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Aspen Campground is a scenic hideaway for anglers, boaters, families and photographers, located in north central Arizona near Heber and Payson. It sits in a dense pine and aspen area forest near the shore of Woods Canyon Lake at an elevation of 7,000 ft. With spacious campsites, calm and scenic lake waters, a marina, boat ramp and many amenities, Aspen is one of the most popular camping spots in Arizona. Natural Features: The large and rambling campground offers several camping experiences and environments from marshy meadows to a rocky forest. Wildlife viewing includes birds, squirrels, deer and elk. Deer, skunks and bears are common campground visitors. Summer temperatures can be very pleasant because of the elevation. However, the rainy season often brings afternoon thunderstorms from late June through August. Visitors should come prepared for rain and cool nighttime temperatures. Recreation: Popular activities include trout fishing, hiking, boating and photography. Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Two other lakes are within a short drive. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the campgrounds paved roads make for great bike rides. Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends. Facilities: Aspen Campground is a large facility with 148 campsites. It is composed of four loops in alternating meadow and wooded areas, and campsites are spaced well apart from each other. The nearest showers are 10 miles away at Canyon Point Campground. A marina with a full service store with groceries, boat rentals and firewood is available at the lake. Gas, phone and groceries are also available in nearby Forest Lakes. Nearby Attractions: Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. The nearest towns are Heber and Payson. ACTIVITIES Boating: Marina Picnicking: Picnic Tables
From Payson, take Highway 260 northeast toward Heber. Take a left at the sign for Woods Canyon Lake (Rim Road/Forest Road 300). Follow for about 5 miles and turn right onto the paved road at the sign toward Woods Canyon Lake (there is no road sign). Aspen Campground is about 1 mile down the road on the left.
Clean bathrooms. Other campers were considerant. Place got really quiet sunday night. Campsites were clean and well maintained too. Just need to keep in mind not all spots are the same size so check before you book. Ours was just long enough for our truck and trailer. I saw several that we would not fit.
The lake is about 10 minute walk from the campground which was nice.
The water label is still “drinking water” but the host said not to drink, Yes, the water was smelt like oxidized metal. Next, we got the bottom of site#32 campfire was sank after the rain, see picture. Luckyly we found some rocks to make an extra cushion. The good think, the location is perfect to access the lake.
Stayed in site 106. This is on the outer loop, so no one behind us which was nice. This area of the campground seemed quieter than the inside areas and the sites were well spaced for privacy. Grounds were clean and well maintained. Bathroom by us was great the first day, but pretty smelly by the second. Our site was really rocky around the fire pit, so could be dangerous at night for littles or clumsy people like me. Easy 15 minute walk to the lake, well stocked store and great shore fishing! We'd definitely stay again!
Reserve in advance! If you're going to get a first come first serve, either come Thursday night or Friday very early. Check out is 11 so be in line at 11 for any spots that are clearing out that day and just becoming available. The lake is a hike away. Depending on what camp spot you get it could be anywhere from a 10 min hike to a 30 min hike. The lake is busy on weekends. The hosts are very nice and try to keep the grounds clean and free of trash. Lots of wildlife and friendly little chipmunks and squirrels. Fun for all ages. Affordable and nice way to beat the heat! We love to drive down from camp with our kayaks, with a cooler full of drinks and snacks, and spend the day fishing and playing in the water. There's lots of hikable little shores to walk down to if you don't have a kayak.
Had such an amazing time here with family. It was my first time camping as an adult. I remember camping when I was little but haven’t been back since. So this was a nice little getaway from everything! Great time to reflect and play card games and sit around the fire and talk. It wasn’t too busy this time of season. It was quiet and clean. We slept in an RV. Next time maybe considering taking a tent as well to experience that. But overall everything was awesome! Will definitely come back!
