Upper Juan Miller Campground
02 reviewsUpper 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 camping fee at the Upper Juan Miller Campground.
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About this campground
Tucked away in nature's embrace, Upper Juan Miller Campground offers a peaceful retreat where towering Gambel oaks and graceful sycamores create a natural cathedral overhead. This hidden gem sits just a short 2-mile drive from US Highway 191, making it perfectly accessible while maintaining its secluded, primitive charm. Here, visitors discover a quieter side of the forest where crystal-clear waters invite playful afternoons and wildlife sightings reward patient observers. The campground's light usage means you'll often have this slice of wilderness largely to yourself.
Upper Juan Miller Campground is a primitive site exclusively for tent camping. It is not suitable for RVs or trailers due to the narrow entrance road.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Upper Juan Miller in dramatically different colors. Winter transforms the campground into a crisp wonderland where snow may dust the oak branches, creating picture-perfect camping for those prepared for the cold. As spring arrives, comfortable temperatures awaken the forest floor, making it ideal for hiking and exploration. Summer brings warm days perfect for splashing in nearby waters, while the shade of mature trees keeps campsites pleasantly cool. Fall delivers perhaps the most spectacular show as Gambel oaks burst into golden flames against azure skies. Throughout the year, the arid climate means you can count on plenty of sunshine for your outdoor adventures.
ElevationPerched at 5,780 feet above sea level, Upper Juan Miller hits the sweet spot for mountain camping. This elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool mornings and comfortable afternoons without the breathlessness that can accompany higher altitudes. The crisp mountain air invigorates without overwhelming, allowing everyone from young children to seasoned adventurers to fully enjoy their outdoor experience. This perfect middle ground means you'll sleep better under the stars and wake up energized for the day's adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryNature enthusiasts find themselves in paradise among the campground's diverse ecosystem. Majestic Gambel oaks spread their branches wide, their leaves creating a living mosaic of dappled sunlight, while stately sycamores stand sentinel along water sources. Rock formations tell ancient stories that captivate geology buffs, revealing layers of Earth's history in their weathered faces. The understory bursts with botanical diversity - from delicate wildflowers to hardy desert plants - creating a living laboratory for nature lovers. Each campsite feels like its own private grove, where morning birdsong serves as nature's alarm clock.
Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Upper Juan Miller showcases the region's remarkable geological diversity. The landscape reads like pages from Earth's diary, with exposed rock formations that fascinate geology enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Ancient forces shaped this terrain into a wonderland of varied elevations and rock types, while centuries of growth have clothed it in magnificent Gambel oak and sycamore forests. This unique combination of geological intrigue and botanical abundance creates an outdoor classroom where every trail reveals new natural treasures waiting to be discovered.
Campsite details
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThis campground is suitable for those interested in hiking, geology, and plant diversity. Campers are advised to bring their own water and firewood.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe site has five picnic tables with grills and trash cans available. Restrooms are present.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis as reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The activities at Upper Juan Miller Campground are primarily focused on enjoying nature. Opportunities include picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. However, fishing in the immediate vicinity is not an option.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the key activities at this campground. Veronica Sexton mentions: 'If you're interested in hiking, it's perfect.' The terrain is described as interesting for geology enthusiasts, and the variety of plants is wide.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers rich opportunities for wildlife viewing. It is surrounded by Gambel oak and sycamore trees and provides a natural habitat for various wildlife species.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but cutting down trees for firewood is not permitted. Specific trees may be protected.
Hazards
General hazardsFinding firewood might be a challenge as cutting trees is not allowed in most areas. There is no potable water available at the site.
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
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThere is no fishable stream nearby as per user reviews. However, the nearby Blue River (accessible from the road) may offer fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsLack of potable water and no fishable stream nearby were noted as drawbacks by users.
HostThe campground has no camp host and is considered a fairly primitive site.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Clifton, the campground is located 27 miles North via US Highway 191 and Forest Road 475.
The entrance road is narrow and not suitable for trailers or RVs. The campground is less than 2 miles from US Highway 191.Nearby places
Clifton, AZ - 27 miles.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Upper Juan Miller Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the area as peaceful, shaded, and suitable for hikers and nature lovers. However, the lack of potable water and nearby fishing options are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
- Peaceful and shaded environment
- Clean outhouse facilities
- Ideal for hiking and geology enthusiasts
- High elevation keeps the area cool.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
- No potable water on-site
- No fishable streams nearby
- Limited firewood availability, with restrictions on tree cutting.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own potable water
- Know the trees you’re allowed to use for firewood
- For fishing, visit the Blue River and check Arizona Fish & Wildlife for regulations.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The only drawback to camping is there is no fish-able stream nearby. But if you're interested in hiking it's perfect.' - Veronica Sexton
2. 'High enough altitude to be cool while not so high that...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025