Mogollon Campground Near Payson Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 22, 2026.

Mogollon Campground is a forested RV and tent campground on the Mogollon Rim near Woods Canyon Lake and approximately 30 to 35 miles east of Payson, Arizona. Surrounded by ponderosa pines at high elevation, the campground offers cooler summer temperatures, easy access to Rim Country recreation and convenient proximity to one of the area's most popular fishing and boating lakes.

The campground has 26 sites that can accommodate tents, pop-up campers, trailers and motorhomes. Individual Recreation.gov site listings currently allow RVs and trailers up to 32 feet long. Woods Canyon Lake is approximately two miles away, while the nearby Rim Lakes Vista Trail provides expansive views from the edge of the Mogollon Rim.

Mogollon Campground has no electrical, water or sewer hookups at individual sites, making it best suited to campers prepared for a more traditional national forest camping experience.

• Mogollon Campground Quick Facts
• Campsites & RV Information
• Campground Amenities
• Things To Do
• Woods Canyon Lake
• Camping Season & Weather
• Campground Map
• Directions From Payson
• Camping Tips
• FAQ

Mogollon Campground Arizona Quick Facts

• National forest: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
• Area: Mogollon Rim near Payson and Forest Lakes, Arizona
• Campsites: 26
• Camping: Tents, pop-up campers, trailers and motorhomes
• Maximum RV/trailer length: 32 feet on current individual site listings
• Site type: Standard non-electric
• Hookups: None
• Drinking water: Available seasonally when campground services are operating
• Toilets: Accessible vault toilets
• Woods Canyon Lake: Approximately 2 miles away
• Road surface: Sandy/gravel forest road and campground surfaces

Mogollon Campground Campsites & RV Information

Mogollon Campground contains 26 individual campsites divided between two loops. Sites accommodate tents, pop-up campers, travel trailers and motorhomes, and current individual Recreation.gov listings specify a maximum RV or trailer length of 32 feet.

The campsites are non-electric and do not provide individual water, sewer or electrical hookups. Parking areas are generally gravel, and sites use parallel parking rather than long paved pull-through pads.

Reservation status can vary by campsite and season. Current Recreation.gov information indicates that some sites may be offered for advance reservation while others may be available as walk-in sites. Check the current campground listing before traveling rather than assuming every site is first-come, first-served.

Mogollon Campground Amenities

• Picnic tables: Provided at individual campsites
• Campfire rings: Provided at individual campsites
• Grills: Provided at campsites
• Drinking water: Available when seasonal campground services are operating
• Restrooms: Accessible vault toilets
• Trash service: Available during the operating season
• Camp host: Normally available during the camping season
• Electrical hookups: None
• Water hookups: None at individual campsites
• Sewer hookups: None

Things To Do Near Mogollon Campground

• Hiking: Explore the nearby Rim Lakes Vista Trail and other Mogollon Rim routes.
• Scenic Views: Visit overlooks along Forest Road 300 for expansive views below the Mogollon Rim.
• Fishing: Fish for trout at nearby Woods Canyon Lake.
• Boating: Use Woods Canyon Lake for small-boat recreation and paddling.
• Kayaking: Kayaks are available seasonally from the Woods Canyon Lake store.
• Wildlife Viewing: Watch for elk, deer, squirrels and numerous bird species in the surrounding forest.
• Photography: Photograph ponderosa forests, rim overlooks, wildlife and nearby lakes.
• Camping: Enjoy cooler high-country temperatures compared with Arizona's lower deserts.

Woods Canyon Lake Near Mogollon Campground

Woods Canyon Lake is approximately two miles from Mogollon Campground and is one of the most popular recreation destinations on the Mogollon Rim. The lake attracts anglers, boaters, kayakers, hikers and families throughout the summer season.

The Woods Canyon Lake store is approximately three miles from the campground and currently offers basic groceries along with seasonal boat and kayak rentals. Because the campground is close to the lake but outside the immediate Woods Canyon recreation complex, it can be a useful alternative when lakeside camping areas are busy.

