Knoll Lake Arizona Near Payson

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 18, 2026.

Knoll Lake is a secluded 75-acre mountain lake in the Coconino National Forest along Arizona's Mogollon Rim. Surrounded by ponderosa pine and distinguished by a picturesque island, the lake is popular for trout fishing, kayaking, canoeing, camping and quiet high-country recreation. Knoll Lake is considerably more remote than several of the better-known Rim Lakes near Payson, with the final approach requiring travel on gravel forest roads, but visitors are rewarded with a peaceful setting, cool mountain temperatures and excellent access to Mogollon Rim scenery.

• Knoll Lake Quick Facts
• Why Visit Knoll Lake
• Fishing At Knoll Lake
• Boating & Kayaking
• Knoll Lake Campground
• Best Time To Visit
• Directions & Road Conditions
• Mogollon Rim Campgrounds Map
• Visitor Tips
• Nearby Rim Lakes
• Knoll Lake FAQ

Knoll Lake Arizona Quick Facts

• Forest: Coconino National Forest
• Recreation area: Mogollon Rim Ranger District
• Lake size: Approximately 75 acres
• Maximum depth: About 50 feet
• Elevation: Approximately 7,300 to 7,400 feet
• Fish: Rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout
• Boat motors: Single electric motor only
• Campground: Knoll Lake Campground within easy reach of the lake
• Road access: Final approach is on gravel forest roads
• Best general season: Late spring through early fall, depending on road and weather conditions

Why Visit Knoll Lake

Knoll Lake appeals to visitors looking for a quieter alternative to the more heavily visited Rim Lakes. The ponderosa-pine shoreline, small central island and remote forest setting provide an attractive backdrop for fishing, paddling, photography and relaxing beside the water.

The lake's distance from major highways helps preserve its secluded character. Visitors should expect a longer gravel-road approach than at Woods Canyon Lake or Willow Springs Lake, but that extra travel is part of what makes Knoll Lake feel less developed and more remote.

• Trout fishing from shore and small boats
• Kayaking, canoeing and paddle sports
• Camping near the lake
• Picnicking in ponderosa pine forest
• Wildlife and landscape photography
• Mogollon Rim scenic drives

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.

Fishing At Knoll Lake

Trout fishing is one of Knoll Lake's primary attractions. Current federal recreation information identifies rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout in the lake. Anglers can fish from accessible shoreline areas or use kayaks, canoes, float tubes and small electric-powered boats to reach deeper and quieter water.

• Rainbow Trout: One of the principal trout species targeted by Knoll Lake anglers
• Brown Trout: Present in the lake and capable of providing larger-fish opportunities
• Brook Trout: Adds variety to the cold-water trout fishery
• Shore Fishing: Try accessible shoreline areas during cooler morning and evening periods
• Boat Fishing: Small watercraft can provide access to deeper portions of the lake
• Fishing License: A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers who are required by state law to hold one

Fish populations and stocking schedules can change from year to year, so check current Arizona Game and Fish information before making a trip specifically for fishing.

Boating, Kayaking & Canoeing At Knoll Lake

Knoll Lake is especially well suited to small, quiet watercraft. Current Arizona Game and Fish information restricts motorized boats to a single electric motor; gas-powered motors are not allowed. The lake's modest size and protected forest setting make kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, float tubes and small fishing boats practical choices.

• Electric Motors Only: Boats may use a single electric motor
• No Gas Motors: Gas-powered boat motors are prohibited
• Kayaking & Canoeing: Enjoy calm water and scenic forest views from kayaks, canoes and other small watercraft.
• Float Tubes: Popular with anglers when weather and water temperatures permit
• Boat Ramp: Lake access includes a boat-launch area, although water levels can affect usability
• Life Jackets: Carry and use required safety equipment appropriate to your watercraft

Knoll Lake Campground

Knoll Lake Campground is a secluded forest campground with convenient access to the lake and Mogollon Rim recreation. Current federal recreation information identifies the campground as a base for fishing, small-boat recreation, hiking, mountain biking and sightseeing.

The campground includes single and double campsites rather than facilities designed for large organized groups. A single site can accommodate up to eight people, while a double site can accommodate up to 16. Larger groups are directed to designated group campgrounds elsewhere in the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

• Tent and RV camping
• Picnic tables and campfire facilities at campsites
• Vault toilets
• Lake and boat-launch access nearby
• Dogs must be restrained or leashed as required
• Horses are not permitted within the developed campground
• Off-highway vehicles must follow current forest road and campground regulations

Campground facilities, water availability, fees and seasonal opening dates can change. Check current Coconino National Forest information before relying on a specific amenity.

