The Trip
Woods Canyon Lake · May 13–16, 2027
📍 Where We're Going
Woods Canyon Lake
Spillway Group Campground, Apache-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 Campsite
Booked & paid for 2027 — one big group site for the whole crew, reserved by Jon:
Reserved · #0892514360-1
Spillway Group Campground · Site 1
Group Standard (Nonelectric)
May 13–16
Check-in 2 PM · Check-out 11 AM
20
Max people
4
Vehicles
⚡️
No hookups
🔥 What's on the site
Five fire rings, each with a picnic table and a BBQ grill. No hookups — it's a nonelectric site.
🚌 Vehicles & RVs
Four vehicles included; one may be an RV, max 24 ft. An extra vehicle may be allowed for a fee paid at entry — coordinate with Jon before bringing a 5th.
📋 Good to Know
- 🤫 Quiet hours 10 PM–6 AM. Be courteous — raise any issues with the camp host.
- 🔌 Quiet generators only, and none after 10 PM.
- 🐕 Dogs welcome on a leash and must be attended at all times — no unattended dogs at the site.
- 🪵 Don't move firewood — buy it near camp and burn it on-site to avoid spreading tree pests.
- ⛰️ High elevation (~7,500 ft). Take it easy coming up from the Valley.
🚗 Arrival Plan
THU
1400
Check-in opens
Official check-in is 2 PM at the Spillway group site. First wave heads up to claim space and start setting camp.
🗓️ Carpools & arrival times
Still coming together for 2027 — who's driving, who's carpooling, and gear hauling. Sort it out in the WhatsApp group as the trip gets closer.
🛣️ 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 / Spillway (~2.5 hrs from Phoenix)
Open in Google Maps
Spillway Group Campground · Woods Canyon Lake, AZ
⚠️ 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 Thursday.
🍖 Food & Drinks
🍳
2027 menu is being planned
Dinners, breakfast crew, and the bar are still getting sorted. Watch the WhatsApp group — we'll post the menu and who's cooking once it's locked.
✅ Plan to bring (for now)
- • Lunch food & snacks
- • Beer for yourself
- • Anything you can't go without
Hold off on dinner shopping until the group menu is set — no point doubling up.
🌲 What to Expect
The Good Stuff
- ✅ Stocked trout lake — fishing starts at sunrise
- ✅ Tall ponderosa pines, clean mountain air
- ✅ Campfire every night
- ✅ Big group site — the whole crew in one spot
- ✅ Camp kitchen & griddle for group meals
- ✅ 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 Cordoba's Got You Covered
Don't let logistics stop you from showing up. Jon Cordoba can help with:
🎒 Camping Gear
Need a tent, sleeping bag, cot, or camp chair? Jon Cordoba has loaners. Just ask — don't show up with a blanket and a dream.
✈️ Airport Ride
Flying in? Jon Cordoba 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 Cordoba can arrange a crash spot in town before or after the trip.
Email Jon Cordoba at jon@gomancamp.com or hit up the group chat.