Photo: davidpinter / CC BY 3.0

Campgrounds 7,657 ft Bortle 4 Solitude: 75/100 (remote)

Mogollon Campground, although not directly in the Woods Canyon Recreation area, sits just outside and is only two miles from the lake. For those who like spectacular views, this campground is one of the closest to the Mogollon Rim. Recreation Fishing and boating are available at Woods Canyon Lake which is approximately three miles from the campground on Road 105. Facilities Mogollon Campground has 26 sites (of which sites 14 through 26 are available for advanced reservation). All sites are parallel parking and approximately 40 feet. Sites can accommodate tents, pop-up campers, trailers, and motorhomes. There are two loops which have 13 sites per loop. Each campsite offers a campfire ring, grill and picnic table. Additional amenities include accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash service. A camp host is available at the site. Natural Features Mogollon Campground is surrounded by ponderosa pines. The road to Mogollon is a sandy road off of Road 300. The campground itself is also sandy and gravel. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181. Nearby Attractions Some groceries are available at the Marina Store at Woods Canyon Lake which is approximately three miles from the campground. The store also offers boat and kayak rentals. Woods Canyon Lake is a great lake for fishing.

Near Young, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

Preparation for Mogollon Campground starts with your pack. These items address the real risks and conditions here.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Terrain Gear

Headlamp (extra) — A second light source is a fundamental safety redundancy in backcountry travel where help may be hours away.
Emergency bivy — In remote terrain where rescue may take hours or overnight, a bivy sack can prevent hypothermia in survivable conditions.
PLB/satellite messenger — Two-way satellite messengers also let you send check-in messages, reducing worry for contacts at home.
SPF50 lip balm — Reapply every 2 hours and after eating or drinking, as lip balm wears off faster than body sunscreen.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino

The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

With 11 activities available, Mogollon Campground works for both quick day trips and longer stays.

The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

boating — Always wear life jackets and follow local water safety rules.
camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
fishing — Check local regulations and seasons before heading out.
ice_fishing — Portable shelters help protect against cold winds.
ice_skating — Ensure ice thickness and safety before skating on natural surfaces.
kayaking — Wear a personal flotation device and check water conditions before launching.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Forest — Expect cooler temperatures and higher humidity under tree cover. Wildlife habitat is abundant, especially in mixed hardwood or conifer stands.

Wildlife Safety at Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Safety at Mogollon Campground involves knowing about 1 potential wildlife hazards in the area.

Danger rating: 25/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (88mi)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: high (Southern latitude (34N), Elevated (7,657ft), Forest canopy (shade))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.

Western Diamondback

Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino

The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

This Forest habitat supports 1 mammal species, 30 bird species, and 7 reptile species.

Trees (1)

Arizona sycamore — It grows along streams in desert and canyon environments.

Wildflowers (4)

purple owl's-clover — Showy clusters blending bracts and small flowers.
pinkflower hedgehog cactus — Low-growing cactus forming rounded clusters.
California poppy — Four-petaled blooms that close at night or in cool weather.
Coulter's lupine — The plant grows in open disturbed soils.

Shrubs (3)

Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — The plant rarely exceeds a foot tall but can spread outward in mounded colonies. Its vivid blooms contrast sharply against arid landscapes.
Sonoran scrub oak — Acorns are small and mature in a single season.

Other Plants (5)

saguaro
Buckhorn Cholla
jojoba
Panamint liveforever
ocotillo

Mammals (1)

White-tailed Deer — Bucks grow antlers annually, shedding them each winter.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
House Sparrow — Urban plumage often dusted and worn
European Starling — Sleek dark breeding plumage with yellow bill
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Squared tail with white tips
Dark-eyed Junco — Pink-sided form with pale gray and buff flanks

Reptiles (7)

Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Adults commonly 3–5 feet long.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.

Amphibians (3)

Canyon Tree Frog
Red-spotted Toad
Lowland Leopard Frog

Insects (6)

Pipevine Swallowtail
Queen
Marine Blue
Gray Buckeye
Dainty Sulphur

Other Wildlife (1)

Desert Blonde Tarantula

Nature Bingo at Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Black-throated Gray Warbler (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Ornate Tree Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
saguaro (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Best months to visit based on climate: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Avoid unless prepared for .

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 50.1°F

Annual precipitation: 33.3 in

With an average annual temperature of 50.1°F and 33.3 inches of precipitation, Mogollon Campground has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 69°F, while winter lows drop to 34°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct.

Winter 34°

4.6"

Spring 46°

1.4"

Summer 69°

3.4"

Fall 52°

1.7"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	34°F	4.6 in
Feb	36°F	4.2 in
Mar	41°F	3.7 in
Apr	46°F	1.4 in
May	55°F	1.0 in
Jun	65°F	0.3 in
Jul	69°F	3.4 in
Aug	67°F	4.1 in
Sep	62°F	2.3 in
Oct	52°F	1.7 in
Nov	42°F	2.3 in
Dec	34°F	4.3 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.

Summer: 5:10 AM – 7:36 PM

Winter: 7:22 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:22 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:36 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:36 PM Golden hour from 6:59 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:36 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM Golden hour from 5:57 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:05 AM, Sunset 6:32 PM Golden hour from 5:59 PM

Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Mogollon Campground.

Phoenix is the nearest hub at 88 miles — here's the trip breakdown.

Nearest city: Phoenix (88 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $22 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 71.1 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Nearby options include trails and campgrounds within a short drive.

Nearby Trails

Woods Canyon Nature Trail, Coconino 0.92 mi
Military Sink Hole Trail, Gila 1.04 mi
Meadow Trail, Coconino 1.09 mi
Woods Canyon Lake Trail, Coconino 1.11 mi
Woods Canyon Lake Connector, Coconino 1.11 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Aspen (az) Campground, Coconino 0.72 mi
Aspen Cg Campground, Coconino 0.72 mi
Crook Cg Campground, Coconino 0.89 mi
Crook Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino 0.92 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

The dark sky quality at Mogollon Campground (Bortle 4) places it among the better stargazing spots in the area.

Bortle 4 Rural/suburban transition

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.

Meteor Showers

The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

The seasonal rhythm at Mogollon Campground shapes what you'll see on the trail, in the sky, and across the landscape.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino

The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.

Recognition of Indigenous stewardship matters. Mogollon Campground lies within the ancestral lands of Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Dilzhę́’é (South).

Dilzhę́’é (South)

Data from Native Land Digital

Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Mogollon Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Permian sedimentary rocks
Formation: Kaibab Formation; Toroweap Formation; Coconino Sandstone
Lithology: Major:{sandstone,limestone}, Minor:{chert}
Age: Permian

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 1
Unique Species: 1
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 20
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Manganese, Iron, Barium-Barite, Fire Clay (Refractory), Kaolin, Clay, Silica, Sand and Gravel

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 96°F (2005-07-12)
Record Low: -22°F (1949-01-04)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 172
Largest Fire: Dudley (20,116.7 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a humid climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Upper Wildcat Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports: 5 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 30/100

Mogollon Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Official condition reports for Mogollon Campground cover weather, wildfire activity, flood status, and road conditions.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: PLEASANT VALLEY, AZ US (15.29 mi)