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Access Site AZ

Woods Canyon Lake

Woods Canyon Lake

Source: u_s__geological_survey Updated 1 year ago

City: Christopher Creek, AZ
County: Coconino County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 34.33385700, -110.94381300
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Woods Canyon Lake offers a scenic mountain paddling destination in north-central Arizona at 7,500 feet elevation near the community of Forest Lakes. This clear, calm water lake is ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and paddle boarders. The site features a developed boat ramp, picnic areas, and restrooms. A concessionaire on-site rents boats and sells fishing licenses, bait, and supplies. Note that only paddle or electric motors are permitted—gas-powered motors are not allowed.

**Access & Amenities:** From Payson, take Highway 260 northeast toward Heber, then turn west onto Forest Road 300 for 3 miles, followed by a right turn onto Woods Canyon Lake Road for 0.75 miles to reach the campground and ramp area. Multiple campgrounds are located nearby (some within walking distance), making this a good option for multi-day paddling trips. The Woods Canyon Lake Group Area campground accommodates large groups and is reservable through Recreation.gov.
Federal Facility Information
Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Woods Canyon Lake Group Area is located in north central Arizona near the community of Forest Lakes. The camp is adjacent to popular Woods Canyon Lake and situated in thick pine forests, providing a great getaway for large groups of up to 100 people. It offers plenty of activities for anglers, boaters, hikers, families and photographers.
Recreation
Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes...

Overview
Woods Canyon Lake Group Area is located in north central Arizona near the community of Forest Lakes. The camp is adjacent to popular Woods Canyon Lake and situated in thick pine forests, providing a great getaway for large groups of up to 100 people. It offers plenty of activities for anglers, boaters, hikers, families and photographers.
Recreation
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.Facilities
The group camping area is primitive but convenient to the lake. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The facility can comfortably accommodate 70 people, though the maximum is 100.Natural Features
Woods Canyon Lake is surrounded by a dense forest of pine, fir, oak and aspen, and sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Hikers who venture onto nearby trails are afforded expansive views of the land beneath the Mogollon Rim. The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as "muggy-own," is 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.

Wildlife viewing includes birds, squirrels, deer and elk. Deer, skunks and bears are common campground visitors.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181.
Nearby Attractions
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.

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Nearby Campgrounds (6 within 10 miles)
SINKHOLE CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Fr 169 Campground
On-site
Fr 9350 Campground
On-site
Fr 237 Camping Area
On-site
Larson Ridge Camping Area
On-site
Fr 195 Campground
On-site
Nearby Boat Facilities
Willow Springs Lake Fishing and Boating Site On-site
Woods Canyon Lake Area Boating Site On-site