Arizona / Coconino County / Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Spillway

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 1 through October 31 annually.

About

Spillway Campground is nestled on the shores of Woods Canyon Lake in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. At 7,500 feet elevation, the campground offers a cool retreat among ponderosa pine, oak and Douglas fir, with some sites directly on the lakeshore overlooking the calm waters of the 52-acre lake. The facility features 26 individual campsites and one group site accommodating up to 25 people, with each site offering a leveled spur, picnic table, fire ring and charcoal grill. Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most visited in the seven-lake Rim Lakes system, known for excellent trout fishing. Only electric trolling motors are permitted on the lake. The Woods Canyon Lake loop trail passes adjacent to the campground, and the Rim Lakes Vista Trail less than a mile away leads to spectacular views of the 200-mile-long Mogollon Rim, the dramatic geographical dividing line between Arizona's high country and desert below. Boat rentals and camping supplies are available at the Woods Canyon Store. The campground accommodates tents, trailers and small motorhomes, though the main loop road has a tight turning radius hedged by trees, limiting vehicles to 32 feet or less. All facilities including campsites, loop road, vault restrooms and water hydrants meet ADA accessibility standards. Summer temperatures are pleasant at this elevation, though afternoon thunderstorms are common from late June through August. Deer, elk, squirrels and various bird species frequent the area.

Directions

From Payson, take Highway 260 northeast toward Heber. Turn left 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.

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