The Mogollon Rim Has A Lot To Offer

If you’re thinking of going on an RV adventure in Arizona, make sure the Mogollon Rim is on your list of spots to stay. In fact, you can make it your main destination, as there are several campgrounds with breathtaking views and access to refreshing lakes. Not sure what the Mogollon Rim is or where to go when you arrive? Here’s what you need to know before you start your Arizona RV adventure any time of year!

200 Miles of RVing Scenery on the Mogollon Rim

So, what is exactly is the Mogollon Rim, and why does it deserve your time as an RV camper? It’s a huge cliff that runs about 200 miles across Arizona. It was created by faulting and erosion over time, resulting in dramatic canyons and of course amazing views that range from the desert to tall pine trees. After all, the plateau you’re on is about 8,000 feet above sea level.

Plus, you’re surrounded by lush forestry—something you might not expect in Arizona!—with trees ranging from ponderosa pines to chaparral and oak. So don’t come to the Rim expecting to see cacti and other desert flora. Instead, be prepared for cool weather, stunning views, and plenty to do—including fishing in nearby lakes, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, stargazing, and simply swinging in a hammock while relaxing and enjoying the view!

While the Rim is popular with campers, there’s plenty of space to spread out, so you can be as close or as far from fellow RV and tent campers as you’d like. When you turn off State Route 260 onto Rim Road (or F.R. 300), you’ll have about 40 miles of scenic views as you head down the graded dirt pathway that will lead you to numerous camp sites. So where should you go? We’ve got you covered with information on the best campgrounds on the Rim!

Select From The Best RV Campgrounds on the Rim

The following are some of the most recommended campgrounds for RVs exploring the Mogollon Rim:

Mogollon Campground: Within about the first five minutes of your drive down Rim Road, you’ll see Mogollon Campground to your left. This is among the most scenic spots to park your RV, as it’s about as close you can camp to the edge of the Rim. There are 26 sites here spread out in two loops. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and grill to use. Nearby, you’ll also find vault toilets, trash service, and drinking water. Plus, you can dump your tanks or get water for a small fee at the Woods Canyon Dump Station on Woods Canyon Road just a few minutes away. You can reserve a spot at Mogollon Campground ahead of time; expect to pay $18 per night to camp here.

Rim Campground: Just a few miles from Mogollon Campground is Rim Campground, which also has fantastic 100-mile views due to its proximity to the cliff’s edge. In fact, the 26 sites at Rim Campground have all the same amenities as Mogollon Campground. So if one happens to be full, you can try the other and still have the same great RV camping experience on the Rim!

Spillway Campground: If you want to camp by a lake, Spillway Campground is the place to park your RV. Located on the shore of Woods Canyon Lake and surrounded by ponderosa pine trees, this peaceful area has 26 campsites, many with a great view of the water. Each site has a picnic table, charcoal grill, and fire ring. There are also vault toilets a short walk away. If you forget anything on your camping trip, the Woods Canyon Store is nearby, and you can even rent a boat there. Reservations are required, and the cost to camp here is $28 per night.

Aspen Campground: Just minutes from Spillway Campground—and still pretty close to the lake—is Aspen Campground. This spot has 148 campsites in four loops. Depending on your site, you could end up surrounded by huge trees or in a lush meadow. Either way, you’ll likely see a range of wildlife, including squirrels, elk, deer, birds, and sometimes bears! This campground is popular with people who want to fish or go boating at one of the seven lakes on the Rim. While it’s closest to Woods Canyon Lake, it’s also a short drive from Willow Springs Lake and Bear Canyon Lake. RVs here must be under 32 feet long, and though there are over 20 first-come, first-served sites, it’s usually safer to reserve a site ahead of time for $27 per night.

Canyon Point Campground: If dry camping is not your thing, but you still want all the benefits of the Mogollon Rim, Canyon Point Campground is your best bet. There are 113 sites here, and 32 have electrical hookups for RVs. And this is the best spot for larger RVs, since you can fit trailers up to 75 feet long here! Like the other Rim campgrounds, every site has a campfire ring, grill, and picnic table. But this campground also has a restroom with showers, as well as firewood for sale for those chilly nights. Just note that while Canyon Point is still on the Rim, it’s not off Rim Road like all the other spots are. To get here, you have to drive a few more minutes east on State Route 260 and take a right when you see the sign for the campground. The cost for a site with hookups is $33 per night, and you should reserve one early if possible.

Keep in mind that due to its elevation, the Mogollon Rim gets a lot of snow in the winter, so these campgrounds are only typically open from May to October. This means it’s the perfect destination when you want cool weather and beautiful views to enjoy from your RV during the summer and early fall. And if you need some ideas on where to camp in the winter—whether in Arizona or in a nearby state—without encountering snow, feel free to check out the Top 10 Campgrounds To Visit to Escape Winter.