Aspen Campground

About

Aspen Campground is a scenic hideaway for anglers, boaters, families, and photographers in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near Heber and Payson, Arizona. Located at 7,000 ft elevation in a dense pine and aspen forest near the shore of Woods Canyon Lake, it offers 136 well-spaced campsites across four loops in alternating meadow and wooded areas. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. Woods Canyon Lake permits only electric boat motors, making for calm waters ideal for fishing and kayaking. The marina offers a full-service store with groceries, boat rentals, and firewood. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the campground's paved roads are great for biking. Forest Service rangers offer educational programs on weekends during peak season. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, with 55 sites operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The nearest showers are 10 miles away at Canyon Point Campground. Afternoon thunderstorms are common late June through August, and campers should use caution when arriving from lower elevations due to the high altitude.

Directions

From Payson, take Highway 260 northeast toward Heber. Turn left at the Woods Canyon Lake sign onto Rim Road/Forest Road 300. Follow for approximately 5 miles, then turn right on the paved road toward Woods Canyon Lake. Aspen Campground is about 1 mile on the left. The campground is 4 miles north of State Highway 260 at mile marker 282.