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Sinkhole Campground in tall pines near Willow Springs Lake
Pines and shaded pads Camp loop and table Short walk through the trees Fire ring and benches Afternoon light in the forest Nearby lake access area Trail textures Quiet pocket site Rim country trees Evening at camp
Mogollon Rim Developed Lakes nearby Family Fishing
Overview

Shade, clean loops, and a quick hop to Willow Springs Lake - classic Rim country comfort.

Sinkhole sits in tall pines at around 7,500 ft, a short drive to the water for fishing, paddling, or a dawn lap along the shoreline. Sites have tables and rings, water is available in season, and vaulted toilets keep things simple but workable.

Weekends bring a crowd up from the Valley. If you want space, aim for shoulder season or arrive early and walk the loops for a tucked away site that fits your rig and your noise tolerance.

Why go Shaded developed camping with easy access to Willow Springs, nearby Woods Canyon, and Rim overlooks.
Watch out for Weekend demand, afternoon monsoon gusts, and tighter pads for longer trailers.

If you want slow mornings, choose a site one row off the main loop - quieter traffic, better birdsong.

At a Glance
Region
Payson • Mogollon Rim
Elevation
~7,500 ft
Access
AZ-260 east of Payson → signed forest roads
Campsites
Developed loops with tables and rings
Facilities
Potable water (seasonal), vault toilets
Nearby
Willow Springs & Woods Canyon Lakes; Rim Rd (FR 300)
Best Season
Late spring through early fall
Reservations
Recommended on peak weekends
Getting There

From Payson, take AZ-260 east toward the Mogollon Rim. Watch for signs for Willow Springs and Sinkhole; the final stretch is graded forest road that most passenger vehicles handle fine.

  1. Watch for elk at dawn and dusk along AZ-260 and the lake junctions.
  2. Arrive early on weekends - day use and the ramp area get busy.
  3. Walk loops first if you are towing - some back-ins are tight with trees and rocks.
Before You Go
Essential notes
  • Check current fire restrictions and stage levels before you pack wood.
  • Potable water is usually on in season, but bring enough to be self-sufficient.
  • Monsoon afternoons build fast on the Rim - stake and guy your shelter.
Pack list reminders
  • Warm layers for 7,500 ft evenings, even in midsummer.
  • Extra stakes and longer guy lines for gusts.
  • Bin liners and a plan for overflow trash on busy weekends.
Camping Info
  • Sites: best for tents and small to mid trailers; shade most of the day.
  • Water and toilets: potable water in season; vault toilets throughout the loops.
  • Fires: in rings only when restrictions allow; have a plan for no-fire nights.
  • Boating: Willow Springs allows motors (check current rules); Woods Canyon is electric only.
  • Noise: expect family and fishing traffic on weekends; quieter midweek and in shoulder months.
My Notes

Friendly scene, lots of families. I like a site with a short stroll to the lake road but not right on it - calmer at night, quick at sunrise. Morning light through the pines is worth setting an early alarm.

  • Wind: monsoon cells send sudden gusts; I always run extra guys on the windward side.
  • Cooking: simple butane stove with a windscreen keeps coffee and breakfast on track.
  • Photos: blue hour through the trees, golden hour on the water at Willow Springs.
Gear I Used

Gear that actually helped on this trip.

Map
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