Car Camp the Mogollon Rim

Happy Jack, Arizona

4.8/5

based on 5 reviews

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Added by Ethan Fichtner

One of Arizona's best kept secrets, Mogollon Rim offers incredible, expansive views of Arizona's Coconino National Forest. This camp spot is located a 2.5 hr drive from Phoenix .

The Mogollon Rim is part of the Colorado Plateau in eastern Arizona above Payson. The rim stretches across the Coconino National Forest and at some parts drops off nearly 2,000ft. This area is ideal for over-night car-camping. The expansive vistas above thousands of acres of national forest land make this a great place for a hiking and exploring during the day but the sunset followed by the star-gazing is the best part of this place.

There are dozens of campsites throughout the area - some require reservations, some are first come first serve. Check out the Mogollon Rim Ranger District website for details about campsites. The spot on the map will take you to the edge of Mogollon Rim Ranger District and the Clints Well Campground, one of the many great options in the area.

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Forest

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Reviews

PRO

Lucas Bremer

PRO

Car Camp the Mogollon Rim

09/22/20

The Mongolian Rim of Arizona is a hidden gem of the state. The mountains jet out above the desert below and provide springs, pine forests, and tons of wildlife to see. Its a must explore if in Arizona for a period of time.

5.0

Crystal Sibson

Car Camp the Mogollon Rim

08/14/20

Camping on the rim is a must do in Arizona. There are many dispersed spots in the area that offer amazing views.

5.0

Laura Hill

Car Camp the Mogollon Rim

07/07/20

If you love camping, you'll love camping on the rim! With dispersed and reservation sites available, you can't go wrong with your location. And if you're going in summer, it's even better because the rim is easily 20+ degrees cooler than the Valley. Weekends can be busy, so I'd recommend going up mid week (to ensure you get a site). And make sure to practice LNT principals!

5.0

Explorer

Dan Deublein

Explorer

Car Camp the Mogollon Rim

07/20/16

The Mogollon Rim is an awesome destination, but can become very crowded in the summers given the short drive from Phoenix. The Forest Service has started to implement 'quiet zones', which they have a map on their website. There are plenty of places to camp and you must be mindful of the fire restrictions. My favorite time to camp is typically before forest road 300 opens to traffic.

4.0

Colin Mattson

Car Camp the Mogollon Rim

01/21/16

Beautiful area with countless opportunities for camping. Note that most of the Rim Lakes area camping is limited to numbered sites (even for dispersed camping!) due to heavy usage.

5.0

Mike Zeugirdor

Car Camp the Mogollon Rim

04/13/15

Beautiful places and great trout fishing in the nearby lakes

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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This trail begins at the Washington Park Trailhead which meets up with passage #27 of the AZT. You begin traveling northbound as you ascend the great Mogollon Rim. The trail takes you through a gorgeous forest and rewards you with an awesome cliff side view at the summit. 2.25 miles into the trail, it intersects forest service road 300...here you can choose to turn around, continue traveling n...

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Car Camp the Mogollon Rim

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Nearby

Cabin Loop Trail

Hike the Colonel Devin Trail

Mogollon Rim via Washington Park

Stroll Pine Creek's Lavender Farm

Water Wheel & Ellison Creek Cascades

Camp at Knoll Lake

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