About CROOK CAMPGROUND
Overview This group campground is 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. Recreation Popular activities include trout fishing, hiking, boating, cycling, horseback riding, and photography. Woods Canyon Lake is the most popular of four lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. The paved Meadow Trail borders Crook Campground and will bring you about 1 mile north to Woods Canyon Lake or one quarter mile south to the The Rim Lakes Vista and Rim Trail is just a quarter mile from the campground and leads to spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim and surrounding area.Facilities The 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. Groceries are available at the Woods Canyon Store, and a dump station is located near the park. Firewood is available for sale at the store and onsite.Natural Features The campground is situated a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 7,500 feet. 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 Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as "muggy-own," is a 200-mile long escarpment in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 ft. in elevation and serves as the geographical divide 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
How to Get There
From Heber: Travel 25 miles west on State Highway 260. Turn right onto Forest Road 300 which is located directly across from the Rim Visitor Information Station. Travel about 4 miles north of State Highway 260 toward Woods Canyon Lake. Turn right onto Forest Road 105 toward Woods Canyon Lake. Watch for signs for Crook Campground. From Payson: Travel approximately 30 miles east on State Highway 260. When you top out on the rim, take the first left onto Forest Road 300 directly across the highway from the Rim Visitor Information Station. Travel about 4 miles north. Turn right onto Forest Road 105 toward Woods Canyon Lake. Watch for signs for Crook Campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
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Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CROOK CAMPGROUND
Heading to CROOK CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CROOK CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for CROOK CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233953) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CROOK CAMPGROUND?
From Heber: Travel 25 miles west on State Highway 260. Turn right onto Forest Road 300 which is located directly across from the Rim Visitor Information Station. Travel about 4 miles north of State Highway 260 toward Woods Canyon Lake. Turn right onto Forest Road 105 toward Woods Canyon Lake. Watch for signs for Crook Campground. From Payson: Travel approximately 30 miles east on State Highway 260…
How do I contact CROOK CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 928-535-9233.
References & Official Resources