A Natural Gem of Arizona: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, administered as one national forest, encompasses over two million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona.

On the Sitgreaves, the major attractions for the visitors from the desert are the Mogollon Rim and eight cold-water lakes. From the Mogollon Rim’s 7,600- foot elevation, vista points provide inspiring views of the low lands to the south. The Rim extends two hundred miles from Flagstaff into western New Mexico.

The Apache National Forest ranges in elevation from 3,500 feet to nearly 11,500 feet and is named for the tribes that settled in this area. The area from Mount Baldy east to Escudilla Mountain is often referred to as the White Mountains of Arizona. From the edge of the Mogollon Rim south of Hannagan Meadow, the land drops precipitously into the high desert around Clifton.

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Campgrounds

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148 Campsites | 121 Reservable Sites | 27 First Come, First Serve. Open from April 28th to October 29th.

Aspen Campground is a scenic hideaway for anglers, boaters, families and photographers, located in north central Arizona near Heber and Payson. It sits in a dense pine and aspen area forest near the shore of Woods Canyon Lake at an elevation of 7,000 ft. With spacious campsites, calm and scenic lake waters, a marina, boat ramp and many amenities, Aspen is one of the most popular camping spots in Arizona.

Popular activities include trout fishing, hiking, boating and photography. Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Two other lakes are within a short drive. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the campground’s paved roads make for great bike rides. Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends.

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20 Campsites. Open from April 28th to October 9th.

Black Canyon Rim Campground, set among towering ponderosa pine, is a favorite stopping place for those traveling on the General Crook National Recreation Trail. Fishing and boating (electric motors only) opportunities are popular at Black Canyon Lake which is located 3 miles northeast along Forest Road 86. The historical grave site of Stott, Scott, and Wilson, three young men lynched during the Pleasant Valley War, is located within walking distance of the campground.

Fishing and boating (electric motors) are available on Black Canyon Lake, approximately 2.5 miles northeast of the campground. The historic grave site of Stott, Scott, and Wilson, three young men lynched during the Pleasant Valley War is located within walking distance. This campground is a favorite stopping place for those traveling on the General Crook National Recreation Trail.

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103 Campsites | 64 Reservable Sites | 5 Double Sites | 2 Group Sites. Open from April 28th to October 29th.

Canyon Point has 113 camping units including 32 units with electrical hook-ups. Tents, trailers, and motor homes up to 75 foot are welcome at the campground. For those who need it, three family units are universally accessible. Five double sites are available and can accommodate up to 16 people each. The small group campsite can accommodate up to 25 people and a large group site available for large groups up to 55 people.

Hikers enjoy staying at Canyon Point because of its access to trails to the Sinkhole and the edge of the Mogollon Rim, which offers a spectacular view. Its proximity to Willow Springs Lake also draws boaters and anglers. Families who stay on the weekends often attend educational programs given by Forest Service rangers and forest naturalists at the facility’s amphitheater.

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2 Group Sites. Open from April 28th to October 9th. When not reserved single sites can be rented out first come, first serve for $24.00, up to 8 people and 1 vehicle.

This group campground is situated in a tall ponderosa pine forest, approximately 3/4 of a mile from Woods Canyon Lake, which offers boating (electric motors only) and fishing opportunities. The Rim Lakes Vista Trail which provides spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim can be accessed by the Meadow Trail and is approximately 1/4 mile away.

Popular activities include trout fishing, hiking, boating, cycling, horseback riding, and photography. Woods Canyon Lake is the most popular of four lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. The paved Meadow Trail borders Crook Campground and will bring you about 1 mile north to Woods Canyon Lake or one quarter mile south to the The Rim Lakes Vista and Rim Trail is just a quarter mile from the campground and leads to spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim and surrounding area.

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There are 5 campsites available on a first come, first serve basis. As well as, 1 Group Site available to reserve. Single sites are rented at $18.00, up to 8 people and 1 vehicle. Open year round but, they can be reserved from May 12th to October 9th.

The campground is set among the ponderosa pines at the base of Gentry Fire Lookout.  The campground consists of 5 individual family sites or can be reserved and rented in its entirety as a group site for up to 75 people.

Recreation opportunities in the area include hiking, photography and wildlife viewing.  Located within the Heber Wild Horse Territory, visitors can often see herds of free roaming horses which frequent the area.

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26 Campsites of which 14 through 26 are available for reservation. Sites 1 through 13 are first come, first serve. Sites 1 through 13 are $18.00. Up to 8 people and 1 vehicle are the limits for a reservation. Site is open from April 28th to October 9th.

Mogollon Campground, although not directly in the Woods Canyon Recreation area, sits just outside and is only two miles from the lake. For those who like spectacular views, this campground is one of the closest to the Mogollon Rim.

Fishing and boating are available at Woods Canyon Lake which is approximately two miles from the campground on Road 105.

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26 Campsites | 13 Reservable Sites. Open from April 28th to October 9th.

Rim Campground is surrounded by ponderosa pines and located in an area that is relatively flat. The area is frequented by deer and elk but visitors occasionally catch a glimpse of black bear.

Fishing and boating are available at Woods Canyon Lake which is approximately 3 miles from the campground.

No Reservations. First Come, First Serve. Open April 28th to October 29th. Day Use Fee – $10.00.

Total Picnic Sites: 9 Max. Group Size: 6 Per Site.

Located on the shore of Woods Canyon Lake, adjacent Aspen Campground and Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina.

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26 Campsites | 13 Reservable Sites. Open from April 28th to October 29th.

Sinkhole Campground has 26 sites (sites 14 through 26 are available for advanced reservation). Sites 1 through 13 are first-come, first served. There are two accessible sites, two double sites and the rest are single sites. All sites are back-in. Each site offers a campfire ring with grill and picnic table. Additional amenities include accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash service. A camp host is available at the site.

Fishing and boating are available at nearby Willow Springs Lake which is approximately one mile from the campground.

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26 Campsites. Open from April 28th to October 29th.

Spillway Campground is set among the ponderosa pine, oak and Douglas fir. Woods Canyon Lake offers boating (electric trolling motors only) and fishing opportunities. Woods Canyon Lake loop trail is passes adjacent to the campground. Tents, trailers and small motorhomes up to 16 foot are allowed.

Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Trout fishing (both lake and stream) is a favorite pastime. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. Two other lakes are within a short drive. The Rim Lakes Vista Trail, less than a mile from the campground, and others in the area lead to spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the paved roads in the recreation area make for great afternoon bike rides. Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends.

Make a Reservation

1 Group Site. Open from April 28th to October 9th.

Spillway Campground is set among the ponderosa pine, oak and Douglas fir. Woods Canyon Lake offers boating (electric trolling motors only) and fishing opportunities. Woods Canyon Lake loop trail is passes adjacent to the campground. Tents, trailers and small motorhomes up to 16 foot are allowed.

Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Trout fishing (both lake and stream) is a favorite pastime. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. Two other lakes are within a short drive. The Rim Lakes Vista Trail, less than a mile from the campground, and others in the area lead to spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the paved roads in the recreation area make for great afternoon bike rides. Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends.

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Contact us with any questions, comments or concerns. We look forward to you joining us at one of our Go Camp Arizona locations!

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