Knoll Lake Near Payson AZ

By Tony Subia

Last updated on May 5, 2026.

Knoll Lake is a picturesque mountain lake located along the Mogollon Rim near Payson, Arizona, known for its scenic beauty and quiet forest setting. Surrounded by tall pine trees and rolling terrain, the lake offers excellent fishing, non-motorized boating, and easy access for day-use visitors. As part of the Rim Lakes recreation area, Knoll Lake provides a peaceful environment for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Tranquility and solitude at its best. Knoll Lake is surrounded by a dense Ponderosa Pine forest and features a picturesque island in the middle of the lake. It is located along the Mogollon Rim about 40 miles north of Payson, Arizona. Along the way, catch fantastic views of the Mogollon Rim.

Why Visit Knoll Lake

Visitors are drawn to Knoll Lake for its scenic shoreline and relaxing atmosphere. The lake is popular for trout fishing and offers a calm setting for kayaking and canoeing. With picnic areas and nearby campgrounds, it’s a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the cooler temperatures of the Mogollon Rim.

Knoll Lake is gorgeous. The 75-acre lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also has brown and brook trout. It is the perfect lake for seclusion with few visitors since reaching the lake requires driving a substantial distance of graveled road to get there. The Knoll Lake Campground is within walking distance of the lake.

Things To Do At Knoll Lake

• Trout Fishing: Fish from shore or small boats for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: Enjoy calm water and scenic forest views from non-motorized watercraft.
• Camping: Stay at Knoll Lake Campground within walking distance of the lake.
• Picnicking: Relax in the cool pine forest near the lake and campground area.
• Photography: Capture views of the lake, surrounding ponderosa pines, and the small island near the center of the water.
• Scenic Drives: Travel Rim Road and nearby forest roads for classic Mogollon Rim scenery.

Location & Description. Knoll Lake is just northeast of Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lake. Although closer to the town of Payson, AZ, the drive from Flagstaff south on Lake Mary Road to Clint Wells and then along the Rim Road (Forest Road 300) is a very spectacular scenic trip. The elevation of Knoll Lake is about 7,400 feet.

Lake Size. The water surface is 75 acres and is about 50 feet deep.

Season. Late April through September.

Fishing At Knoll Lake

Fishing at Knoll Lake is one of the main reasons visitors make the scenic drive into this quiet Mogollon Rim destination. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also supports brown trout and brook trout, giving anglers a good mix of cold-water fishing opportunities in a peaceful forest setting.

• Rainbow Trout: The primary stocked fish species and the most common target for anglers.
• Brown Trout: Present in the lake and often pursued by anglers looking for larger trout.
• Brook Trout: Also found in Knoll Lake, adding variety to the trout fishing experience.
• Shore Fishing: Productive around accessible shoreline areas, especially during cooler parts of the day.
• Small Boat Fishing: Kayaks, canoes, float tubes, and small electric-motor boats can help anglers reach quieter water.

Boating At Knoll Lake

Boating at Knoll Lake is quiet and low-impact, with boat motors restricted to electric motors only. The lake is well suited for kayaks, canoes, float tubes, and small fishing boats, making it a peaceful place to explore the water without heavy motorboat traffic.

• Electric Motors Only: Gas-powered motors are not permitted on Knoll Lake.
• Best Boat Types: Kayaks, canoes, float tubes, and small aluminum fishing boats are ideal.
• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp is available for lake access.
• Quiet Water: Limited motor use helps preserve the calm atmosphere for anglers and paddlers.

Camping, Hiking & Amenities at Knoll Lake Campground. It includes 30 single-unit camping sites for up to 8 campers and 3 double campsites for up to 16 people. Each camping site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and cooking grills. Potable water, vault toilets and a boat ramp is for common use. Tent and RV camping is permitted. A 32-foot maximum length for RVs and trailers apply. Nominal fees are charged and subject to change without prior notice.

