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Crook Campground

Statistics Elevation
7630' 
Season
May - Oct.
Days Limit
14
Fee
Units
26
Trailer Limit
 32'
GPS Location
34° 19' 21.34"N
110° 56' 31.23"W
Access
 Paved
 
Amenities Potable Water
Yes 
Waste Disposal
Nearby
Restrooms
Vault
Showers
Reservations
Store Nearby
 At Lake
Campsite Grills
Yes
Campsite Tables
Yes
Fire Rings
Yes
Utility Hookups
No
Information
928-535-7300 
Firewood
Camp Host
Fishing Supplies
Store
Laundry
Payson
Gas & Propane
Forest Lakes
ATV Use
No
Visitor Center
Yes
Fish Species Rainbow Trout
Yes
Cutthroat Trout
-
Brook Trout
-
Brown Trout
-
Apache Trout
-
Crappie
-
Yellow Bass
-
Flathead Catfish
-
Tilapia
-
Yellow Perch
-
Carp
-
Redear Sunfish
-
Bluegill
-
Green Sunfish
-
Walleye
-
Northern Pike
-
Channel Catfish
-
Sunfish
-
Smallmouth Bass
-
Largemouth Bass
-
Striped Bass
-
White Bass
-
Arctic Grayling
-
Bullhead
-
Fly and Lure Only
-
Acreage
52
Body of Water Depth
-
Catch and Release Areas
-
Boats Allowed
Yes
Motor Limit
Electric
Boat Rentals
Store *

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Woods Canyon Lake, the most popular camping area in the entire state, has much to offer. Virtually every amenity is either available on site or within a few miles. The Crook Campground set just 3/4 mile back from the lake and has 26 campsites. There are two loops at Crook, each able to hold a large group of campers

Located at the lake is a country store complete with boat rentals and a battery charging station for those who bring their own trolling motors. The store pretty much has everything you might need for a great camping trip. A phone is available at the front door of the store.

Just around the corner from the store is the Rocky Point day use area. There is a charge to use the parking area but it is minimal ($5.00). There is good fishing down by Rocky Point and I tend to spend at least one afternoon there every visit.

A dump station is located just up the road.

The Rim Visitors Information Center is located at the junction of the S. R. 260 and Rim Road.

Showers are located at Canyon Point Campground 5 miles east of the visitors center on S. R. 260. The charge for using the showers is $5.00.

Fishing Information

If fishing for trout, try power bait from the shore, try power bait or worms. Boaters can try trolling Super Duper or tiny gold Kastmaster lures. When it is hot during the summer, fish a little deeper, but not too deep, between 10 to 20 feet because the lake stratifies in the summer, meaning there is no oxygen at the bottom. The lake is loaded with crayfish, try fishing for big browns int he spring and fall with spinners or lures that imitate crayfish patterns. Lake depth averages 25 feet and can reach up to 40 feet.

Statewide fishing regulations apply and a trout stamp is required. The daily bag limit is six trout, three for unlicensed anglers under the age of 14.

Cow bells or bumble bee's can also bring good results.

I fly fish the lake and notice that many fly fisherman tend to use sinking line with a bead head wolly bugger in olive or black. I have good luck when the shade hits the shores to the left of the boat dock down the left arm of the lake down along rocky point day use area with small dry flies like a parachute adams or any type of caddis.

Nearby Hiking

Woods Canyon Lake Trail Woods Canyon Nature Trail
Aspen Trail Boulder Hop Trail
Drew Canyon Trail Meadow Trail
Rim Lake Vista Trail Military Sinkhole Trail

Click for a map of trails in the Black Mesa Ranger District

Directions

From Payson, travel east on U.S. 260 until you reach the top of the Mogollon Rim and turn left on F. R. 300 (Rim Road). Travel west on Rim Road 3.4 miles to the Rec. Area entrance. Turn right at the entrance and travel 0.5 miles to the campground on the Right. Don't forget to stop by the scenic stops along Rim Road for spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim and the valley below.

Campsite Panoramas - See each campsite at Christopher Creek Campground.

Click a campsite number below

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8, 9 & 10, 11, 12 ,13 ,14 & 15, 16, 17 & 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 & 26, Picnic Shelter South, Picnic Shelter North

 

 

Crook Campground Map

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Campsite Ratings
Overall Rating

Available Amenities

Cleanliness

Fishing

Campsite Spacing
1- Tight 5- Spreadout

Camp Host

Good for Kids

Other Nearby Campgrounds

Canyon Point
Christopher Creek
Aspen
Knoll Lake
Rim
Mogollon
Spillway
Spillway Group
Woods Canyon Group
Bear Canyon
Sinkhole

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Central Arizona
Flagstaff / Sedona / Prescott
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Payson / Mogollon Rim
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White Mountains
Western Arizona

 

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