Crook Campground
4.6417 reviewsCrook Campground
$330.00 - $330.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$330.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Nonelectric sites require a fee of $330.00 per day/night during the operation season, including peak and first-come-first-served seasons. Pricing does not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Arizona's high country, Crook Campground beckons groups seeking an unforgettable wilderness retreat. Two spacious loops, each designed as intimate cul-de-sacs, welcome gatherings of up to 110 adventurers with parking for 26 vehicles. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line for trout in crystal-clear waters, explore winding forest trails on foot or bike, launch your boat for a serene paddle, or simply sit quietly as elk and deer emerge from the towering pines. Just moments away, the shimmering expanse of Woods Canyon Lake and the dramatic cliffs of the Mogollon Rim await your discovery.
Crook Campground focuses on group camping with facilities for both RVs and tents. Individual site accommodations are limited.
Historical SignificanceThe majestic Mogollon Rim serves as more than just a backdrop—it's Arizona's great divide, a natural boundary that has shaped the region's ecology and human history for millennia. This ancient escarpment separates two distinct worlds: the cool, forested highlands where you'll camp, and the sun-baked desert valleys that stretch endlessly below, creating a dramatic testament to the forces that carved this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, summer brings a delightful respite from Arizona's notorious heat, with pleasantly warm days perfect for outdoor adventures. From late June through August, Mother Nature puts on her afternoon show as dramatic thunderstorms roll across the rim, painting the sky with lightning and refreshing the forest with much-needed rain. As darkness falls, the mountain air turns crisp and cool, inviting cozy campfire gatherings under a canopy of stars.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,500 feet above sea level, Crook Campground offers a true high-country escape where the air is crisp, clean, and noticeably cooler than the desert floor far below. This elevated paradise provides natural air conditioning during Arizona's warmest months, making it an ideal summer sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the heat.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral around Crook Campground, their vanilla-scented bark and whispering needles providing both shade and serenity. From various vantage points, breathtaking vistas reveal the vast expanse of land stretching beneath the Mogollon Rim—a view that makes you feel as if you're standing on the edge of the world. The forest teems with life: majestic elk graze in meadow clearings, mule deer bound through the understory, playful squirrels chatter from branch to branch, and a symphony of bird songs fills the air from dawn to dusk. This 7,500-foot elevation sanctuary offers mild summer days perfect for exploration, though wise campers come prepared for nature's afternoon light shows and the cool mountain nights that follow.
Geological RegionCrook Campground sits atop one of Arizona's most spectacular geological features—the Mogollon Rim, a 200-mile long escarpment that rises like a great wall across northern Arizona. This ancient formation, carved by eons of erosion and tectonic forces, creates a dramatic elevation change from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, forming a natural fortress between two distinct ecosystems. Above the rim, where you'll make camp, cool forests and meadows thrive in the mountain climate. Below, the landscape transforms into the iconic Arizona desert, a stark reminder of the powerful geological forces that shaped this remarkable region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for disabled campers are not explicitly detailed.
Sites SizeEach group site can accommodate up to 110 campers and 26 vehicles.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest that campsites may be close together, reducing privacy. Karla Duran mentioned, 'The campsites are very close together.'
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites close to the pavilion for easy access to picnic tables and amenities.
Best CampsitesGroup areas GRPA and GRPB are highly rated for cleanliness and functionality.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit to this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each group site accommodates up to 110 campers.
Groups
Group areas accommodate up to 110 campers and 26 vehicles per loop.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo loops designed as cul-de-sacs with parallel parking only; pavilion located centrally in group use areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 9 to October 11 during peak season. Closed from October 30 to June 5 (out-of-season, no bookings available).
Reservation PlatformsReservations available at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in season applies mid-April to mid-May and mid-September to mid-November, weather permitting.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. For group sites, late cancellations subtracted the first night's fee if canceled fewer than 14 calendar days before check-in. No refunds for no-shows; early departures may not be eligible for refunds.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Crook Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities. Popular activities include trout fishing, hiking, boating (with electric motor restrictions), cycling, horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and camping. The paved Meadow Trail connects campers to Woods Canyon Lake and the Rim Lakes Vista Trail for scenic views of the Mogollon Rim.
