Looking for a peaceful retreat into nature with cool mountain air, sparkling waters, and starry skies? Bear Canyon Lake delivers — and we’ve got the top 5 activities you won’t want to miss!
Bear Canyon Lake on the Mogollon Rim, Arizona
Location & Directions:
From Payson, Arizona, head east on AZ-260 for about 30 miles. You’ll see signs for Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) — turn left and continue about 11 miles until you reach FR 89, where you’ll follow signs to Bear Canyon Lake.
Road Update:
Last spring, the dirt roads were being graded and made for a bumpy ride. This year, however, we were thrilled to find that Rim Road is now paved all the way to the Bear Canyon Lake turnoff. The smooth drive made the scenic journey even more enjoyable!
Fishing at Bear Canyon Lake
You’ll need your Arizona fishing license to fish here, so be sure to grab one in advance. While there, we met a friendly fisherman paddling in his kayak. He hadn’t caught anything yet, but the nibbles kept his hopes alive.
As for us? No luck — but I did get in plenty of casting practice, and honestly, that was half the fun. The high winds caused waves and the sound of birds overhead made it a peaceful and memorable experience.
Hiking Around the Lake
There’s no official trail loop, but you can wander freely on the dirt paths and forest roads that wrap around the lake. Tall pines provide shade and calm, and the occasional rustle in the trees might be a wild turkey or deer.
We saw woodpeckers, and even a group of turkeys. The air was crisp, and the forest floor smelled like pine and earth — a perfect hike for nature lovers who enjoy quiet.
Stargazing
At night, the sky put on a show. We were lucky to have clear skies and a moon that didn’t rise until early morning. I snapped a photo, though it mostly shows white dots on a black screen — the real magic was just looking up. With no city lights nearby, the stars blanketed the sky in every direction. Truly unforgettable.
SUP Boarding (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)
This trip, high winds kept the paddleboards in storage. Gusts reached nearly 30 mph at times, making it too risky to be out on the water. But if you catch a calm day, Bear Canyon Lake is perfect for SUP boarding — peaceful paddling, surrounded by forest, with fish darting below the surface. I’ve SUPed here before and can’t wait to do it again soon. I can’t wait to bring out my inflatable SUP again when the winds settle — it fits perfectly in CamperVan!
Reading & Relaxing
Don’t forget your hammock and a good book. Find the perfect pair of pine trees, set up camp, and settled in. There’s nothing like swinging gently in the breeze with a cozy blanket, your favorite story, and the scent of the forest all around. Bonus points for a midday nap!
Planning Your Visit
If you’re prepping for your own spring camping trip to Bear Canyon Lake, make sure to read our blog:
Bear Canyon Lake on Arizona’s Mogollon Rim: CamperVan’s Spring Trip Research
You’ll find tips on road conditions, fire restrictions, weather forecasts, and ranger contact info to help you plan a safe and smooth trip!
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