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I am anchor
Cool spot on the Mogollon Rim
Posted
Linda McThrall
Knoll Lake is one of those Arizona places you want to keep secret.
It isn’t a secret though, although it is far enough away from Fountain Hills and the Northeast Valley that it doesn’t draw the kinds of crowds some of the other Mogollon Rim lakes do. It takes a little more effort to get to Knoll than say Woods Canyon or Willow Springs lakes, which generally are packed with campers, fisherpeople and picnickers on weekends. Knoll is more than 20 miles on a dirt road away from the cutoff from Arizona Highway 260 from Payson. Accessing most of the Rim lakes is relatively easy; you will find Knoll Lake on Forest Road 300 off Arizona Highway 260 east of Payson.
Knoll is a pretty little lake, covering 75 acres. It sits at nearly 7,400 feet, so you can feel your walk with the cool, thin air. Stocked rainbow and brown trout are the featured catches with plenty of spots to fish from the shore, or a boat ramp to get you out in the middle of the water. Boats are restricted to those with single electric motors. The small knoll in its center gives the lake its name.
Knoll Lake is in the Coconino National Forest. There are 30 single campsites for up to eight people each, and another three double sites for up to 16 people. The sites have tables, fire rings and cooking grills. Vault type toilets are located throughout the camp area. The campsites cannot be reserved.
Tents, small motor homes and trailers up to 32 feet are permitted in the campground. Pets must be leashed, and horses are not allowed in the campground. Fees to camp are $14 per site for the single family unit per night; the double sites are $28 per site per night.
There is plenty of scenery to take in if you tire of fishing. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, along with stargazing, listening to the birds or just relaxing are great ways to enjoy this small haven.
Some forest roads are closed in the winter months, so outdoor people should check the U.S. Forest Service website, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino. Visit the website, also, for current fire restrictions and availability of potable water.
Woods Canyon Lake provides additional services not available at Knoll. There is a small general store at Woods Canyon, with fishing supplies, snacks and other miscellaneous goods.
