Aspen

About

Aspen Campground is a scenic hideaway for anglers, boaters, families, and photographers in north central Arizona near Heber and Payson. Located near the shore of Woods Canyon Lake at 7,000 ft elevation, the campground sits in a dense pine and aspen forest within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The large facility features 136 campsites organized into four loops across alternating meadow and wooded areas, with sites spaced well apart for privacy. Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area and among the most visited. The lake permits only electric boat motors. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the campground's paved roads are excellent for biking. A full-service marina at the lake offers boat rentals, groceries, and firewood. Forest Service rangers give educational programs on weekends. Wildlife viewing includes deer, elk, birds, and squirrels. Bears and skunks are common campground visitors, so proper food storage is essential. Summer temperatures are pleasant due to the elevation, though afternoon thunderstorms are common from late June through August. The Mogollon Rim Visitor Center, open weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day, is a short drive away.

Directions

From Payson, take Highway 260 northeast toward Heber. At mile marker 282, turn left at the sign for Woods Canyon Lake onto Rim Road/Forest Road 300. Follow for about 5 miles and turn right onto the paved road at the sign toward Woods Canyon Lake. Aspen Campground is about 1 mile down on the left, directly across from the Rim Visitor Information Station.