Knoll Lake Campground — Hotel in Payson

Subject: Knoll Lake Campground, AZ] - Feedback on Recent Stay

My recent stay at Knoll Lake Campground was unfortunately not as pleasant as I had hoped. While I understand that running a campground can be challenging, I encountered several issues that impacted my experience:

[Unclear and Unenforced Rules ] The noise levels were high at night, despite quiet hours being advertised.

Unprofessional Behavior: The host was rude and dismissive when I sought assistance. SPECIFICALLY THE HOST (LADY) was very unprofessional and her demeanor made mine and my group stay uncomfortable. *The lady was checking peoples campground super early the next morning at 7AM! She came to my campground started shouting to wake me up and presumed to ask me questions. With little to no thought that there were other campers still sleeping she continued to shout. After answering her questions she kept accusing me for stealing someone’s campground after my group overpaid her by $30 for the 1 night. The lady (camp host) said she didn’t have cash back so we couldn’t get the change that was owed back to us, so we let her have it as a donation. My group left at 5:30PM the night before because they had an emergency. They paid for 2 nights, they stayed for the one night and they told me I can stay for the 2nd night. So I ended up staying the night alone at the campsite that we already paid for and because I didn’t tell the camp host what had happened to my group she accused me of stealing and unkindly and disrespectfully asked me to leave the campsite. She said to me, “Checkout is at 12pm (noon), hurry up chop chop.” I started getting things packed up and the camp host lady came back around for the 2nd time at about 7:30AM and was so upset still that she said to me “I want you to leave now and if you don’t I am going to have the Rangers come out and escort you out.” I asked her what I did wrong and she said “I didnt let the camp host know about what happened and that they need to be in the know at all times.” I apologized for not knowing and she still went off on me so I just packed up and left. While I finished packing up I heard a few campers near my area complain about how the lady was loud and that it woke them up. I was looking forward to have a more relaxed trip, but this encounter made me rethink of not ever coming back to this specific spot to stay the night but only just to visit for a few hours and than leave.

Unavailability: The host was often unavailable when needed. My group tried to reach out to them, but they were nowhere to be found.

While there were some positive aspects, such as, the scenic views, the overall experience was marred by these issues. I hope that these concerns can be addressed to improve the experience for future guests.

Thank you for considering this...

Peaceful Getaway in the Pines — Hidden Gem!

Knoll Lake Campground is the perfect escape if you’re looking for peace, beauty, and a break from the noise of everyday life. Nestled deep in the Mogollon Rim, this spot offers serene lake views, cool pine-scented air, and a true feeling of seclusion. You won’t get cell service out here—and that’s part of the charm.

The campsites are clean, well-spaced, and surrounded by tall trees that offer great shade during the day. The lake is just a short walk from the sites and is great for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing on the shore. We even saw bald eagles flying overhead, which was incredible.

It’s a dry campground (no water hookups), so come prepared with your own supplies. But honestly, that only adds to the unplugged, rustic experience. The stars at night are next-level amazing—zero light pollution makes for a sky full of constellations.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to reconnect with nature, Knoll Lake is a must-visit. Can’t wait...

This is a Nice Place to come to cool off from the heat in the Valley of the Sun Phoenix Arizona. We drove in from Mesa, AZ 85206 area. It was an awsome relaxing trip with plenty of views and lot of stuff to do outdoors. Including Knoll Lake and the Knoll Lake Campsite is newer tottaly updated and redone renovated. Knoll Lake Camp Site Arizona has an awsome Campsite director thats been there over 8 + years and maintains the area very well. It is well worth the $2.00 - $14.00 per Vehicle or depending on the activity you do there and spot you camp at. The pick nick tables and firepits and BBQ and designated flat even and maintained spots for your tent set up or enough space for a travel trailer and or RV with plenty of space from the other campers around you. Clean bathrooms running water to wash up and he sells firewood Thanks for the awsome experiance ED from Jacek Jack and Family...