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Spillway Campground is on the shores of popular Woods Canyon Lake near the town of Heber in north central Arizona. Situated in a pine forest with plenty of shade, the campground has individual campsites as well as one group campsite for small gatherings. Given its proximity to the lake, hiking trails and scenic areas, Spillway is a convenient getaway for anglers, boaters, hikers, families and photographers.
Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Trout fishing (both lake and stream) is a favorite pastime. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. Two other lakes are within a short drive.
The Rim Lakes Vista Trail, less than a mile from the campground, and others in the area lead to spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the paved roads in the recreation area make for great afternoon bike rides.
Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends.
The campground is a relatively small facility with 26 individual campsites and one group site that can accommodate up to 25 people. Tents, trailers and small motorhomes are allowed - please read information on each individual spur size to determine if your RV will fit in the site. The main campground loop road has a fairly tight turning radius hedged by trees so no RV/trailer over 32' is recommended. Each shaded campsite offers a leveled spur, picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill. All campsites, loop road, vault restrooms, and water hydrants are compliant with the Architectural Barriers Act for accessibility. Some sites are directly on the lakeshore with a view of the water.
Restrooms are provided. Boat rentals and basic camping supplies are available at the Woods Canyon Store, while the nearest showers are at Canyon Point Campground 10 miles away.
Spillway is located in a thick forest of ponderosa pine, oak and Douglas fir at an elevation of 7,500 ft. The campground is situated on the lakeshore overlooking the calm blue waters of 52-acre Woods Canyon Lake, where visitors may see squirrels, deer, elk and a variety of birds.
Nearby hiking trails offer views of the Mogollon Rim, a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation and serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below.
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.
Gas, phone and groceries are available 10 miles east at Forest Lakes. The nearest full service community is Payson, Arizona, 35 miles west on Highway 260.
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.
From Payson, Arizona, take Highway 260 northeast toward Heber. Turn left (west) onto Forest Road 300 directly across from the Rim Visitor Information Station and follow for 5 miles. Turn right at Woods Canyon Lake Road. Spillway is on the right, another 0.75 miles further.
I absolutely love this campground! I've been to several campgrounds around the Woods Canyon Lake area but this one has proven to be the best! The site is very clean and the grounds keeper was awesome! Truly, he was! I didn't catch his name but he was great! The best aspects of Spillway is how close it is to the water and the hiking! I will definitely visit this campground again!
What an incredible lake side camp ground. All amenities are well maintained, fresh mountain water straight from the ground is available for all your needs fresh from a spigot. Campsites are just a hop and a skip away from the lakes edge, shade and sun shine compete daily to find the forest floor with tall conifers deciding the plots were they lye. It's a summer time day dream, get the full experience with some fishing poles and a boat rental from the store down yonder and create your own incredible summer memory. Watch out for the legendary Craw Dads and the massive Salmon sized trout that eats cheese. All are lurking in the water waiting for 1 lucky camper to pull them from the lake..... Have fun!!!
Great and safe campground. Beautiful lake right next to the campground. Great for family gatherings and activities. Campgrounds 1 and 26 are first come first the rest can be reserved online.
34$/night
2 cars allowed
12$ per additional vehicle
Beautiful lake with 26 camp sites with vault toilets and potable water available. No electricity, no sewer. We loved our stay here at Spillway Campground.
