About Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area
Woods Canyon Lake is a beautiful, canyon bound, deep lake, with plenty of trout fishing opportunities. At an elevation of 7,510 feet, Woods Canyon offers 55 surface acres, and a maximum depth of 40 feet. This lake is stocked regularly with catchable rainbow trout. A few, large brown trout remain in the lake from stockings years ago.Visitors to Woods Canyon Lake can enjoy a picnic area (fee), restrooms, and a boat ramp. The Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina rents boats and sells licenses and fishing supplies. Campers can stay at one of four developed campgrounds (fee). Spillway Campground has 26 sites, each accommodating a trailer up to 16 feet long. Due to it’s proximity to the lake, Spillway fills quickly. Aspen Campground, also within walking distance to the lake, is much larger with 136 sites, and can accommodate trailers up to 32 feet long. Woods Canyon Group and Crook Campgrounds offer group camping by reservation. Arizona fishing regulations apply. All anglers must hold a valid Arizona Fishing License. The daily bag limit is six trout and unlimited Bass and Catfish. Boat motors are restricted to electric motors only.The Black Mesa Ranger District is a “Pack it in-Pack it out” area. Please remove your garbage from the area when you leave.
How to Get There
From Payson, Arizona: take Highway 260 northeast from Payson toward Heber. Turn left (west) onto Forest Road 300 and follow for 3 miles. Turn right at Woods Canyon Lake Road and travel 0.75 miles to the campground on the right side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area
Heading to Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area? 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 Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250775) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area?
From Payson, Arizona: take Highway 260 northeast from Payson toward Heber. Turn left (west) onto Forest Road 300 and follow for 3 miles. Turn right at Woods Canyon Lake Road and travel 0.75 miles to the campground on the right side of the road.
References & Official Resources
