Rim Campground Near Payson AZ On The Mogollon Rim

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 27, 2026

Rim Campground is a scenic forest campground near the edge of Arizona's Mogollon Rim, west of the Rim Lakes Recreation Area and approximately 34 miles east of Payson, Arizona. Surrounded by ponderosa pine forest at roughly 7,500 feet in elevation, the campground is best known for easy access to dramatic Mogollon Rim scenery and expansive views across central Arizona.

The campground has 26 sites for tents, pop-up campers, travel trailers and motorhomes. Half of the campsites can be reserved in advance, while the other half remain first-come, first-served. Rim Campground has no electric, water or sewer hookups, making it a traditional dry-camping destination.

Woods Canyon Lake, approximately three miles away, provides nearby fishing and boating opportunities, while Forest Road 300 offers access to additional Mogollon Rim viewpoints, trails and recreation areas.

• Rim Campground Overview
• Campsites & Reservations
• Campground Amenities
• Nearby Recreation
• Elevation & Weather
• Before You Go
• Directions & Map
• FAQ

Rim Campground Overview

Rim Campground is part of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and sits close to the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The campground is surrounded by ponderosa pines on relatively level terrain, while nearby rim viewpoints provide sweeping views across Arizona's mountain and canyon country.

The forest setting also provides opportunities to see wildlife. Elk are occasionally seen moving through or near the campground, particularly during quieter periods.

Rim Campground Campsites & Reservations

Rim Campground has 26 campsites arranged in two loops with 13 sites in each loop. Sites accommodate tents, pop-up campers, travel trailers and motorhomes.

Sites 14 through 26 can be reserved in advance. Sites 1 through 13 are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because camping policies and availability can change, check current information before traveling.

Parking at the campsites is parallel to the campground road rather than on traditional back-in parking spurs. Individual site listings generally allow RVs and trailers up to 32 feet long.

Check Rim Campground availability and reservations at Recreation.gov

Woods Canyon Lake & Nearby Recreation

Woods Canyon Lake is approximately three miles from Rim Campground and offers fishing, boating and shoreline recreation. The Woods Canyon Lake Store carries some groceries and supplies and offers boat and kayak rentals.

Personally owned boats are permitted on Woods Canyon Lake, but gas motors are not allowed. Boats must use electric trolling motors or other permitted non-gas propulsion.

Nearby Willow Springs Lake provides another popular fishing and boating destination along State Route 260. Forest Road 300 also leads to numerous Mogollon Rim viewpoints, forest roads and recreation areas.

Rim Campground Elevation & Weather

Rim Campground sits at roughly 7,500 feet in elevation, considerably higher than downtown Payson. Summer daytime temperatures are generally cooler than Arizona's lower desert communities, while nighttime temperatures can become surprisingly chilly even during warmer months.

Mountain weather can change quickly. Summer thunderstorms, strong winds, cool nights and early or late-season freezing temperatures are possible. Check the current Payson area weather and local Mogollon Rim conditions before your trip.

Rim Campground Amenities & Facilities

• Campsites: 26 total sites in two 13-site loops.
• Camping: Tents, pop-up campers, travel trailers and motorhomes.
• RV and trailer length: Individual sites generally accommodate equipment up to 32 feet.
• Reservations: Sites 14 through 26 are available for advance reservation.
• First-come sites: Sites 1 through 13 are generally first-come, first-served.
• Parking: Parallel parking areas approximately 40 feet long.
• Electric hookups: None.
• Water hookups: None.
• Sewer hookups: None.
• Drinking water: Available seasonally when campground services are operating.
• Restrooms: Accessible vault toilets.
• Picnic tables: Provided at campsites.
• Fire rings: Campfire rings with grills are provided, subject to current fire restrictions.
• Trash service: Available during campground operation.
• Campground host: Normally available during the operating season.
• Pets: Dogs are permitted but must be leashed or otherwise controlled and attended.
• Generators: Only quiet generators are permitted.

Before You Go To Rim Campground

• Check Recreation.gov for current campground availability and reservation information.
• Remember that Rim Campground has no electric, water or sewer hookups at individual campsites.
• Confirm current drinking-water availability before relying on campground water.
• Check Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest fire restrictions before using a campfire or grill.
• Expect parallel roadside campsite parking rather than conventional back-in RV parking spurs.
• Verify your specific campsite if bringing an RV or trailer close to the 32-foot maximum.
• Bring layers for cool evenings and rapidly changing mountain weather.
• Keep food and trash secured because wildlife, including elk, may be present in the area.
• Keep pets attended and properly restrained.
• Expect limited services compared with a commercial RV park.

Rim Campground Directions & Map

Driving To Rim Campground

Rim Campground is located along Forest Road 300 approximately one mile from Arizona State Route 260 in the Mogollon Rim area. From State Route 260, turn onto Forest Road 300 near the Rim Visitor Information area and follow campground signs.

The campground is in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest east of Payson and west of Heber-Overgaard. Road, weather and seasonal access conditions can change, so check current forest conditions before traveling.

Interactive Rim Campground Map

Official Rim Campground Information

• Rim Campground - Recreation.gov
• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Recreation

Rim Campground FAQ

Where Is Rim Campground In Arizona?

Rim Campground is located in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near the Mogollon Rim, east of Payson, Arizona. The campground is reached from State Route 260 by taking Forest Road 300 for approximately one mile.

How Many Campsites Does Rim Campground Have?

Rim Campground has 26 campsites divided between two loops with 13 campsites in each loop.

Can You Reserve Campsites At Rim Campground?

Yes. Sites 14 through 26 are available for advance reservation. Sites 1 through 13 are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Does Rim Campground Allow RVs?

Yes. Rim Campground accommodates tents, pop-up campers, travel trailers and motorhomes. Individual campsite listings generally allow RVs and trailers up to 32 feet long.

Does Rim Campground Have RV Hookups?

No. Rim Campground does not provide electric, water or sewer hookups at individual campsites.

Does Rim Campground Have Drinking Water?

Drinking water is listed as a campground amenity during normal campground operation. Because seasonal services can change, campers should confirm current water availability before relying on it.

Are There Restrooms At Rim Campground?

Yes. Rim Campground has accessible vault toilets.

How Far Is Woods Canyon Lake From Rim Campground?

Woods Canyon Lake is approximately three miles from Rim Campground and offers fishing, boating and a store with some groceries and boat rentals.

Are Pets Allowed At Rim Campground?

Yes. Well-behaved dogs are allowed but must be leashed or otherwise controlled and attended while at the campground.

Can You Have Campfires At Rim Campground?

Campsites have campfire rings with grills, but fires are always subject to current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest fire restrictions and emergency closures.

What Is The Elevation Of Rim Campground?

Rim Campground is located at roughly 7,500 feet in elevation on the Mogollon Rim, resulting in cooler mountain conditions than Arizona's lower elevations.

Is Rim Campground Near Payson?

Yes. Rim Campground is in the Mogollon Rim recreation area east of Payson, Arizona and is commonly used as a camping destination for visitors traveling from Payson and the Phoenix metropolitan area.

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