Sinkhole Campground: Sites & Willow Springs Access

An empty paved campsite with a picnic table and fire ring beneath ponderosa pines at Arizona’s Mogollon Rim.

Sinkhole Campground offers a smaller, quieter base for exploring the Mogollon Rim near Willow Springs Lake. The official Recreation.gov record lists 26 nonelectric sites, a mix of reservable and first-come options, two accessible sites, potable water, accessible vault toilets and paved campground roads. The lake is approximately one mile away.

Sinkhole Campground at a glance

Setting: ponderosa-pine forest near Forest Lakes, Arizona
Inventory: 26 nonelectric campsites
Reservations: sites 14–26 are listed for advance reservation; sites 1–13 are first-come, first-served
Site types: two accessible sites, two double sites and single sites
Parking: all sites use back-in parking; check the individual listing for vehicle and equipment limits
Facilities: accessible vault toilets, drinking water, trash service and a camp host
Nearby recreation: Willow Springs Lake, a non-motorized wildlife area and the General Crook National Recreation Trail

Seasonal dates, water service, fire rules and site availability can change. Check the live facility record and current Forest Service alerts immediately before travel instead of treating a typical season as a guarantee.

How the reservation split works

The campground is divided evenly between its two arrival models. Recreation.gov identifies sites 14 through 26 as advance-reservation sites and sites 1 through 13 as first-come, first-served. A first-come listing does not guarantee an open campsite when you arrive, and a reservable site still needs a date-specific availability check.

Review the individual campsite record before choosing a rig. The facility description says every site is back-in, while site-level records provide the exact driveway length, surface, equipment limits, shade and occupancy. Do not assume one campsite’s RV limit applies to the entire campground.

Sites and campground facilities

Each campsite includes a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground has two double sites, two sites identified as accessible and a remaining inventory of single sites. Roads and back-in parking areas are asphalt, which distinguishes this developed facility from rougher forest-road camping options.

Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash service are listed among the shared facilities. If a particular campsite grade, toilet route, table clearance or water connection is essential, call the facility before arrival; a general accessibility designation does not describe every surface or transfer point.

Getting there from Highway 260

The official directions place Sinkhole Campground on Willow Springs Lake Road, about one-half mile from Arizona Highway 260. Forest Lakes is approximately four miles east and provides gas, groceries and phone service. Use the campground name in navigation rather than assuming the Willow Springs boat-ramp entrance is the same destination.

The paved approach is straightforward by Mogollon Rim standards, but elevation still matters. October nights can be cold, and early snow or freezing conditions are possible. Download directions before leaving reliable service and check weather, highway conditions and forest alerts.

Willow Springs Lake access

Recreation.gov places Willow Springs Lake approximately one mile from the campground and identifies fishing and boating as nearby activities. The campground is not a lakefront launch, so plan to drive or walk only on lawful routes and use the designated lake facilities.

For ramp details, parking, motor restrictions and current fishing-planning links, use our Willow Springs Lake boat-ramp and fishing guide. Campers wanting a separate shoreline access can compare the Sardine Point shore-fishing guide.

Trails and non-motorized recreation

The federal facility description notes hiking and mountain biking near the campground in a non-motorized wildlife area. It also places the General Crook National Recreation Trail within one mile. Stay on signed routes and check seasonal or fire-related restrictions before leaving the campground.

For the historic route and a separate trail-access point, see our General Crook Trail guide. For a paved outing with Mogollon Rim views, compare the Rim Lakes Vista Trail guide.

How Sinkhole differs from nearby campgrounds

Sinkhole’s main advantages are its compact 26-site layout, equal split between reservable and first-come inventory, paved back-in sites and one-mile proximity to Willow Springs Lake. It is entirely nonelectric. Travelers who need electric sites or showers should compare our Canyon Point Campground guide.

For a larger campground immediately associated with Woods Canyon Lake, use the Aspen Campground guide. These facilities serve different primary needs, so choose by utility requirements, arrival model and the water or trail you plan to visit.

Rules and high-country safety

Only quiet generators are permitted under the current facility notice.
Dogs must remain leashed or on a lead, attended and under control.
Check current fire restrictions before using a campfire ring or grill.
Expect cold nights and rapid weather changes at high elevation.
Summer monsoon storms can bring lightning and heavy rain; leave exposed areas when thunder develops.
Store food, trash and scented items securely and keep wildlife wild.
Carry drinking-water backup even when a seasonal water system is listed.