kazpilot25 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 I'm taking the family camping over Memorial Day weekend. Heading out Thursday after work. I'm trying to decide where to go, but I'm at a loss. Big Lake? Knoll Lake? Black River? Any other ideas? I want to do some fishing and want to be near water for the kids. Let me hear your suggestions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoss50 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Avoid the mess, stay home.... I refuse to go out of town on those holiday weekends. 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heat Report post Posted May 17, 2016 I went to Bear Canyon Lake last year and caught some fish and had a good time. We didn't camp all that close to the water so were got away from a lot of the people. There are still a ton of idiots that only seem to come out on these weekends. I wouldn't let them hold you back from having a good time though. I would be on my way to Big Lake if I was you, I love that place! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Analogkid1014 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 I would be heading to Big Lake or if you want to be near the water and do not care about the Permit fees i would go to Reservation Lake, good camping and fishing 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Once summer sets in practically every weekend gets crowded so just go and enjoy yourself. Woods Canyon is more kid friendly terrain wise than Knoll and the fishing is usually better. http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Spillway_Az/r/campsiteDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&siteId=6735&parkId=70477 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mocha1545 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 I Love Knoll but it's not that kid friendly. You can NEVER go wrong with Big Lake! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Str8Shot Report post Posted May 17, 2016 good luck being able to reserve in spillway... At least with Big lake Rainbow is mostly walk in first come first serve, just not that close to the water ... I would take Thursday off and camp along the Black ... Great fun for the kids , fishing is improving and Big lake as well as others are a short drive away. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
My Rights As An American Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Greenland. That may be the only place without 5 million people. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jazz Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Camp on the East side of knoll lake- take the 300 and turn north right before it. Tons of good spots- probably not a lot of people and easy walking down to the lake.(My 2 cents) 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues assassin Report post Posted May 17, 2016 I usually go to woods canyon and willowsprings. If your leaving Thursday you may be able to snag a first come spot at "Sinkhole" campground which is about .5mile from willow springs! That's my suggestion! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossislider Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Just be sure not to camp within 1/4 mile of any of these lakes or you will likely get asked to pack up and move. Speaking specifically of Knoll Lake, you can no longer camp anywhere along that final road (marked in red) that leads up to the lake other than the campground. All disbursed camping must be along the road before and after this final road. I doubt you will be able to have a campfire at any of these locations. But know that the dividing lines for Coconino and Apache Sitgreaves National Forests divides right at Knoll lake. East side is Apache Sitgreaves and West is Coconino. Fire restriction might differ for each. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Str8Shot Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Woods canyon was a zoo this past weekend with a mile long line of cars trying to get into the store parking lot on Saturday... I am assuming it will be worse on Memorial Day weekend. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossislider Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Woods canyon was a zoo this past weekend with a mile long line of cars trying to get into the store parking lot on Saturday... I am assuming it will be worse on Memorial Day weekend. You wouldn't catch me within 20 miles of one of the Rim lakes on Memorial day weekend. The area around Big Lake will be busy as well, but there is so much more area in the White Mountains that it doesn't get nearly as congested. You can find great places to camp if you don't mind moving a little further from the lakes. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phil Beavers Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Woods canyon was a zoo this past weekend with a mile long line of cars trying to get into the store parking lot on Saturday... I am assuming it will be worse on Memorial Day weekend. You wouldn't catch me within 20 miles of one of the Rim lakes on Memorial day weekend. The area around Big Lake will be busy as well, but there is so much more area in the White Mountains that it doesn't get nearly as congested. You can find great places to camp if you don't mind moving a little further from the lakes. Dude just imagine the I-17 north that weekend ... I avoid camping during major holidays that 1-17 will be horrible on Sunday afternoon 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trphyhntr Report post Posted May 17, 2016 if you go youre a glutton for punishment Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
