Aspen Campground

Campground Overview:

Aspen Campground is the largest campground in the popular Rim Lakes Recreation Area, nestled in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest atop Arizona’s Mogollon Rim. With over 140 campsites spread across forested and meadow loops, the campground offers plenty of space, scenic variety, and access to Woods Canyon Lake just minutes away.

Wildlife is abundant—expect sightings of deer, elk, squirrels, and even skunks or black bears. Summer temperatures are mild thanks to the high elevation, though the monsoon season from late June through early September can bring daily afternoon storms. Bring layers and rain gear for a comfortable stay.

Campsite Details

Number of Sites: 148 (4 loops: meadow and forest)
Type: Developed
Amenities: Paved roads, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets
Extras: Firewood available on site
Nearby Services:
- Marina at Woods Canyon Lake: boat rentals, groceries, firewood
- Forest Lakes (10 mins): gas, phone, general supplies

Campground at a Glance



Level:	Developed
Season:	April – October
Nearby City:	Payson
Fishing:	Woods Canyon Lake
Campground Website:	Aspen Campground
Campground Map:	Rim Lake Recreation Area
Reservations:
Location:	<br />

Nearby Attractions and Activities:

Rim Lakes Recreation Area is one of our favorite summertime locations in Arizona located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Perched atop the Mogollon Rim at an elevation of 7,700 ft and located just two hours from the Phoenix Valley, this recreational area is a great location where you can “beat the heat” and take part in a host of low-cost recreational activities that everyone in the family can enjoy.

The Rim Lakes Area enjoys magnificent weather during the summertime. From June to August, daytime temperatures typically range between 68 and 80 degrees with nighttime temperatures falling to between 45 and 59 degrees. Temperatures drop quite a bit in late September with nighttime temperatures often dropping to below freezing. July through early September marks the monsoon season in Arizona with the Mogollon Rim getting more than its fair share of rainfall.

The area is covered with thick forests of Douglas-fir and Ponderosa pine and features three man-made lakes: Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, and Bear Canyon Lakes. The lakes provide much of the area’s appeal. All three are open to boating, swimming, and fishing. Woods Canyon is the most popular and can get quite busy during the summer, especially on weekends. A well-stocked general store and boat rentals are available at Woods Canyon Lake

The Rim Lakes Recreation Area is connected with numerous trails that bring hikers around the campgrounds, lakes, and also along the Mogollon Rim. Some of the more popular routes include: Woods Canyon Lake Trail, Meadow Trail, Rim Lake Vista Trail #622, and the famed General Crook Trail #130.

The Mogollon Rim (pronounced muggy-own) is a massive escarpment marking the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau. It’s named after Don Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon, the Spanish governor of New Mexico from 1712 to 1715. The escarpment rises up to 7,700 feet in some locations with much of the land south of the rim lying around 4000 and 5000 feet. The rim was formed by erosion and faulting and is comprised mostly of limestone and sandstone. A few large canyons have been carved into the feature with the most notable being Fossil Creek Canyon and Pine Canyon.