Hiking
The Rim Lakes Vista and Rim Trail is located a quarter-mile south of the campground and offers stunning views of the Mogollon Rim. The paved Meadow Trail connects the campground to Woods Canyon Lake.Fishing
Trout fishing is a popular activity at Woods Canyon Lake, which is described as the most frequented lake in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area.Biking
Cycling is identified as one of the popular activities near the campground.Boating
Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors for boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include birds, squirrels, deer, and elk. User reviews confirm the presence of wildlife, as David Lopez highlighted, 'Great place to rest, enjoy the quiet time, see nature.'Winter Activities
User reviews and weather data do not explicitly mention winter activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted with purchased firewood; visitors are encouraged to burn wood onsite to prevent tree-killing pests.
- Quiet hours are Dogs must be leashed at all times; quiet generators allowed.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent thunderstorms during the rainy season; wildlife presence may require caution for safety and food storage.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Gas, food, and groceries are available in Forest Lakes 9 miles east. The nearest full-service community is Payson, Arizona, 34 miles west on Highway 260.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 09, 2025 - October 11, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are reportedly absent, as Karla Duran noted, 'There isn’t any trash cans, so we had to put our trash bag back in our car and find another place to throw it out.'
Proximity to water featuresLocated approximately 1 mile away from Woods Canyon Lake, which allows only electric boat motors.
Common complaintsSome campers note proximity of campsites and lack of trash cans as drawbacks.
HostHosts Marvin, Berrie, and Bella are praised for their exceptional management, cleanliness, and friendliness.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Heber: Travel 25 miles west on State Highway 260. Turn right onto Forest Road 300 which is located directly across from the Rim Visitor Information Station. Travel about 4 miles north of State Highway 260 toward Woods Canyon Lake. Turn right onto Forest Road 105 toward Woods Canyon Lake. Watch for signs for Crook Campground.<br /><br />From Payson: Travel approximately 30 miles east on State Highway 260. When you top out on the rim, take the first left onto Forest Road 300 directly across the highway from the Rim Visitor Information Station. Travel about 4 miles north. Turn right onto Forest Road 105 toward Woods Canyon Lake. Watch for signs for Crook Campground.
Accessible from paved State Highway 260, the campground requires driving on unpaved Forest Road 300 and Forest Road 105, which may require additional caution depending on weather conditions. Seasonal closures may apply.Nearby places
Forest Lakes - 9 miles east. Payson, Arizona - 34 miles west.
Nearby supplies
Groceries available at Woods Canyon Store (near the park)
firewood sold onsite and at the store
gas, food, and supplies in Forest Lakes, 9 miles east.
Camper Reviews
4.6
17 reviews
Crook Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, friendly hosts, and natural beauty. However, some users noted limited privacy and the lack of trash facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, well-maintained grounds, helpful camp hosts, and proximity to the Mogollon Rim and Woods Canyon Lake.
Based on 17 reviewsCommon Concerns
Campsites are close together, lack of trash cans, and absence of water and electricity hookups.
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring trash bags and plan for central water access. Be prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and possible rain during the summer season.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Rainy summers (June-August) often bring afternoon thunderstorms; visitors recommend preparing for rain and cool nights. Fall offers quieter conditions and scenic views of the Rim.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The bathrooms EXCEPTIONAL.... always dread going to them... they smelt like you were at home.' - Sindy Mariscal Garibo
2. 'Such a beautiful space and love the campground attendant Bella!' - Julia...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Amber D praised site GRPB and loop CROOK for cleanliness and attentive caretakers. Mauly P commented on site GRPA for its helpful host and clean restrooms.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features for visitors with disabilities.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must be attended at all times. Aggressive or nuisance dogs may lead to visitors being asked to leave.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025