Camping suggestions? Must be lake or river side... (Flagstaff, Pine: RV parks, store)

[HX_Guy]

Does anyone know of a lake or river/creek camping site on the Mogollon Rim?

We went to Bear Canyon Lake and loved the surroundings (I posted pictures a while back) but we didn't like the steep lake access and no possible way to set up camp right next to the lake.

So, are there any lake side camping areas in the northeast or east part of the state? Or river/creek side would work too...as long as there is water right next to the tent.

[vegaspilgrim]

I went on a camping trip in the Kaibab national forest about ten years ago, it was absolutely incredible. The stars there are unreal.

[HX_Guy]

I'd like somewhere in the eastern part of the state...I don't like the forests around the Flagstaff area.

[military spouse]

Big Lake in the White Mountains. Beautiful area and MUCH cooler.

[HX_Guy]

Thanks...I'll look into it, any place else?

[garisonthebull]

Most of the rim lakes do not offer shore line camping. But nearly all of them have near by camping sites within 1/2 mi. It is a bit of a trek off the beaten path lake but I do highly recomend Knoll Lake in the rim country. It is about 21 mi. in on the main road that leads to woods canyon lake. You will pass two other lake turn offs before getting there. It is a small lake and it only offers 5hp motors and trolling motors. Im afraid though that if you dont like steep banks it may not be right for you. But one thing that sets this lake appart from the rest is sceenery. It is beautiful there. Plus the fact that the motors are small makes for quiet fishing. You also have to consider that Woods Canyon, Bear and the others are closer to the 260 so there is more traffic.

I hear that you are into forrests and not the ones in Flagstaff, but if you do like being camped on the water LONG Lake in the Happy Jack region of the state is private and has terrific fishing to include Northern Pike, and Large Rainbow Trout. I have not been there in some time, so research before planing a trip. It is juniper area and very sparatic ponderosa. But the privacy and fishing results more than make up for it. I caught a 5lb Northern Pike on a craw fish shapped rattle trap with a steel lead.

Good Luck.

[abmiku]

Upper log creek just outside Pinetop on the Reservation...you can camp right next to the Creek....Hawley Lake has camping, but the closest campsite to the lake is probably around 50 ft. If you want to be right on the water Upper Log Creek is the spot.

[motormaker]

How about Greer Lake, it was pretty nice when I was there several years ago?

[Ponderosa]

Far as I know none of the forest service lakes allow shoreline camping. Ashurst has tables right near the water, but I don't know if its camping - too long since I have been there. Think about it. It would really detract from the enjoyment if campers were all over the shorelines of those little lakes. I like the pristine nature of our lakes. That said, you can get away with camping on the back side of Blue Ridge, but you have to know how to get there or boat in. You can also camp on the streams in the White Mountains without being hassled.

For real shoreline opportunities wait until the weather cools (although it is bearable in summer too) a bit and head for the Salt River Lakes. Shoreline camping is allowed on all of them. Apache is best for camping. You just set up in the sand of the many washes that run into the lake. You need a boat or again, need to know how to get in the "back" way though there are some developed sites on the lake at Burnt Corral campground on Apache and at a FS campground where the store and marina are. There also are places you can get to by car past Burnt Corral more along the river part of the lake below Roosevelt. There is one big wash the name of which I forget past Burnt Corral and if you drive in there, you will find lots of places (primitive) in a small cove where the wash drains into the lake.

Another cooler season area is Lake Havasu. Windsor has a lot of sites on the lake but the snowbirds get them all after November. You need a boat, but there are table and sites all along the shore below LHC. On the California side, you can drive up to the shore and camp in some places and there are a couple of private campground/RV parks right on the water. Same thing on Lake Mohave. Many primitive sites around the lake.

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by abmiku

Upper log creek just outside Pinetop on the Reservation...you can camp right next to the Creek....Hawley Lake has camping, but the closest campsite to the lake is probably around 50 ft. If you want to be right on the water Upper Log Creek is the spot.

Hawley Lake looks nice from the pictures online...and the tent doesn't have to be setup right on the shore, 50' would be good, as long as there is a lake view from the camp site and it's easy to access...unlike the canyon lakes with the very steep shores.

I wasn't able to pull up anything on Upper Log Creek...are you sure that's the correct name?