Crook Campground – Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area

October 2, 2018

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Woods Canyon Lake, the most popular camping area in the entire state, has so much to offer. Virtually every amenity is either available on site or within a few miles. The Crook Campground is 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.

Directions: Directions from Heber: Travel 25 miles west on State Highway 260. Turn Right onto FR 300 which is located directly across from the Rim Visitor Information Station. Travel about four miles north of State Highway 260 toward Woods Canyon Lake on Forest Road 300 turn Right onto FR 105 toward Woods Canyon. Watch for signs for Crook Campground. From Payson: travel east on U.S. 260 until you reach the top of the Mogollon Rim and turn left on FR 300 (Rim Road) across from the Rim Visitors information center. Travel west on Rim Road 3.4 miles to the Woods Canyon Lake 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. General Notes: