USDA Forest Service · Arizona
Elks Group Campground
USDA Forest Service · Arizona, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 with water, 1 no hookups
- Season
- April 24 to October 25
- Max RV length
- 45 ft
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 6,503 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- (NFSR 09717H) · native material · high clearance vehicles
- Lake
- Coconino National Forest Recreation
- Nearest town
- Happy Jack
- Address
- 8738 Ranger Rd, Happy Jack , AZ, 86024
- Phone
- 928-477-2255
- Activities
- Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Photography, Star Gazing, Wildlife Viewing
About
Overview
The Elks Group Campground sits among a mix of ponderosa pines and juniper at an elevation of 6,500 feet offering a cool respite from the summer heat of the valley below. This campground facility was designed and constructed by the Winslow Elks Lodge and generously donated to the Mogollon Rim Ranger District. The campground is designed to meet the needs of large groups and can accommodate 300 people, offering picnic tables, grills, and fire pits. There are vault toilets. For every 25 people after the first 50, the group will need to provide additional port-a-pots.
Recreation
Many visitors spend time relaxing and exploring the area. The nearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake offers opportunities for water based recreation, while the Arizona National Scenic Trail, General Crook National Recreation Trail, and historic Cabin Loop Trail System offers opportunities for hikers, bicyclist, and equestrian users. There are also several Fire Lookout Towers in the area.
Facilities
The group campground is in a primitive setting on 6 acres. The site has a swing set, horseshoe pit, poles for a volleyball net, flag pole, pavillion, grills, picnic tables, a large fire ring, a 500 gallon water buffalo, trash collection and vault toilets. It is important to know that for every 25 people after the first 50, the group will need to provide additional port-a-pots. The site can accomodate up to 100 people and 50 vehicles.
Natural Features
The campground is in a transition zone where ponderosa pines fade into stands of pinyon and juniper trees. The nearby Mogollon Rim is one of the most striking geologic features in the state. This steep escarpment, measured in thousands of feet, stretches from New Mexico diagonally across two thirds of Arizona and offers sweeping views of the landscape.
Nearby Attractions
The community of Happy Jack, Arizona offers two convenience stores, two restaurants, and a gas station.
Fees
Group Standard Nonelectric 10-50 people $85.00
Group Standard Nonelectric 51-100 people $110.00
Group Standard Nonelectric 101-300 people $135.00
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45° | 28° | 7° | 59° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 47° | 30° | 3° | 66° | 10 of 11 |
| March | 53° | 34° | 14° | 77° | 7 of 11 |
| April | 65° | 42° | 26° | 81° | 4 of 11 |
| May | 73° | 50° | 34° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| June | 87° | 62° | 47° | 98° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 90° | 67° | 59° | 99° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 83° | 63° | 56° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 79° | 60° | 40° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 68° | 46° | 30° | 82° | 2 of 10 |
| November | 59° | 37° | 17° | 71° | 5 of 10 |
| December | 50° | 30° | 11° | 62° | 8 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Moqui Group Campground · USDA Forest Service · 10 mi · 3 sites
- Blue Ridge · USDA Forest Service · 10 mi
- Rock Crossing Campground (AZ) · USDA Forest Service · 12 mi · 35 sites
- Clints Well · USDA Forest Service · 16 mi
- Long Valley Group Campground · USDA Forest Service · 18 mi · 1 sites
All public campgrounds in Arizona · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-04-29. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.