Williams Fun Facts:
• The Williams area was first settled in 1874.
• Cool summers, a colorful fall and sunny, white winters, make Williams a playground for all seasons.
• Average summer temperatures are in the mid 80s, while most of Arizona simmers at more than 100 degrees.
• Downtown Williams is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the buildings were constructed in the early 1900s.
• There are seven lakes and reservoirs within an 18-mile radius of Williams. These man-made water impoundments carry trout and several other species of fish.
• The 1920s census found there were more dogs in Williams than people.
Dogtown Lake Campground
Dogtown Lake is the largest body of water in the area. Before the lake was formed, the area was a “prairie dog town,” which is now submerged below the lake’s surface — thus the apropos name. Camping is adjacent to Dogtown Lake among Ponderosa pines and a few Gamble oaks. Some sites overlook the lake. Licensed ATVs may be used only to enter and exit the campground. Dogtown Lake is 80 acres and well suited for the solitude of canoeing. Only electric boat motors are allowed. If you fish, rainbow and brown trout are stocked in the lake. Nearby hiking trails include the Ponderosa Nature Trail, Davenport Hill Trail and Dogtown Lake Trail.
How to get there:
From Williams, take Fourth Street at White Horse Lake sign south 3.8 miles to the the Dogtown sign (Forest Rt. 140). Turn left onto Rt. 140 (dirt) and go 2.8 miles to another Dogtown sign (Forest Rt. 132). Turn left onto Rt. 132 and go 1.2 miles to campground.
White Horse Lake Campground
White Horse is a beautiful lake for canoeing and Lake Trail offers one mile of nearby hiking. The campground is comprised of tall Ponderosa pines, scenic and superb for wildlife viewing. Most sites available have a view of the lake or the large, grassy meadow. Licensed ATVs may be used only to enter and exit the campground. White Horse Lake is around 50 acres, and stocked with rainbow trout and crappie. Powerboats are limited to electric motors.
How to get there:
From Williams, take Fourth Street (at White Horse Lake sign) south 8.4 miles to another White Horse Lake sign (Forest Rt. 110). Turn left onto Rt. 110 and go 7.6 miles to a White Horse Lake campground sign. Turn left and go 2.3 miles to another campground sign. Turn right into campground.
Historic Route 66 Auto Tour
Historic Route 66 can be accessed from Interstate 40 at several points. From Williams to Flagstaff, the tour takes an estimated 45 minutes. The most scenic section is between Pittman Valley and Bellemont. Route 66 is not maintained to highway standards. Sections of the tour are on graveled roads. For more information contact the Williams Ranger District at (928) 635-5600 or www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.
How to get there:
Travel through Williams on Bill Williams Avenue (Route 66). Take 1-40 east toward Flagstaff. For a graveled Old Trails Highway tour exit at Garland Prairie Road (Exit 167).
For the paved Route 66 tour, take the Pittman Valley Road Exit (171), go north over the interstate, and turn right onto Route 66. Continue on the roadway to the Parks in the Pines General Store. You may return to I-40 here or continue on a graveled road to Brannigan Park, which marks the end of the tour. To rejoin I-40, follow the frontage road east.
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park
They offer a relaxing and modern RV campground environment within walking distance to Williams Depot (a shuttle is also provided), downtown Williams and the famed Route 66. The park boasts 124 RV spaces featuring ample room for slideouts as well as buddy spaces for traveling companions and full hook-ups, including wireless Internet and cable television. Additional features include a full-service convenience store, laundry and shower and restroom facilities. Recreational activities also abound with community volleyball and basketball courts as well as horseshoe pits and a playground for children. To make reservations, visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN.
How to get there:
Adjacent to Grand Canyon Railway’s Depot and Hotel, the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park and Pet Resort is located at the corner of North Seventh Street and Cataract Road.