Restrictions. Horses are not permitted in the campgrounds. Dogs must be kept on leash. ATVs and off-road vehicles may only be used for entry exiting the campsites. There is a 14 day stay limit.

Best Time To Visit Knoll Lake

• Late Spring: A good time for trout fishing as access improves and the weather begins to warm.
• Summer: Popular for camping, kayaking, picnicking, and escaping the lower-elevation heat.
• Early Fall: Cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and peaceful forest scenery make this a great time to visit.
• Winter: Access may be difficult or unavailable due to snow and seasonal forest road conditions.

Directions To Knoll Lake

Knoll Lake is about 80 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona and about 40 miles northeast of Payson, Arizona. Main roads are paved. Forest designated roads are gravel.

From Payson. Take Highway 260 past Kohl's Ranch and Christopher Creek to Forest Road 300 (Rim Road). Take Rim Road to Forest Road 295E and turn right (north) and drive to Knoll Lake.

From Flagstaff. Take Highway 3 (Lake Mary Rd) south 55 miles to Clints Well. Turn left (northeast) on Highway 87. Drive 10 miles to Forest Road 95 which is just past the Blue Ridge Ranger District. Turn right and go 6 miles to FR 96 veering left and travel 2 miles to FR 321. Turn right and drive 10 miles to FR 300 (Rim Road). Turn left (east) and go 4 miles to FR 295E. Turn left again and proceed to Knoll Lake.

GPS: N34° 25' 38.6394”, W-111° 5' 34.62"

Mogollon Rim Campgrounds Map

Knoll Lake Video

Tips For Visiting Knoll Lake

• Check Road Conditions: Forest roads can be rough, muddy, or seasonally closed depending on weather.
• Bring Supplies: Services are limited near the lake, so bring food, water, fishing gear, and camping essentials.
• Use High-Clearance Caution: The gravel road approach can be slow and bumpy, especially after storms.
• Follow Fire Rules: Always check current fire restrictions before camping or using campfires.
• Keep Dogs Leashed: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash in campground areas.

Nearby Rim Lakes To Explore

• Woods Canyon Lake - 55 acres: One of the most popular Rim Lakes, known for trout fishing, camping, and easier access.
• Willow Springs Lake - 158 acres: A larger Rim Lakes destination popular for fishing, kayaking, and boating.
• Bear Canyon Lake - 60 acres: A quieter lake with a hike-in feel and good trout fishing.
• Black Canyon Lake - 78 acres: A remote lake known for peaceful surroundings and trout fishing.

Knoll Lake FAQ

Where is Knoll Lake Arizona?
Knoll Lake is located along the Mogollon Rim about 40 miles northeast of Payson, Arizona, in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Is Knoll Lake good for fishing?
Yes, Knoll Lake is popular for trout fishing and is known for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

Can you boat on Knoll Lake?
Yes, boating is allowed at Knoll Lake, but boat motors are restricted to electric motors only.

Can you camp at Knoll Lake?
Yes, Knoll Lake Campground is located within walking distance of the lake and offers tent and RV camping sites.

What kind of fish are in Knoll Lake?
Knoll Lake has rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

How big is Knoll Lake?
Knoll Lake has a surface area of about 75 acres and reaches depths of about 50 feet.

What is the elevation of Knoll Lake?
Knoll Lake sits at approximately 7,400 feet in elevation along the Mogollon Rim.

Is the road to Knoll Lake paved?
Main highways leading toward the area are paved, but the final forest roads to Knoll Lake are gravel.

When is the best time to visit Knoll Lake?
The best time to visit Knoll Lake is generally late spring through early fall, when forest roads are more accessible and the weather is better for fishing, camping, and kayaking.

Are dogs allowed at Knoll Lake Campground?
Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on leash in the campground area.

More Information

Mogollon Rim Ranger District
HC 31 Box 300
Happy Jack, AZ 86024
(928) 477-2255

Knoll Lake Campground
(928) 535-9233

Arizona Lakes