Payson Arizona Lakes

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on May 5, 2026.

Best Rim Lakes for Fishing, Camping & Hiking

Payson, Arizona area lakes offer some of the most scenic and accessible mountain water recreation in the state, located along the edge of the Mogollon Rim in what is often called Arizona’s “Rim Country.” Just a short drive northeast of Payson, visitors will find a collection of cool, forested lakes surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and dramatic canyon landscapes. These lakes, commonly known as the Rim Lakes, provide a refreshing escape from the desert heat, with elevations around 6,000 to 8,000 feet delivering cooler temperatures and year-round outdoor opportunities. Popular Rim Lakes near Payson AZ such as Willow Springs Lake and Woods Canyon Lake are known for fishing, kayaking, camping, and hiking, making the Payson area a top destination for outdoor recreation in central Arizona.

Best Payson Area Lakes

The best lakes near Payson Arizona include Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, and other Rim Lakes along the Mogollon Rim.

• Willow Springs Lake – One of the closest and most accessible Rim lakes, known for fishing, kayaking, and scenic forest surroundings
• Woods Canyon Lake – A popular, well-developed lake with camping, boat rentals, and excellent trout fishing
• Bear Canyon Lake – A quieter, more secluded fishing lake surrounded by forested hills
• Knoll Lake – A higher elevation lake offering cooler temperatures, camping, and peaceful scenery
• Blue Ridge Reservoir (C.C. Cragin Reservoir) – A long, narrow lake known for trout fishing and scenic canyon views
• Green Valley Lake – Located within Payson, ideal for easy access fishing and family outings
• Black Canyon Lake – A remote lake offering solitude, fishing, and primitive camping

Best Things To Do at Payson Area Lakes

• Fishing: Try trout fishing at Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, and other Rim Lakes.
• Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy calm mountain water at popular paddling lakes such as Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake.
• Camping: Stay near forested campgrounds along the Mogollon Rim and enjoy cooler mountain weather.
• Hiking: Explore trails around the Rim Lakes, forest roads, overlooks, and nearby canyon country.
• Scenic Drives: Drive the Mogollon Rim Road and stop at overlooks, picnic areas, and lake access points.
• Wildlife Watching: Look for birds, elk, deer, and other wildlife in the forests and meadows around the lakes.

Best Time To Visit Payson Area Lakes

• Spring: A good time for cool-weather hiking, early-season fishing, and quieter forest recreation.
• Summer: The most popular season for escaping desert heat, camping, kayaking, and fishing at higher-elevation Rim Lakes.
• Fall: Excellent for scenic drives, cooler hiking weather, photography, and less crowded lake visits.
• Winter: Some higher-elevation lakes and roads may be snowy or difficult to access, but the Mogollon Rim can be scenic for winter views when conditions allow.

Attractions Near Payson Area Lakes

In addition to the fishing lakes near Payson Arizona, the area offers a wide range of nearby attractions that enhance the overall experience. The Mogollon Rim provides breathtaking overlooks and scenic drives, while nearby hiking trails wind through dense pine forests and along canyon edges. Visitors can also explore creeks, waterfalls, and wildlife-rich areas throughout the surrounding national forest. Payson serves as a convenient base with restaurants, lodging, and supplies, while the nearby Rim Lakes Recreation Area offers multiple developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and access points for outdoor activities across the region.

Which Payson Area Lake Is Best?

• Best for easy access: Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake.
• Best for families: Green Valley Lake in Payson and Woods Canyon Lake on the Rim.
• Best for quieter fishing: Bear Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake, and Chevelon Canyon Lake.
• Best for kayaking: Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, and Blue Ridge Reservoir.
• Best for camping: Woods Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake, and nearby Mogollon Rim campgrounds.
• Best for scenery: Blue Ridge Reservoir, Chevelon Canyon Lake, and lakes along the Mogollon Rim.

Mogollon Rim Lakes Near Payson

The Rim Lakes near Payson include a mix of easy-access family lakes, quiet fishing spots, remote canyon waters, and higher-elevation camping destinations. The lakes below are among the most popular choices for fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, and scenic drives along the Mogollon Rim.

Bear Canyon Lake

Bear Canyon Lake, located about 44 miles northeast of Payson, Arizona and 25 miles west of Heber-Overgaard in Mogollon Rim country, is one of Arizona's most scenic lakes. The spectacular scenic drive features several lookout points to enjoy the views from the edge of the Mogollon Rim. Bear Canyon Lake is quite remote and appears to have been rarely touched by civilization. Read more about Bear Canyon Lake.

Black Canyon Lake

Like all Mogollon Rim Area Lakes, Black Canyon Lake is scenically forested. Although the surrounding forest was adversely effected by the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire and some trees around the lake were charred, a sizeable portion of the lake is lushly forested. Because of the danger of falling trees damaged by the 2002 fire, the entire area around the lake is limited to day use only until further notice. read more about Black Canyon Lake.

Chevelon Canyon Lake

Chevelon Canyon Lake is quite remote and is a deep canyon lake that requires a relatively steep hike 3/4 of a mile to get to the waters edge from the parking area. Generally, only the most avid of anglers that are physically well-conditioned fish Chevelon Lake. However, those that do are rewarded with views of the most scenic trout lake in Arizona. Read more about Chevelon Canyon Lake.

Knoll Lake

Knoll Lake is just northeast of its sister-lakes of Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes on the Mogollon Rim. Although closer to the town of Payson, Arizona, the drive from Flagstaff south on Lake Mary Road to Clint Wells and then along the Rim Road (Forest Road 300) to reach Knoll Lake is a spectacular scenic trip along the edges of the Mogollon Rim. Read more about Knoll Lake.

Willow Springs Lake

Like its nearby sister-lake, Wood Canyon, Willow Springs is one of the most accessible of the Rim lakes and has a very scenic setting in a heavily forested area on the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The landscape which includes Ponderosa Pine, Oak and Douglas Fir trees is simply gorgeous and at an elevation of about 7,500 feet, visitors can expect very pleasant temperatures in the spring and summer months. It's four season territory with a cool, colorful autumn, and a cold and snowy winter. Read more about Willow Springs Lake.

Woods Canyon Lake

Although a relatively small lake at 55 acres, Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most accessible of the Rim lakes and has a very scenic setting in a heavily forested area on the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The landscape is simply gorgeous and at an elevation of about 7,500 feet, visitors can expect very pleasant temperatures in the spring and summer months. It's four season territory with a cool, colorful autumn and cold and snowy winters. Read more about Woods Canyon Lake.

Payson Arizona Lakes FAQ

What are the best lakes near Payson Arizona?

Some of the best lakes near Payson Arizona include Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake, Blue Ridge Reservoir, Black Canyon Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, and Green Valley Lake.

Which Payson area lakes are best for fishing?

Popular fishing lakes near Payson include Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake, and Chevelon Canyon Lake.

Can you camp near Payson area lakes?

Yes, camping is available near several Mogollon Rim lakes, including Woods Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake, and other nearby forest recreation areas.

Are Payson area lakes cooler than Phoenix?

Yes, many lakes near Payson sit at higher elevations along the Mogollon Rim, where summer temperatures are typically much cooler than the Phoenix area.

Are the Rim Lakes near Payson good for kayaking?

Yes, Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, and Blue Ridge Reservoir are popular options for kayaking and canoeing near Payson.

Arizona Lakes