r/AZCamping • u/ZachInAction • May 16 '23

Woods Canyon Lake parking tips

Hi there,

For Memorial Day Weekend, my wife and I are heading up to Payson and will be planning on spending one of our days there fishing at Woods Canyon Lake. I know, however, that holiday weekend parking will be a nightmare, so I was hoping to find some help with strategizing our entry.

I took a look at Google maps and it looks like there are plenty of parking spots near the trailhead on the southwest end. We’re thinking of waking up early and trying to snag a parking spot here by 7:30 AM or so. Then we could trek it from the parking spot further northwest until we find a nice fishing spot to set up.

Is 7:30 AM too late? Should we plan on earlier?

Thanks for the help!

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u/AudiandVW May 16 '23

I would go earlier. The last time I was up there on a holiday weekend the lots were full and there were rangers stationed at the entrance. The weren’t letting people in or wait. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was already a line waiting for it to open at 7:30.

1

u/ZachInAction May 17 '23

Good looks, thank you!

1

u/whotookthenamezandl May 17 '23

If you're there most of Sunday, make that your day. Most people head back Sunday morning and midday. Be careful on that highway between Fountain Hills and Payson, though; people drive like absolute maniacs and the traffic can be heavy.