Nice trees ya got there
Knoll Lake CG would be a good base for exploring the Rim…I think. Since exploring with the munchkins gives me about a 100 yard radius from the tent, all I can really say is that there’s lots of high quality dirt, rocks, and pine cones, and some really nice trees up there.
Photo: little tent in the pines: classic camping in the trees, which is always better than couch camping in the living room.
Campground Rating: 6/10
Getting There: Not too bad. From the Phoenix area, take the Beeline (hwy 87) north to Payson, then hang a right (east) on hwy 260. Approximately 24 miles later turn onto FR300 (Rim Lakes), which is not paved, but very well maintained–it’s wide and almost no potholes, but plenty of washboard bumps. It is a very beautiful drive with grand views off the Rim. Good thing, too, because you’re on it for a long time: about an hour later take a right (north) on FR295 to Knoll Lake. 4 miles later, you’re there. About 3.5 hours from Tempe.
BTW, when you’re almost to the campground, and you see a little sign that says “Knoll Lake” with an arrow pointing down a road to the right, take it. Even though it doesn’t say “Knoll Lake Campground”, that is, apparently, implied. If you miss this turn and go straight by mistake, you will eventually need: 1) a high clearance vehicle and 2) m&m’s to keep the kids from exploding. (I gave my husband months, if not years, of teasing ammunition for that little navigational error…)
Elevation: 7400′
What I like most: very well maintained sites. They were roomy and some had two tables (which you don’t realize you need until you have filled them up). We had a little inflatable boat and that was fun to paddle around the lake.
Shortcomings: not “on” the lake–based on descriptions I had read, I expected the lake to be closer. It would probably take me 15 minutes to walk to the lake without kids from my campsite, so that means 30 minutes with two 5 year olds. And, this is not a peaceful trail–it is the main dirt road to the lake, so lot’s of trucks, SUVs, ATVs, dust, etc. (However, it was easy to hitch a ride from the campground to the lake and back — probably because of the cute, tired looking little kid…) We drove to the lake to use the boat, which irked me, as I prefer not to start the car until we are ready to go home. Also, Knoll Lake does not have an easy place to splash around—the shore is quite rocky and it gets deep fast.
Amenities: drinking water, fire rings, BBQ grills, picnic tables, camp host
Note: the restrooms at the lake itself were pretty bad (on that Saturday in July). Bring your own paper, for sure. Better yet, get the timing right to avoid them altogether.
It’s always a good idea to call the ranger station before you get in the car: Mogollon Rim Ranger District (928) 477-2255
Coconino National Forest, Knoll Lake Campground, webpage for information about trails, the campground, activities, etc. http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mog_rim/knoll_camp.shtml
Another webpage for more info: http://www.camparizona.com/Campsites/PaysonCampsites/Knoll%20Lake.htm
You gonna eat that? Sites at Knoll Lake CG are very well maintained and some have two or more picnic tables–ours had three! Although I have never felt cramped with only one, we somehow managed to need all three by the end of the trip.
View from the tree line: A picnic blanket in the shade is a pleasant spot to watch your spouse try to paddle with half an oar.
Bring a raft for the lake. Very fun. However, you’d pretty much need football pads to play comfortably on that rocky shore. This is Knoll Lake.
Knoll Lake Campground photos were taken July 2007
