "Double campsite had two tables, benches, fire pit, additional grill, clean...

Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring a sturdy vehicle for the rocky roads. - Visit during weekdays or non-holiday periods for a quieter experience. - Prepare for changing weather conditions, including chilly nights. - Follow...

Based on 110 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring: Cooler weather and fewer visitors make this a quieter time to visit. Summer: Popular season with potential for crowds; fire restrictions may be in place. Fall: Quiet and scenic, with cooler...

Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Love this place except on holiday weekends. Can get overwhelming and packed." 2. "The campground itself was great! Becky, the camp host, was super friendly and helpful." 3. "Great campsites -...

Based on 110 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but the reviews do not elaborate on pet-specific experiences or features.

Based on 110 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want secluded alpine scenery, abundant wildlife, and fall paddling or fishing with dramatic rim-top views.

Skip if

You need level tent pads, guaranteed quiet hours enforcement, or prefer larger campgrounds with more amenities.

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Bear Canyon Lake And Camping Area

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Bear Canyon Lake sits at 7,560 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, accessible only by trail from the parking area. The lake fills a narrow canyon surrounded by mixed conifers, oaks, and aspens. Sixty dispersed primitive sites spread across the area, though weekend crowds and ATV noise can disrupt the remote feel. There's no potable water, trash service, or cell reception.