Spillway (Az)

Star4.53
401 reviews
APACHE-SITGREAVES
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$36 - $190/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open May 9, 2025 - O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest 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
Spillway (Az)
$36.00 - $190.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $36 per night for standard non-electric sites and $190 per night for group sites. Additional fees include $12 for a second...
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Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$190.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-535-9859
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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 401 reviews

129 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglakefriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Spillway (Az)

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Driving directionsFrom Payson, Arizona, take Highway 260 northeast toward Heber. Turn left (west) onto Forest Road 300 directly across from the Rim Visitor Information Station and follow for 5 miles. Turn right at Woods Canyon Lake Road. Spillway is on the right, another 0.75 miles further.
The main campground loop road has a tight turning radius hedged by trees, and no RV or trailer over 32' is recommended. The road is paved but may have potholes, as reported by some users.
Nearby places
Payson, AZ (35 miles west)
Forest Lakes, AZ (10 miles east)
Nearby supplies
Basic camping supplies and boat rentals are available at the Woods Canyon Store near the campground. Gas, phone, and groceries are available 10 miles east in Forest Lakes.

Best Time to Camp at Spillway (Az)

At 7,500 feet, summer days bring refreshing mountain air and temperatures that feel worlds away from Arizona's desert heat. Late June through August transforms afternoons into nature's theater, where dramatic thunderclouds build over the rim before releasing cooling showers. As evening falls, the temperature drops delightfully, making campfires and cozy sleeping bags essential companions for your mountain nights.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Refreshing mountain temps in summer; afternoon thunderstorms possible.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler, quieter fall with strong scenic appeal; reviewers recommend fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from May 9 (late spring); pleasant but variable conditions and spring runoff.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 9–Oct 30; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9, 2025 - October 12, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 9, 2025 - October 30, 2025. Peak season is May 9 - October 12, with first-come, first-served availability until October 30.
  • Current Alerts: None specified, but campers are advised to check local conditions for fire restrictions or weather advisories.

About Spillway (Az)

Nestled along the pristine shores of Woods Canyon Lake, Spillway Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a canopy of towering trees. This hidden gem beckons nature lovers with its peaceful ambiance, where the gentle lapping of lake waters mingles with birdsong. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring forest trails, or launching your kayak for an afternoon paddle, this small but cherished campground serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures in Arizona's high country.
Spillway Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and small motorhomes. It also has one group site that can host up to 25 people.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe Rim Lakes Vista Trail, less than a mile from Spillway Campground, offers spectacular views. Additional trails around Woods Canyon Lake include a 4-mile loop trail suitable for all skill levels.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Woods Canyon Lake, which is stocked with trout. One user review mentions catching crawfish and large trout.
BikingPaved roads within the recreation area make for enjoyable biking experiences.
BoatingOnly electric motorboats are allowed on Woods Canyon Lake, with rentals available at the nearby store.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include elk, deer, squirrels, bald eagles, and ospreys diving for fish. This makes Spillway Campground a prime location for nature enthusiasts.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsForest Service rangers provide educational programs on weekends, which appeal to families.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAfternoon thunderstorms during summer may bring lightning and rain. The high elevation may affect those unaccustomed to it.
Active AlertsNone specified, but campers are advised to check local conditions for fire restrictions or weather advisories.

Weather at Spillway (Az)

Reviews

4.5
401 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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