Tonto National Forest — Mogollon Rim / FR 300

Highlights

• ▶ FR 300 (Rim Road) runs 40+ miles along the top of the Mogollon Rim at 7,000–7,500 ft — the most popular summer dispersed camping area in all of Arizona, and accessible via paved AZ-87 from Phoenix
• ▶ Dozens of pull-off sites with sweeping views north across the Tonto basin; pine-fir forest with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms; 25–30°F cooler than Phoenix in July
• ▶ Woods Canyon Lake (trout fishing) and Bear Canyon Lake are developed day-use areas within 20 miles along FR 300; Payson (full services) is 30 min south on AZ-87

Planning Notes

AZ-87 north from Mesa/Phoenix to Payson (paved all the way, suitable for any trailer). Turn east on AZ-260 to access FR 300 junction. FR 300 itself is graded gravel — good for 35-ft trailers. Download Tonto NF Payson Ranger District MVUM before departure. Heavy use on summer holiday weekends; arrive Thursday or consider weekdays. Fire restrictions apply June–early July. From Austin: ~12.5 hrs via I-10 W to Phoenix then AZ-87 N.