Crook Campground

Campground Overview:

Crook Campground is primary a group campground, situated in a tall ponderosa pine forest, just down the road from the popular Woods Canyon Lake in north central Arizona. The shaded campground is a nice hideaway for large groups with opportunities for boaters, anglers, hikers, families and photographers. Wildlife viewing includes birds, squirrels, deer and elk. Hikers who venture onto nearby trails are afforded expansive views of the land beneath the Mogollon Rim.

The Rim Lakes Recreation Area is one the most popular recreational areas in Arizona. During the summer months these campgrounds will fill up very early, especially over weekends. Reservations are highly recommend. If you cannot find a campsite, please use the map to locate the dispersed forest road campsites around the area.

Campsites:

Crook Campground is arranged in two loops in a cul-de-sac design. Each has a group area that can host up to 110 campers and 26 vehicles (parallel parking only). The sites can accommodate both RVs and tents, though some areas are less suited for tent camping. A picnic shelter is located in the middle of the group use area. When this campground is not reserved by a group, it may have spots available on a First-come, first-served basis.

From Payson, travel approximately 30 miles east on State Highway 260. When you top out on the rim, take the first Left onto Fr 300 (located directly across the highway from the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center. Travel about four miles north on the 300 Road. Turn Right onto Fr 105 toward Woods Canyon Lake. Watch for signs for Crook Campground.

Campground at a Glance

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.

Nearby Campgrounds:

Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby