The lake side of the dirt berm
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Knoll Lake

4.6
·127 reviews·Payson, United States

Escape to the serene beauty of Knoll Lake on Arizona's Mogollon Rim. Enjoy peaceful waters, stunning vistas, and a true digital detox.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peace

CrowdLow
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The lake side of the dirt berm

Knoll Lake

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Escape to the serene beauty of Knoll Lake on Arizona's Mogollon Rim. Enjoy peaceful waters, stunning vistas, and a true digital detox.

4.6
(127 reviews)

"Knoll Lake Campground is by far the most beautiful campground that we have ever been to."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Cash for Fees

Campground fees are cash only. Be prepared to pay upon arrival. :moneybag:

Pack for Remote Stays

No stores nearby. Bring all your food, water, and supplies. :shopping_bags:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 127 reviews

Type

Campground

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tranquil Waters of Knoll Lake

Tranquil Waters of Knoll Lake

Mogollon Rim

A peaceful, often secluded lake offering stunning views and a chance to truly unwind. Perfect for quiet reflection.

Instagram+1
Mogollon Rim Vistas

Mogollon Rim Vistas

Surrounding area

Experience breathtaking panoramic views from the Mogollon Rim, a dramatic escarpment with vast forest landscapes.

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Island in the Lake

Island in the Lake

Knoll Lake

A unique feature of Knoll Lake is its central island, adding a picturesque element to the scenery.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Unplugged Adventure

Knoll Lake offers a true escape with limited cell service, perfect for disconnecting. Plan for a remote experience and pack essentials, as nearby stores are scarce. Cash is king for campground fees. InstagramReddit

Prepare for the Drive

Accessing Knoll Lake involves a significant drive on unpaved roads, especially if you're pulling a camper. A 4x4 vehicle might be beneficial for some routes. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peace
Crowd
Low
When
Early Mornings
Why
Golden light, quiet lake
Crowd
Low
When
Fall
Why
Crisp air, beautiful colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A great end to a great weekend out of town. I stopped at Knoll Lake as I left the Santos Settlement on the Mogollon Rim. Beautiful lake! I practically had it all to myself. 🤗😍😝
john_ultra_az
16 likes • 286 views

Bring Cash for Fees

Campground fees are cash only. Be prepared to pay upon arrival. Reddit :moneybag:

Pack for Remote Stays

No stores nearby. Bring all your food, water, and supplies. Reddit :shopping_bags:

A chilly, wind-swept morning at Knoll Lake 🌬️🌲 — the sun slowly rising over the Mogollon Rim, casting golden light across the water. Hidden deep in Arizona’s Rim Country, this peaceful lake is the kind of spot that makes you forget the world for a while. Cold fingers, full heart. 🧊✨ #KnollLake #Wanderlust #FYP #ForYourPage #Traveler #Videographer #Arizona #BeautifulArizona #RoadTrips #ArizonaRoad...
nationcaptured
11 likes • 264 views
Explore Arizona's Lakes! Knoll Lake
samabdeh
6 likes • 100 views

Enjoy the Quiet

Limited cell service means a great opportunity to unplug and relax. Instagram :iphone:

Check Road Conditions

Roads can be rough, especially for larger vehicles. Plan your route accordingly. Reddit :road:

Knoll lake up in the mogollin rim!’#IGsouthwest #az365 #instagramaz #azhiking #arizonahiking #exploreaz #arizona #discoverarizona #wildernessculture #keepitwild #conquerarizona #arizonahighways #arizonacollective #abc15 #thegreatoutdoors #wonderful_places #ourplanetdaily #nature #naturalarizona #arizona_landscapes #arizonahikersguide #see_arizona #explorearizona #haz #igersphx #optoutside #visita...
willloveadventures
10 likes • 160 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash for Fees

Campground fees are cash only. Be prepared to pay upon arrival. Reddit :moneybag:

Pack for Remote Stays

No stores nearby. Bring all your food, water, and supplies. Reddit :shopping_bags:

Enjoy the Quiet

Limited cell service means a great opportunity to unplug and relax. Instagram :iphone:

Check Road Conditions

Roads can be rough, especially for larger vehicles. Plan your route accordingly. Reddit :road:

Respect Fire Restrictions

Open fires may be restricted. Propane setups are a good alternative. Reddit 🔥

What Travellers Say

4.6
(127 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Knoll Lake is highly praised for its beautiful, quiet, and remote setting, with exceptionally clean campgrounds and friendly hosts. While the drive can be challenging and amenities are basic, visitors appreciate the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature. The lake's serene atmosphere and the well-maintained facilities make it a favored spot for camping and relaxation. InstagramReddit

"We had a romantic little getaway at Knoll Campground and loved every minute of it. Even with kids running around and dogs nearby, it gave us that cozy, home-like feel. It was a bummer that open fires weren’t allowed, but having a propane setup helped us still enjoy the evening.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot with clean bathrooms nearby (huge plus for the wife), this is the place. There’s even a water fill station which came in handy. Campgrounds are super affordable $20 a night, or $40 for double sites. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, and a nice level spot for a tent. Simple, peaceful, and just what we needed. We’ll definitely be back!"