Mogollon Campground Season & Weather

Mogollon Campground is a seasonal high-elevation campground. Opening and closing dates can vary with snow, road conditions, weather and campground services, so verify current status before traveling in spring or fall.

Summer daytime temperatures are generally much cooler than the Phoenix area, but nights can become chilly even during warmer months. Afternoon thunderstorms are common across the Mogollon Rim during the summer monsoon season, particularly from late June through August.

Campers should arrive prepared for sudden rain, lightning, cool nighttime temperatures and rapidly changing mountain weather.

Mogollon Campground & Rim Lakes Area Map

Directions To Mogollon Campground From Payson

From Payson, travel east on Arizona State Route 260 toward Forest Lakes and Show Low. Near the top of the Mogollon Rim, turn north onto Forest Road 300, also known as the Rim Road.

Follow Forest Road 300 approximately five miles to the Mogollon Campground area. The campground lies east of Payson and west of Forest Lakes and Heber-Overgaard.

Forest Road 300 and the campground access area can be sandy, dusty or rough depending on weather and road maintenance. Check current forest-road and campground conditions before traveling with a large RV or trailer.

Mogollon Campground Camping Tips

• Check current campground status and campsite availability before making the drive.
• Confirm that your RV or trailer fits the current 32-foot site limit.
• Expect non-electric camping with no individual utility hookups.
• Bring enough drinking water even when campground water service is operating.
• Prepare for cool nighttime temperatures at high elevation.
• Watch for afternoon thunderstorms during the summer monsoon season.
• Use caution with campfires and follow all current Apache-Sitgreaves fire restrictions.
• Keep food and trash secured because wildlife is common throughout the Rim Lakes area.
• Keep pets attended and under control at all times.
• Allow time to explore Woods Canyon Lake and the Rim Lakes Vista Trail during your stay.

Official Mogollon Campground Information

Mogollon Campground - Recreation.gov
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Campground information and current campsite availability

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Recreation

More Payson & Mogollon Rim Camping

• Payson Area Campgrounds
• Aspen Campground
• Canyon Point Campground
• Christopher Creek Campground
• Houston Mesa Campground
• Rim Campground
• Sinkhole Campground
• Spillway Campground
• Woods Canyon Lake
• Payson Arizona Visitor Guide

Mogollon Campground Arizona FAQ

Where Is Mogollon Campground?

Mogollon Campground is located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on the Mogollon Rim east of Payson, Arizona, near Forest Road 300 and Woods Canyon Lake.

How Many Campsites Does Mogollon Campground Have?

Mogollon Campground has 26 individual campsites divided between two campground loops.

Can RVs Camp At Mogollon Campground?

Yes. The campground accommodates tents, pop-up campers, trailers and motorhomes. Current individual campsite listings specify a maximum RV or trailer length of 32 feet.

Does Mogollon Campground Have RV Hookups?

No. Campsites are non-electric and do not provide individual electrical, water or sewer hookups.

Does Mogollon Campground Have Drinking Water?

Yes. Drinking water is listed among the campground amenities when seasonal campground services are operating.

Can You Reserve Campsites At Mogollon Campground?

Reservation availability can vary by campsite and season. Current Recreation.gov information indicates that some campsites may be available for advance reservation, so check the current campground listing before traveling.

How Far Is Mogollon Campground From Woods Canyon Lake?

Mogollon Campground is approximately two miles from Woods Canyon Lake.

What Can You Do Near Mogollon Campground?

Popular activities include hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing, photography and sightseeing along the Mogollon Rim.

What Is The Road To Mogollon Campground Like?

The campground is reached from Forest Road 300. Recreation.gov describes the road and campground surfaces as sandy and gravel, so conditions can vary with weather and maintenance.

What Is The Best Time To Camp At Mogollon Campground?

Mogollon Campground operates seasonally. Summer provides cool high-country camping compared with Arizona's lower deserts, while spring and fall access can depend on snow, weather and campground operating conditions.

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