Sinkhole Campground
Payson, Arizona
| Address: | Sinkhole Campground, AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA |
| GPS: |
34°18'19.1"N 110°53'12.5"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
Restrooms Picnic Tables Lakes Trails Fishing
Camp, Hike, and Mountain Bike
Perched atop the Mogollon Rim in the cool ponderosa pines of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Sinkhole Campground is a relaxed high-country base camp just a short stroll from the shore of Willow Springs Lake. At around 7,700 feet, it's a welcome escape from the desert heat — roughly a two-hour drive up from the Phoenix Valley — and a favorite of Arizona anglers and weekend campers.
The campground has 26 sites tucked among the pines. Sites 1 through 13 are first-come, first-served, while sites 14 through 26 can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, so you can plan ahead or take your chances on a walk-in.
The big draw is Willow Springs Lake, a 150-acre reservoir built in 1966 and stocked regularly with trout from spring through fall. Boats with motors up to 10 horsepower are allowed, and there's no fee for day use or to launch. Beyond fishing and paddling, there's hiking and mountain biking in the nearby non-motorized wildlife area, and the historic General Crook National Recreation Trail passes within a mile of camp.
A nightly campground fee applies (around $25 per site, plus a small charge for extra vehicles), reserved through Recreation.gov or taken first-come, first-served. The season runs through the warmer months; nights are cool at this elevation, so pack layers. Bring your own drinking water and firewood, and check current fire restrictions before you go.
More Information
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests : Recreation Site - Sinkhole Campground
Located in the ponderosa pine forest, this campground is within walking distance of Willow Springs Lake which provides boating and fishing opportunities. Hiking and mountain biking opportunities are nearby in the non-motorized Wildlife Area. The General Crook National Recreation Trail is also within a mile of the campground. Be prepared for rain, often heavy, through July and August. Expect cool to cold nighttime temperatures.Natural Features: Sinkhole Campground is surrounded by ponderosa pines. The roads and spurs within the campground are chip-seal.Recreation: Fishing and boating are available at nearby Willow Springs Lake which is approximately one mile from the campground.Facilities: Sinkhole Campground has 26 sites (sites 14 through 26 are available for advanced reservation). Sites 1 through 13 are first-come, first served. There are two accessible sites, two double sites and the rest are single sites. All sites are back-in. Each site offers a campfire ring with grill and picnic table. Additional amenities include accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash service. A camp host is available at the site.Nearby Attractions: Woods Canyon Lakes is located approximately 10 miles west off of Forest Roads 300 and 105. The Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina offers boat and kayak rentals. Gas, phone and groceries are available approximately four miles east at Forest Lakes.For a map of this campground.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/apache-sitgreaves/recreation/sinkhole-campgroundRecreation.gov - Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More
We're here to help you dream up your next trip, figure out the details, and reserve experiences at over 3,600 facilities and 103,000 individual sites across the country.
https://www.recreation.gov/Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Payson, Arizona
- Head northeast on AZ-87 N toward E Frontier St (0.7 mi)
- Turn right onto AZ-260 E (29.9 mi)
- Turn left (0.4 mi)
Other Mountain Bike Trails and Hiking Trails Nearby
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East Clear Creek
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Mountain BikeNearby Campsites
Aspen Campground
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Camp 4.0 mi
Woods Canyon Lake
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Haigler Canyon Campground
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7.4 miles SWA 2007-built campground along Haigler Creek with 14 overnight sites, trout fishing stocked April through late August, and chiseled canyon swimming holes nearby.
Camp, Hike, Swim 1.1 mi
Christopher Creek Campground
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8.7 miles WA creekside campground east of Payson with swimming holes, small waterfalls, spring trout stocking, and cross-country skiing in winter — open for day-use and overnight camping spring through fall.
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Upper Tonto Creek Campground
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12.1 miles WA 9-site first-come-first-served campground at the junction of Tonto and Horton Creeks — with vault toilets, drinking water, and trailheads for Horton Spring and the Highline Trail nearby.
Camp, Hike 1.1-3.5 mi
Horton Springs
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12.1 miles WA spring on the Mogollon Rim where water emerges dramatically from the mountainside — hike the easy Horton Creek Trail through wildflowers and maples, splash in the cold creek, and camp near the spring.
Backpack, Camp, Hike
Hell's Gate
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