The Trip

Woods Canyon Lake · May 14–17, 2026

📍 Where We're Going

Woods Canyon Lake

Aspen Campground, Sitgreaves National Forest, AZ

Elevation: ~7,500 ft — bring layers. Nights get cold even in May.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and channel catfish. Moriarty, the legendary catfish, has evaded capture since 2022.

🗺️ Open in Google Maps

🏕️ Our Campsites

Same area we've claimed every year. Jon and Uncle Glen will secure 3 sites on Thursday. The full lineup:

Site

Site 92 marked with asterisk — may vary by reservation availability. Jon will confirm closer to the date.

🚌 Got an RV?

One 36-ft RV is already confirmed. If you're bringing an additional RV, let Jon know — it requires reserving an extra campsite. Email [email protected].

🛣️ Getting There

From Phoenix/Scottsdale: Take AZ-87 North (Beeline Hwy) toward Payson

Continue through Payson on AZ-260 East toward Show Low

Turn left on AZ-260 / Forest Road into the Rim Country area

Follow signs to Woods Canyon Lake / Aspen Campground (~2.5 hrs from Phoenix)

⚠️ Heads up

Cell service gets spotty past Payson. Download offline Google Maps before you leave. Jon will send confirmed campsite coordinates once he's set up on Thursday.

🌲 What to Expect

The Good Stuff

✅ Stocked trout lake — fishing starts at sunrise
✅ Tall ponderosa pines, clean mountain air
✅ Campfire every night
✅ Starlink on-site (Jon's bringing it)
✅ Coleman stove + full cook kit on-site
✅ Electric shower available
✅ Remarkably little cell service (feature, not a bug)

Reality Check

⚠️ Nights drop to 35–45°F — pack layers
⚠️ Bring a real sleeping bag (20°F rated)
⚠️ No hookups at tent sites
⚠️ Vault toilets — manage expectations
⚠️ Bears are real, keep food secured
⚠️ Moriarty will mock your bait selection

🤝 Jon's Got You Covered

Don't let logistics stop you from showing up. Jon can help with:

🎒 Camping Gear

Need a tent, sleeping bag, cot, or camp chair? Jon has loaners. Just ask — don't show up with a blanket and a dream.

✈️ Airport Ride

Flying in? Jon can coordinate a pickup or connect you with someone driving up from Phoenix/Scottsdale.

🏠 In-Town Stay

Arriving a day early or staying late? Jon can arrange a crash spot in town before or after the trip.

Email Jon at [email protected] or hit up the group chat.