Lower Juan Miller Campground
03 reviewsLower Juan Miller Campground, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona
Lower Juan Miller Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
There is no fee to camp at Lower Juan Miller Campground.
About this campground
Tucked beneath a canopy of towering Gambel oak and sycamore trees, Lower Juan Miller Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking solitude in nature. This hidden gem remains refreshingly uncrowded, featuring four well-appointed campsites, each equipped with its own table and grill for memorable outdoor dining. Modern conveniences include trash receptacles and a clean, accessible vault toilet, ensuring comfort without compromising the wilderness experience.
The campground supports primitive and dispersed camping setups. Approximately six campsites are available, with no explicit designations for RVs or groups.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the remnants of frontier life at Lower Juan Miller. Just north of the campground, an old hand-dug cistern well stands as a testament to the hardy souls who once called this rugged landscape home. This weathered stone structure, carefully crafted by early settlers, tells silent stories of determination and survival in the American West. The well serves as a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich past, inviting campers to imagine the pioneers who once drew water from its depths.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Lower Juan Miller. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dipping well below freezing and occasional snowfall dusting the oak branches overhead. As spring awakens the forest, mild days give way to glorious summers where warm sunshine filters through the leafy canopy, creating perfect conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing. The comfortable summer temperatures make this an ideal retreat from lower elevation heat.
ElevationPerched at 5,740 feet above sea level, Lower Juan Miller Campground offers the perfect balance of mountain majesty and accessibility. This elevation provides cooler temperatures during hot summer months while remaining low enough to avoid the extreme conditions found at higher alpine sites. The crisp mountain air and reduced atmospheric pressure create an invigorating environment that enhances both relaxation and outdoor activities.
Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry takes center stage at Lower Juan Miller, where ancient Gambel oaks spread their gnarled branches in a protective embrace over the campground. Majestic sycamores add their distinctive mottled bark and broad leaves to the forest tapestry, creating a dappled shade that shifts and dances throughout the day. This peaceful grove provides habitat for diverse wildlife and offers campers front-row seats to nature's daily performances. The historic cistern well, weathered by decades of mountain seasons, adds a touch of rustic charm to the natural landscape.
Geological RegionNestled within a unique ecological transition zone, Lower Juan Miller Campground showcases the remarkable convergence of desert and mountain environments. The presence of both Gambel oak and sycamore trees indicates a special microclimate where water, elevation, and geology combine to support this diverse forest community. The hand-dug cistern well reveals the area's geological character, where early settlers found reliable groundwater sources beneath layers of ancient rock formations. This distinctive landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, from prehistoric seas to volcanic upheavals that shaped today's stunning terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information available on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground includes approximately six campsites, according to user descriptions.
Sites PrivacyReviewers noted the campground is "secluded" and "quiet and dark when the sun goes down," with ample privacy as the campground was sparsely populated during their stays.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Camp away from people due to the Coronavirus" and "Secluded location" (user review by princessoftheblackhole).
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight the dispersed nature of the camping sites, with six available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No information available about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping sites available.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews suggest dispersed campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities in the Lower Juan Miller Campground appear limited based on the given data. Picnicking, facilitated by the provided picnic tables, is explicitly mentioned as an activity, and wildlife viewing is implied by user reviews describing 'tons of wildlife.'
Wildlife viewing
Reviewers observed 'tons of wildlife' during their stay.Winter Activities
No information provided on winter-specific recreational activities.Water Sports
No information available about water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention "super scary" driving conditions, lack of potable water, and the need for sufficient preparation due to remoteness.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are provided on-site, but no information on recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaints"No potable water" and "super scary" access drive are mentioned in reviews.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Lower Juan Miller Campground, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona
Driving directionsLower Juan Campground is located 27 miles North of Clifton, AZ, via US Highway 191 and Forest Road 475. Just 1/4 mile away from the Upper Juan Miller CG.
The campground is accessible via US Highway 191 and Forest Road 475. User reviews describe the drive as "super scary" but rewarding for its secluded nature.Nearby places
Clifton, 27 miles (approximately 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
"The closest place to get ice or supplies is an hour away each direction" (user review by princessoftheblackhole).
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Lower Juan Miller Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews paint a picture of a secluded and tranquil camping experience, with comments highlighting the clean vault toilet and the absence of potable water on-site. Wildlife sightings and the limited number of campsites are also frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
- The vault toilet is exceptionally clean, cleaned twice a week.
- Secluded and quiet ambiance, with one reviewer stating, 'We were the only campers out the whole site.'
- Observations of abundant...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- A challenging and 'super scary' drive to access the site.
- Lack of potable water on-site.
- No nearby facilities for ice or supplies; the closest are an hour away.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring all necessary supplies, as the nearest store is approximately an hour away.
- Arrive prepared for the challenging drive.
- Consider this location for solitude, as it is lightly used.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
- Summer: Hot conditions, with one reviewer mentioning 'excessive heat' and noting the absence of a creek.
- No specific seasonal trends for winter, fall, or spring noted in the information provided.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'The bathroom is clean twice a week and was the cleanest restrooms we've ever seen at a campground.'
- 'It is a super scary drive to get there. BUT, man what a cool secluded camp location!'
- 'Very...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Approximately six campsites available, but no specific site numbers or details provided.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No information available regarding accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025