Spillway (Az)
4.55207 reviewsAPACHE-SITGREAVES
Quick Facts
7,500 ftPrice
$36 - $190/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
26 campsites
Season
Open May 9, 2025 - O...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
7,500 ftPrice
$36 - $190/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
26 campsites
Season
Open May 9, 2025 - O...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSpillway (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
Total Campsite Fees$226.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider928-535-9859
What Campers Say
4.55
Top-Rated
Based on 207 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."
Fees & Passes at Spillway (Az)
$36 - $190/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum of 14 consecutive nights per visit.
Cancellation: Changes to reservations incur a $10 change fee. Cancellations 1 day before check-in incur a $10 fee ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests along the legendary Mogollon Rim, a dramatic escarpment that has shaped Arizona's landscape and history for millennia. This natural fortress creates a striking division between two worlds—the cool, forested highlands where you'll camp, and the sun-baked desert stretching endlessly below. The rim has long served as both a geological wonder and an ecological crossroads, marking one of Arizona's most significant natural boundaries.
Weather and SeasonsAt 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.
ElevationPerched at 7,500 feet in Arizona's sky islands, Spillway Campground offers a refreshing high-altitude retreat. This elevation gifts visitors with crisp mountain air, comfortable summer temperatures, and those spectacular afternoon cloud formations that roll across the rim. The thin air here carries the scent of pine and promises cool nights perfect for stargazing around the campfire.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral of ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark telling stories of centuries past. Stately Douglas firs and gnarled oaks complete this forest tapestry, creating a natural umbrella that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. At the heart of it all lies the jewel-like Woods Canyon Lake, its 52 acres of crystal-clear water reflecting the surrounding forest like nature's own mirror, inviting you to explore its peaceful coves and hidden fishing spots.
Geological RegionSpillway Campground claims its place in the renowned Rim Lakes Recreation Area, where the mighty Mogollon Rim stretches for 200 dramatic miles across Arizona's midsection. This ancient cliff face stands as nature's own skyscraper, separating the cool, pine-scented highlands from the desert lowlands thousands of feet below. Here, dense forests of ponderosa pine, oak, and Douglas fir thrive in the mountain climate, creating a verdant oasis that feels more like the Pacific Northwest than the Southwest, all centered around the sparkling waters of Woods Canyon Lake.
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Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeSites range in size; some are large pull-through spaces accommodating RVs up to 32 feet, while others are more suited to tents.
Sites 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 CampsitesSite 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 Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOrganized in a small loop with 26 individual sites and one group site. Some campsites are directly on the lakeshore, while others are nestled in the forest.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9, 2025 - October 30, 2025. Peak season is May 9 - October 12, with first-come, first-served availability until October 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable from October 13, 2025, to October 30, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 change fee. Cancellations 1 day before check-in incur a $10 fee plus the forfeit of the first night's fee. Group site cancellations have a stricter 14-day policy.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Woods Canyon Lake, which is stocked with trout. One user review mentions catching crawfish and large trout.Biking
Paved roads within the recreation area make for enjoyable biking experiences.Boating
Only electric motorboats are allowed on Woods Canyon Lake, with rentals available at the nearby store.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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 Programs
Forest Service rangers provide educational programs on weekends, which appeal to families.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities on Woods Canyon Lake, with rentals available at the nearby marina.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Firewood is sold onsite.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsAfternoon 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)
43
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 14.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Emergency services and hospitals are likely available in Payson, AZ, which is the nearest full-service community.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9, 2025 - October 12, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, and reviewers note occasional issues with needing more frequent servicing during busy seasons.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the shores of Woods Canyon Lake, ideal for fishing and boating.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted that campsites are close together, leading to potential noise issues. Others mentioned the poor condition of access roads with potholes.
HostHosts are generally described as friendly and attentive, although some have reported inconsistent behavior or rudeness from certain hosts.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
207 reviews
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 207 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 207 reviewsShow more
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 207 reviewsShow more
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 207 reviewsShow more
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 207 reviewsShow more
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 207 reviewsShow more
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 207 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Several reviews note the campground's compliance with accessibility standards, including leveled spurs and accessible vault toilets.
Based on 207 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, provided they are attended at all times and kept on leashes.
Based on 207 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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