Black Canyon Lake, Arizona is located at 7,067 feet, in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest between the towns of Payson and Heber-Overgaard. It is closest to Heber; being located 15 miles southwest of Heber, on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The roads to the lake are generally closed from December to early April due to snow. A Google Earth Map search marks the center of the Black Canyon Lake Dam at 34o 19' 51.72" N 110o 41' 53.65" W. Black Canyon Lake was built by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in the 1960s along the Mogollon Rim to provide water recreation for the public. It's water surface is about 78 acres with an average depth of 35 feet and a maximum depth of 60 feet. Black Canyon Lake is a great lake to visit with lots of forest scenery. However, the surrounding forest was adversely effected by the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire and some trees around the lake are still charred. There is one boat ramp, which is usable during high water levels. There are two barrier-free toilets. Overnight camping is not permitted at the lake but camping is allowed at two nearby campgrounds. The one closest to the lake is the Black Canyon Rim Campground near the junction of Forest Roads 300 and 86. It has 21 sites, chemical toilets, water and gravel road access. Approximately two miles further down Forest Road 300 is the Gentry Campground, with six sites, a vault toilet, water and gravel road access. Both campgrounds are fee-use areas, and no reservations are taken. The Moqui Group Campground is located near the Black Canyon Lake, but it is reserved for large groups only. It is divided into three individual pods which can accommodate up to 50 people per pod. Its facilities include potable water, garbage service, ground grills, large pedestal bar-b-que grills, picnic tables, horseshoe courts, amphitheater and restrooms. To get there go on AZ 87 to Clints Well. Then drive approximately 9 miles to milepost 298.8. Turn right on FR 138 and drive about one mile to the campground. Black Canyon Lake is primarily a Rainbow Trout fishing lake, with some German Brown, and a few illegally introduced, Largemouth Bass and Green Sunfish. Varying sizes of rainbow trout are stocked in the spring and early summer. The best way to catch the larger trout is fly fishing from a boat or float tube. Black Canyon Lake's season lasts between May and October of each year. Max. 10 hp (7.5 kW) Gas Motor or Single Electric Motors are required. There are two ways to get there: Take Highway 260 northeast from Payson toward Heber. Then take Forest Road 300. Go south on 300 for about 2.4 miles. Turn east (left) on Forest Road 86 about 3 miles to the lake turnoff. Take Highway 260 southwest of Heber-Overgaard to Forest Road 300. Go south on 300 for about 2.4 miles. Turn east (left) on Forest Road 86 about 3 miles to the lake turnoff. Directions. Take Highway 260 southwest of Heber-Overgaard to Forest Road 300. Go south on 300 for about 2.4 miles. Turn east (left) on Forest Road 86 about 3 miles to the lake turnoff. If you are driving from Payson, take Highway 260 northeast and follow same directions. Access is restricted in the winter when roads are closed due to snow, generally December to early April. Take Highway 260 northeast from Payson toward Heber. Then take Forest Road 300 west 3 miles and turn right at Woods Canyon Lake Road.

If you are planning to visit Black Canyon Lake you may need to purchase some outdoor gear, boating equipment, or fishing gear. We have some links to Priceline.com on this page since they are a good online source for hotels in this area. As you know, inflatable boats, inflatable kayaks and canoes are ideal for the many of the smaller lakes, streams, and rivers found in Arizona. In some cases they are even required. Bear Canyon Lake would be best fished with an inflatable boat, inflatable kayak, or canoe. We have links to SeaEagle.com on this page since they are the world's premiere source for Inflatable Boats, Inflatable Kayaks and Canoes - Starting at just $299. We also have some links to Altrec.com on this page since they are a good online source for any outdoor camping gear and clothing that you may need. We of course, appreciate your use of the advertising on our pages, since it helps us to keep our pages active.

Trout Fishing At Black Canyon Lake, Arizona. Photo Taken: July 29, 2009.
Black Canyon Lake, Arizona. Photo Taken: July 29, 2009.
Black Canyon Lake, Arizona. Photo Taken: July 29, 2009.
2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire Damage. Black Canyon Lake, Arizona. Photo Taken: July 29, 2009.
Untouched By 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire Damage. Black Canyon Lake, Arizona. Photo Taken: July 29, 2009.

Black Canyon Lake Arizona Moqui Group Campground	Black Canyon Lake Arizona Moqui Group Campground
Black Canyon Lake Arizona Moqui Group Campground	Black Canyon Lake Arizona Moqui Group Campground
Black Canyon Lake Arizona Black Canyon Rim Campground	Black Canyon Lake Arizona Black Canyon Rim Campground
Black Canyon Lake Arizona Parking Area	Black Canyon Lake Arizona Boat Ramp
Black Canyon Lake Arizona Parking Area	Black Canyon Lake Arizona Parking Area Toilets

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