Spillway Campground sits just above the south shore of Woods Canyon Lake with 26 campsites all very closely knit. Spillway is the most difficult campground to get a campsite at if you don’t book early in the year. This entire campground is by reservation only. There are no first come first served campsites here. Spillway is well shaded by Ponderosa pine, oak, aspen and Douglas fir. A few of the campsites (19-26) are prime campsites that must be booked the day they go up on the reservation system or they will be most likely gone. See our article on secrets to snagging the best campsites on the best weekends.
For groups, the Spillway Group Campground can hold groups up to 25 people.
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 back up the road about 1 mile as you exit the Woods Canyon Recreation Area.
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.
Directions
Fishing Information – Provided by the Arizona Game and Fish Department
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 surrounds the lake and makes for a nice but easy afternoon hike.
- 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
General Notes
- Elevation: 7530′
- Season: Mid May – October
- Stay Limit: 14 Days
- Campsites: 26 plus one group sites that can hold up to 25 people.
- Trailer limit 16′
- Potable water available
- Dump station nearby
- Vault restrooms
- Campsite grills, tables and fire rings
- Information: Black Mesa Ranger District 928-535-7300
- Pets must be restrained on a leash
