See below or contact Bro. Mark Smith for additional Details.  

Avondale Church of God Camping Trip

June 17-19, 2020

Everyone is welcome to enjoy a few days of fun and fellowship while camping near the most beautiful lake on the Mogollon Rim.  We will be camping at Crook campground again this year, which is about 0.5 miles from Woods Canyon Lake. The campsite is very basic with access to an outhouse and water only.  It covers about 2 acres and can accommodate up to 70 people and 25 vehicles.  There is a large ramada where we will be able to get out of the sun or play games at night.  There are several picnic tables and grills. Below is some more detailed information to help you prepare.

Check In/Out:  We are allowed to check in at 2:00 PM on Thursday, 17 June (if the campsite is not reserved before us, we can probably check in early, we can check as we get closer).  We have the campsite all day Saturday, so please plan on staying most of the day so we can have group activities.

Weather:  The weather in June is generally beautiful and sunny with daytime temps in the 80os and low temps in the 40os.  Since we are transitioning into the monsoon season, rain is possible.  It is always good to check just before leaving to see what the weather is predicted to be.  Compared to Phoenix it is usually 25 cooler in the day and 30-35 cooler at night.  Due to the elevation being so high, it is easy to get sun burned quickly.  Sunscreen is highly recommended during all outside activities.

Recreation:  At the lake, trout fishing opportunities abound.  Even fishing from the shore is productive and you are virtually guaranteed to catch a fish or two (A license is required for those over 10).  Crawdads are also abundant and fun to catch and they taste good too.  Boats can be rented from the marina.  Swimming is not allowed at the lake.  There is an excellent biking trail that runs along the recreation area for approximately 5 miles.  In addition there are numerous hiking trails close by.  For the more adventurous, a group hike is planned around the lake which is beautiful, but about 4 miles long.  Don’t plan on turning around half way through!  In past years, there has been an eagle viewing telescope set up at various places on the hike.  Not far away at Canyon Point campground there is a hike to a sinkhole which is very neat.  Awesome views from the Mogollon Rim exist all over, and an evening drive down FR300 will almost certainly produce some elk sightings. We will likely have corn hole boards set up, and possibly badminton as well.  

Motorcycles & Off-Highway Vehicles must be licensed to drive in the campground and must have licensed drivers.  Forest Service Roads numbered horizontally are in this category as well.  Forest Service Roads numbered vertically do not require road license.  

Food:  Everyone is on their own to bring whatever they want to eat.  In addition, bring whatever dishes (paper and plastic wear) and preparation utensils and cleaning materials you will need.  No food will be provided and the nearest restaurant is about 10-15 miles away.  One idea to make food preparation easier is to team with another family and alternate preparing meals.

Accommodations:  Bring whatever you feel most comfortable sleeping in.  Tents and tent trailers are certainly common.  There are many areas to set up your trailer or tent. There is a hotel less than 15 miles away at Forest Lakes for those who believe camping is not for them, but they still want to spend the daytime at the campsite. 

Facilities:  Not much exists other than the ramada, outhouse and access to water.  Theoretically, the water is suitable for drinking….but you may want to bring your own drinking water.  However the water is certainly usable for washing and cleaning.

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Pets:  Pets are restricted in the campground area.  If you are obligated to bring a dog, campground rules require it to be on a leash at all times.  Campground quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM during which animals need to be kept quiet (in spite of the occasional skunk or numerous squirrels that wander through the campground.)

Guests:  As part of our outreach, non-church friends are welcome to come as long as we do not exceed the 70 person capacity.  Please make sure they are aware of the fire and pet rules.

Fires:  It is uncertain whether fires will be allowed during this camping trip.  Due to the heightened danger of wildfires, please review with your children the importance of not starting fires, especially off in the woods. 

Cost:  The total cost of the campout is $10 per individual, $20 per couple or $30 per family, whichever works out cheaper for you.  You can pay as you register.  (You may also pay Sis. Ward/Sis. Sherrie Directly with cash if you wish) This will apply to everyone visiting the campground whether or not you are spending the night.  A boat rental is approximately $45 for 4 hours.

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Directions:  Follow SR87 north to Payson.  Turn east on highway 260 (right turn just past McDonald’s) toward Heber.  Pass by Tonto Creek and Christopher Creek and soon you will begin a long climb up a hill (about 30 miles out of Payson).  At the top of the hill turn left at the “Woods Canyon Lake” sign.  This is FR300, but it may not be obvious.  However, the lake is well marked and there is an information center on the opposite side of the road.  About 3 miles down this road, FR300 will turn to dirt as shown in the map below.  Here you will turn right on Woods Canyon Lake Road, staying on the pavement.  Crook Group Campsite is a short ways down on the right side of the road, before you get to the turnoff to Spillway Campground and Aspen Campground.  Total driving time can be expected to be around 2:30.