Joshua K

"The good: beautiful, quiet, remote, CLEAN outhouses, no wifi. The bad: Be prepared to drive an hour after the pavement ends if your pulling a camper. No store. Cash only. Lake was beautiful but about 20 foot low. The ugly: Absolutely nothing.
Thank you T and Art!.... We definitely should have not left early! 😕"

Eats Rust

"We, T and Art (TArt), will be hosting Knoll Lake Campground this year.(See Facebook page Knoll Lake Campground Arizona). This will be our 5th summer camphosting. We previously have hosted Rock Crossing Campground and The 9350 Campground in the Sitgreaves Forest. Those who have camped with us know that we are chill, and focus on relaxation and enjoyment of the forest. We are often mentioned in past reviews of our previous campgrounds. Knoll Lake Campground is by far the most beautiful campground that we have ever been to. Here are some pics. Follow on Facebook page Knoll Lake Campground Arizona for availability info, weather updates, and more."

Therese Arcieri

What People Like

Beautiful and quiet lake
Clean campgrounds
Friendly camp hosts

What People Dislike

Rough access roads
No nearby stores
Limited cell service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Knoll Lake is located on the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. Access typically involves driving on unpaved roads for a significant distance after the pavement ends, which can be challenging for RVs and campers. Some sources suggest a 4x4 might be beneficial for certain routes. InstagramReddit

The roads leading to Knoll Lake can be rough and unpaved for about an hour after the paved road ends. Travelers recommend checking road conditions before you go, especially if you are pulling a camper. Reddit

While specific seasonal closures aren't detailed, the remote nature and potential for rough roads suggest checking conditions, especially during winter months. The surrounding forest environment is generally accessible during warmer seasons. Instagram

It's possible, but be prepared for a bumpy ride on unpaved roads. If you have a lower-clearance vehicle, proceed with caution. A higher-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is often recommended for comfort and safety. Reddit

Payson, Arizona, is a nearby town often mentioned in relation to the Mogollon Rim area where Knoll Lake is situated. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Knoll Lake itself doesn't require tickets for access. However, the Knoll Lake Campground has a nightly fee, which is typically cash only. Reddit

As a natural lake and surrounding area, Knoll Lake is generally accessible during daylight hours. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis or with reservations, and has specific check-in/check-out times. Instagram

Camping fees at Knoll Lake Campground are reported to be affordable, around $20 per night for single sites and $40 for double sites. Remember to bring cash. Reddit

While some sources mention first-come, first-served, there's also information about camphosting and a Facebook page for Knoll Lake Campground Arizona, suggesting potential for information on availability and possibly reservations. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific entrance fees for the Mogollon Rim itself, but individual campgrounds within the forest may have fees. Knoll Lake Campground has a fee. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors enjoy fishing, paddleboarding, and simply relaxing by the water. The surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the Mogollon Rim. InstagramReddit

While the lake is beautiful, swimming is not explicitly highlighted as a primary activity. It's more geared towards fishing and paddleboarding. Instagram

Campgrounds are well-maintained with clean outhouses, fire pits, picnic tables, and level tent spots. There's also a water fill station. Reddit

No, cell service is very limited or non-existent at Knoll Lake, making it an ideal spot to disconnect. InstagramReddit

Dogs are generally allowed in campgrounds and surrounding areas, but always check specific regulations for the national forest and campground. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no stores or restaurants directly at Knoll Lake. You'll need to bring all your food and supplies with you. Reddit

Pack all your meals, snacks, and drinks. Consider non-perishable items and anything that can be easily prepared at a campsite. Reddit

Open fires may be restricted due to fire danger. It's essential to check current fire restrictions. Propane stoves or grills are often a good alternative. Reddit

Yes, there is a water fill station available at the Knoll Lake Campground, which is very convenient for campers. Reddit

Each campsite typically has a fire pit and a picnic table. You'll need to bring your own cooking equipment, such as a grill or camp stove. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings offer beautiful golden hour light as the sun rises over the Mogollon Rim, casting a glow on the lake. Sunsets can also be spectacular. Instagram+1

Capture the serene lake reflections, the unique island, the surrounding ponderosa pines, and the expansive vistas from the Mogollon Rim. Instagram+1

Keep an eye out for wildlife, and be aware of natural events like falling trees, which can make for dramatic, albeit unexpected, photo opportunities. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:

Drone usage is subject to regulations by the U.S. Forest Service. Always check current rules and restrictions before flying. TikTok

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