Best Time To Visit Knoll Lake

• Late Spring: Access generally improves as snow melts and seasonal forest roads reopen
• Summer: Popular for fishing, camping, kayaking and escaping lower-elevation Arizona heat
• Early Fall: Cooler temperatures and lighter visitation can make this an excellent time for a quiet trip
• Late Fall: Check weather and forest-road status carefully as snow can arrive at this elevation
• Winter: Knoll Lake Campground normally closes and road access can become difficult or unavailable because of snow and seasonal closures

Directions To Knoll Lake Arizona

Knoll Lake is reached by a combination of paved highways and gravel Forest Service roads on the Mogollon Rim. Road conditions can vary considerably with weather, wildfire activity and seasonal closures, so check current Coconino National Forest road status before traveling.

From Payson: Travel east on State Route 260 past Christopher Creek to Forest Road 300, the Rim Road. Follow FR 300 to Forest Road 295E, then turn north and continue to Knoll Lake.

From Flagstaff: Travel south on Lake Mary Road toward Clints Well, then use State Route 87 and the designated forest-road system toward Forest Road 300 and Forest Road 295E. Because this route includes substantial gravel-road travel, verify the current route and road openings before departure.

GPS: Use current navigation together with Forest Service maps rather than relying only on cellular directions, since reception can be limited in remote portions of the Mogollon Rim.

Mogollon Rim Campgrounds Map

Knoll Lake Arizona Video

Tips For Visiting Knoll Lake

• Check Forest Roads: Snow, mud, wildfire restrictions and seasonal closures can affect access
• Bring Supplies: Knoll Lake is remote and there are no extensive visitor services at the lake
• Allow Extra Driving Time: Gravel roads make the final approach considerably slower than highway travel
• Check Fire Restrictions: Campfire rules can change rapidly during dry conditions
• Bring Drinking Water: Verify campground water availability before relying on water being available on site
• Keep Pets Controlled: Follow campground and national forest leash requirements
• Check Fishing Conditions: Fish stocking, lake level and water temperature can change during the season
• Download Maps: Cellular service can be unreliable along remote Mogollon Rim forest roads

Nearby Mogollon Rim Lakes To Explore

• Woods Canyon Lake - 55 acres: Popular Rim Lake with trout fishing, camping and easier highway access
• Willow Springs Lake - 158 acres: Larger lake popular for fishing, paddling and boating
• Bear Canyon Lake - 60 acres: Quieter trout lake with a more primitive, hike-in character
• Black Canyon Lake - 78 acres: Remote lake known for trout fishing and forest scenery
• C.C. Cragin Reservoir: Narrow mountain reservoir with dramatic canyon scenery and paddling opportunities

Official Knoll Lake Information

• Coconino National Forest
• Knoll Lake - Recreation.gov
• Knoll Lake Campground - Recreation.gov
• Arizona Game & Fish Department

Mogollon Rim Ranger District
Phone: (928) 477-2255

Knoll Lake Arizona FAQ

Where is Knoll Lake Arizona?

Knoll Lake is located on the Mogollon Rim in the Coconino National Forest. It is reached by forest roads from the Payson, Happy Jack and Rim Road areas.

How big is Knoll Lake?

Knoll Lake covers approximately 75 acres and reaches a depth of about 50 feet.

What fish are in Knoll Lake?

Current federal recreation information identifies rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout in Knoll Lake.

Is Knoll Lake good for fishing?

Yes. Trout fishing is one of the lake's primary recreation uses, with opportunities from shore and small watercraft.

Can you boat on Knoll Lake?

Yes. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, float tubes and small fishing boats are suitable for Knoll Lake.

Are gas-powered boat motors allowed on Knoll Lake?

No. Current Arizona Game and Fish regulations for Knoll Lake allow only a single electric motor and prohibit gas-powered motors.

Can you camp at Knoll Lake?

Yes. Knoll Lake Campground provides developed campsites close to the lake and serves both tent and RV campers.

Is Knoll Lake Campground reservable?

Knoll Lake Campground is currently listed by Recreation.gov as not offering reservations through Recreation.gov. Check current Forest Service information before traveling because campground management procedures can change.

Is the road to Knoll Lake paved?

No. Major highways approaching the Mogollon Rim are paved, but the final approach to Knoll Lake includes gravel Forest Service roads.

What is the elevation of Knoll Lake?

Knoll Lake sits at roughly 7,300 to 7,400 feet in elevation in the high country of the Mogollon Rim.

When is the best time to visit Knoll Lake?

Late spring through early fall generally offers the most practical access for fishing, camping and paddling. Winter snow and seasonal forest-road closures can make access difficult or impossible.

Are dogs allowed at Knoll Lake Campground?

Pets are allowed in the area but should be restrained and kept on leash as required by campground and national forest regulations.

What should I bring to Knoll Lake?

Bring drinking water, food, weather-appropriate clothing, fishing or paddling equipment, offline maps and other supplies because services near the lake are limited.

Arizona Lakes