Arizona White Mountains and Mogollon Rim near Payson

Spillway Campground At Woods Canyon Lake Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 3, 2026

Spillway Campground is a popular RV and tent camping destination on the shore of Woods Canyon Lake along Arizona’s scenic Mogollon Rim. Located in a heavily forested setting at approximately 7,500 feet in elevation, the campground offers convenient access to fishing, boating, hiking and lake recreation. Its high-country location also provides generally cooler summer temperatures than the lower elevations around central Arizona.

Camping At Spillway
Woods Canyon Lake
Campground Amenities
RV Sizes & Reservations
Directions & Map
Camping Tips
FAQ

RV camping near Spillway Campground and Woods Canyon Lake Arizona

Camping At Spillway Campground

Spillway Campground is a relatively small, forested campground with 26 individual campsites and one group site accommodating up to 25 people. Tent campers, trailers and motorhomes are permitted, and some campsites provide views of Woods Canyon Lake. The campground’s location beside the lake makes it especially convenient for anglers, boaters, hikers and families exploring the Mogollon Rim.

Woods Canyon Lake Recreation

Woods Canyon Lake offers fishing, boating and other outdoor recreation within walking distance of Spillway Campground. The high-elevation lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and boating is restricted to electric motors. The Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina offers boat rentals and basic camping and fishing supplies. Rocky Point Picnic Area provides nearby day-use access for visitors who are not staying overnight.

A dump station is available within the Woods Canyon Lake recreation area. Campers looking for shower facilities can find fee-based showers at nearby Canyon Point Campground. The Mogollon Rim Visitor Center near Highway 260 and Forest Road 300 is also a useful stop for current recreation information, road conditions and area guidance.

Spillway Campground Amenities

26 individual campsites plus one group campsite for up to 25 people
Tent, trailer and RV camping
Picnic tables, campfire rings and charcoal grills at campsites
Vault restrooms
Drinking-water hydrants
Shaded campsites in a forest of ponderosa pine, oak and Douglas fir
Some campsites with Woods Canyon Lake views
Fishing, boating and hiking nearby
Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina nearby for basic supplies and boat rentals

RV Sizes And Campsite Reservations

Spillway can accommodate tents, trailers and small to moderate-size RVs, but allowable equipment length varies considerably by campsite. The campground loop also has tight turns and trees close to the roadway, so Recreation.gov advises that RVs and trailers longer than about 32 feet are not recommended. Campers should review the dimensions and equipment limits for the specific campsite they plan to use rather than relying on a campground-wide RV length limit.

Campground availability, reservation requirements, fees and operating dates can change. Check current Spillway Campground information before traveling, particularly for weekends and busy summer periods when campsites can fill quickly.

Campground Location Map

Spillway Campground Location Map

Directions To Spillway Campground From Payson

From Payson, take Arizona Highway 260 northeast toward Heber. Turn left onto Forest Road 300, also known as Rim Road, near the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center. Follow Forest Road 300 for approximately 5 miles, then turn right onto Woods Canyon Lake Road. Continue about 0.75 mile; Spillway Campground will be on the right near Woods Canyon Lake.

Spillway Campground is approximately 7,500 feet above sea level, about 2,000 feet higher than Payson. Temperatures can therefore be noticeably cooler, particularly at night and during changing weather.

GPS Coordinates:
34.33194, -110.93639
34°19'55"N, 110°56'11"W

Tips For Camping At Spillway

Spillway’s small size, lakefront setting and high-elevation location make advance trip planning especially useful. Summer daytime temperatures can be pleasant, but nights may be cool and afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer monsoon season. Bring layers and rain protection, and check current fire restrictions before using a campfire or grill.

The Woods Canyon Lake area can be busy on summer weekends and holidays. Confirm campground availability before leaving home, arrive prepared with needed supplies and review the dimensions of your selected campsite if traveling with an RV or trailer.

Spillway Campground FAQ

Where is Spillway Campground in Arizona?

Spillway Campground is located beside Woods Canyon Lake on Arizona’s Mogollon Rim northeast of Payson. The campground sits at approximately 7,500 feet in elevation in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Can RVs camp at Spillway Campground?

Yes. Spillway accommodates tents, trailers and RVs, but allowable RV and trailer length varies by campsite. Because the campground loop has tight turns and trees close to the roadway, larger RV owners should carefully review individual campsite dimensions before making plans.

How many campsites are at Spillway Campground?

Spillway has 26 individual campsites and one group campsite that can accommodate up to 25 people.

Is Spillway Campground near Woods Canyon Lake?

Yes. Spillway Campground is located directly beside Woods Canyon Lake, making it convenient for fishing, boating, hiking and other lake recreation. Some campsites have lake views.

Can you use a boat on Woods Canyon Lake?

Yes. Boating is permitted on Woods Canyon Lake, but motors are restricted to electric motors. Boat rentals are available at the Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina.

Does Spillway Campground have showers?

Spillway does not provide showers. Fee-based showers are available at nearby Canyon Point Campground.

What is the elevation of Spillway Campground?

Spillway Campground is approximately 7,500 feet above sea level. Its high-elevation Mogollon Rim location generally provides cooler summer temperatures than lower-elevation communities in central Arizona.

When is the best time to camp at Spillway Campground?

The developed camping season generally centers on the warmer months, but opening and closing dates can vary with weather, road conditions and campground operations. Check current conditions and campground availability before traveling.