How much does camping cost at Spillway?

Camping fees at Spillway are $36 - $190/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Spillway first-come first-served or reservation?

Spillway accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Spillway before I book?

Yes! Spillway has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Spillway?

Spillway is open April 24 to October 30. 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 Spillway?

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

How many campsites does Spillway have?

Spillway has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Spillway?

Yes, pets are allowed at Spillway. 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 Spillway?

Spillway offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Spillway?

Popular activities at Spillway include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Spillway (Az)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Spillway?

Fire policies at Spillway: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.51

401 reviews

APACHE-SITGREAVES

BReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Arizona#3 Best Campgrounds Arizona Hiking Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$36 - $190/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Walk-in season dates...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$36 - $190/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Walk-in season dates...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Spillway (Az)

$36.00 - $190.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $190.00; MANAGEMENT: $36.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Group Site Fee$190.00

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Provider

928-535-9859

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APACHE-SITGREAVES

Spillway (Az)

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Nearby places

Payson, AZ (35 miles west)

Forest Lakes, AZ (10 miles east)

Weather at Spillway (Az)

Current alerts(7)

Click here for more information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Maximum one camping unit and two vehicles per site. Fee includes one camping unit and one vehicle. Payment for a second vehicle will be collected at check-in ($12.00)
Only quiet generators are permitted in campground.
This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations

Best Time to Camp at Spillway (Az)

Best season: summer. Summer at 7,500 ft delivers the most reliably comfortable weather and the fullest range of activities: expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s, making hiking, boating and fishing pleasant compared with Arizona lowlands. Late June–August brings dramatic monsoon afternoons that cool the air and feed the lake, so paddling, trout fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak (arrive early in the day to beat storms). Weekends and holidays are busiest—Spillway is Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: cool daytime temps (65–80°F), full range of activities and positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 24 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Walk-in season dates (end-Apr. to mid-May) are weather permitting only.

About Spillway (Az)

Spillway sits at 7,500 feet on the shores of a lake in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, near Heber. Operated by the Forest Service, this small high-elevation campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and a camp store. Campers fish for trout, launch boats, and hike forest trails while escaping Arizona's summer heat.

Spillway Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and small motorhomes. It also has one group site that can host up to 25 people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer at 7,500 ft delivers the most reliably comfortable weather and the fullest range of activities: expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s, making hiking, boating and fishing pleasant compared with Arizona lowlands. Late June–August brings dramatic monsoon afternoons that cool the air and feed the lake, so paddling, trout fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak (arrive early in the day to beat storms). Weekends and holidays are busiest—Spillway is Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryWoods Canyon Lake stretches 52 acres below a dense canopy of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and oak. The Mogollon Rim rises behind the campground, its 200-mile cliff face separating Arizona's cool highlands from the desert thousands of feet below. Lakeside sites look out over clear water. Forest sites deeper in the loop sit among vanilla-scented ponderosa trunks and filtered light. The setting feels more Pacific Northwest than Southwest. Green, shaded, humid during monsoon season.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within Spillway Campground; visitors must camp using tents, RVs, or motorhomes.

Programs & ActivitiesForest Service rangers provide educational programs on weekends, which appeal to families.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One camping unit and two vehicles per site.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 25 people. Fee: $190 per night during peak season.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe entire campground, including loop roads, vault restrooms, and water hydrants, complies with the Architectural Barriers Act for accessibility, making it suitable for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeSites range in size; some are large pull-through spaces accommodating RVs up to 32 feet, while others are more suited to tents.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with lakeside sites offering more seclusion while inner sites are closer together, which some reviewers found disruptive.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 13 is described as the most secluded and private, while site 3 offers a glimpse of the lake and is ideal for small groups.

Best CampsitesSites 25, 24, 23, 21, and 19 sit closest to the lake with better views and more seclusion. Inner-loop sites are tighter and you'll hear neighboring campers more clearly.

Need help booking Spillway (Az)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Spillway Campground provides a range of amenities, including leveled spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal grills, and potable water through water hydrants. The sites are compliant with the Architectural Barriers Act for accessibility, ensuring easy access for all visitors. There are vault toilets available, described by reviewers as generally clean but occasionally needing more frequent maintenance. Potable water is available via spigots, although select user reviews mention sediment issues.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Spillway (Az)

Spillway Campground offers diverse recreational activities including hiking, fishing, kayaking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Families enjoy the proximity to Woods Canyon Lake for fishing and boat rentals. Hiking trails around the lake provide stunning views of the Mogollon Rim.

Hiking4.0/5

Rim Lakes Vista Trail <1 mile and multiple trails around Woods Canyon Lake provide scenic hikes.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

High elevation implies snow at times but winter access and formal winter activities are not detailed.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Rim vistas, clear lake, and wildlife (eagles, ospreys) offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead and are sometimes noted as clean but occasionally have odor issues.

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, and reviewers note occasional issues with needing more frequent servicing during busy seasons.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not explicitly noted in the source materials or reviews.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

401 reviews

Top-Rated

Spillway (Az) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Spillway Campground garners mostly positive reviews, often highlighted for its proximity to Woods Canyon Lake, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. However, some reviewers mention issues with noise, crowded sites, and occasional maintenance concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 401 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include lakeside camping, clean vault toilets, friendly and helpful hosts, and access to diverse activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Several reviewers praised the secluded...

Based on 401 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include crowded campsites, noisy RV generators, occasional odor from vault toilets, and sediment issues with potable water. Some users reported issues with unprofessional host behavior or...

Based on 401 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites closest to the lake (e.g., 21, 22, 25) are highly recommended for their views and tranquility. Site 17 is praised for its balance of shade and sunlight. Inner campsites are critiqued for being...

Based on 401 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include reserving lakeside campsites for better views, bringing warm clothing due to chilly nighttime temperatures, and carrying extra toilet paper and firewood. Visitors also recommend early...

Based on 401 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight pleasant temperatures, while late June to August may bring afternoon thunderstorms. Fall reviews suggest cooler weather and quieter conditions. Many reviewers recommend...

Based on 401 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is by far the best campsite in the Woods Canyon Lake area." "Vault toilets and potable water were accessible and very clean." "Camp hosts Marcy and Cathy are super friendly and helpful." "Great...

Based on 401 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several reviews note the campground's compliance with accessibility standards, including leveled spurs and accessible vault toilets.

Based on 401 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, provided they are attended at all times and kept on leashes.

Based on 401 reviews

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Spillway (Az)

$36.00 - $190.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $190.00; MANAGEMENT: $36.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Group Site Fee$190.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-535-9859

Go if

You want lakeside access for fishing and boating with cooler summer temperatures than the desert.

Skip if

You need spacious, private sites or well-maintained access roads without potholes.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.6

(72)

Woods Canyon Lake Group

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Woods Canyon Lake Group sits at 7,000 feet in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, offering high-elevation alpine camping managed by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. The small facility caters to group reservations with direct lake access for trout fishing and boating. Summer brings mild days and cool nights, making it a popular escape from the desert heat below the Mogollon Rim.

Spillway (Az)

Quick Facts

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About Spillway (Az)

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Amenities available

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Overview

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Spillway (Az)

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Spillway (Az)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Spillway (Az)?

Amenities available

Things to do at Spillway (Az)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews