Promontory Pit Road Campground

Open — Open year-round for dispersed camping on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or permits required. Road conditions may require high clearance vehicles during snow or heavy rain.

About

Promontory Pit Road Campground is a dispersed camping area located along Rim Road (Forest Road 300) in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, approximately 8-9 miles from Highway 260. The campground sits at the junction between Wallace Road (FR 34) and FR 300 along the right side of the road. At an elevation of approximately 7,700 feet, the area is covered with thick forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir, providing cool summer temperatures and excellent recreational opportunities. The campground offers free primitive camping with minimal amenities, typical of dispersed camping areas on the forest. Campers have access to nearby Bear Canyon Lake and numerous trails throughout the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, including routes along the famous Mogollon Rim. Summer temperatures typically range from 68-80 degrees during the day, with nighttime temperatures between 45-59 degrees, making it a popular escape from lower desert heat. The Mogollon Rim, a massive escarpment marking the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, provides spectacular scenery and recreational opportunities. The area features multiple lakes including Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, and Bear Canyon Lakes, all open to boating, swimming, and fishing. Popular hiking trails in the area include the General Crook Trail and Rim Lake Vista Trail. While forest roads are generally well-maintained, high clearance vehicles may be required during snow or heavy rain periods.

Directions

From Payson, travel east on Highway 260. Turn left on Rim Road (FR 300) across from the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center. Continue on FR 300 for approximately 8-9 miles. The camping area is located along the right side of the road at the junction between Wallace Road (FR 34) and FR 300.

Nearby Campgrounds