Clints Well Campground
4.3132 reviews8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
Clints Well Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
$8 per campsite per night from early May through late September. No fees are charged during the rest of the year.
About this campground
Nestled beneath towering old-growth ponderosa pines, Clints Well Campground invites you to experience the intimate charm of small-scale camping in Northern Arizona's high country. This hidden gem offers the perfect blend of accessibility and serenity, where the whisper of wind through ancient pine boughs replaces the noise of everyday life. Just off well-maintained roads, this tranquil retreat welcomes those seeking a genuine connection with nature without sacrificing convenience.
Clints Well Campground is a small, no-frills campground that provides basic camping options for both tent and RV campers. It is primarily designed for individual campers and small groups.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at Clints Well, where summer days bring perfect camping weather with temperatures hovering in the comfortable 70s-80s°F range. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a golden tapestry, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow—though be prepared for road closures during storms. Spring emerges with wildflowers and renewed forest life. The campground remains open year-round for the adventurous, but winter visitors should check road conditions and come prepared for temperatures that frequently dip below freezing.
ElevationPerched at 6,868 feet above sea level, Clints Well offers a refreshing escape from desert heat. This elevated paradise provides naturally air-conditioned summers that make for comfortable sleeping under the stars, while winter transforms the campground into a potential snow-globe wonderland. The high altitude means you'll want to pack layers year-round and give yourself time to adjust to the thinner air.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral of ancient ponderosa pines, where massive trunks rise like columns toward the sky and vanilla-scented bark tells stories of centuries past. These majestic giants create a natural canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Keep your camera ready—majestic elk often graze through the campground at dawn and dusk, while the haunting calls of coyotes provide an authentic wilderness soundtrack after dark.
Geological RegionDiscover camping at the edge of the spectacular Mogollon Rim, where the Colorado Plateau dramatically plunges 2,000 feet to reveal one of Arizona's most stunning geological features. This ancient escarpment serves as a natural dividing line between ecosystems, creating the perfect conditions for the lush ponderosa pine forests that surround Clints Well. From nearby viewpoints, witness how this massive geological formation stretches across the horizon, telling a story written in stone over millions of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with enough room for campers to feel a sense of privacy.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer a peaceful and private environment, despite being located near a highway.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early, especially on weekends, as the small number of sites fills quickly. Consider sites further from the road for less noise.
Best CampsitesUser feedback suggests all sites are spacious and well-maintained, but no specific site numbers are highlighted as superior.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Eight people per site, with a maximum of two vehicles.
Groups
Group camping is not supported. The maximum capacity per site is 8 people and 2 vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 7 campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are spacious but close to the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but not plowed in winter.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served; sites may fill quickly on weekends.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Clints Well Campground offers limited recreational activities that emphasize the natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic viewing. It is close to the scenic Mogollon Rim and several forest lakes, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available, though specific trails or difficulty levels are not detailed in the source materials.Wildlife viewing
Visitors have reported encounters with wildlife, including elk and coyotes, enhancing the natural camping experience.Winter Activities
Winter storms can make the campground and surrounding roads impassable, limiting winter activities.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are detailed in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must comply with seasonal fire restrictions. Always check with the host or fire hotline before starting a fire.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM; generator use is prohibited during these hours.
Hazards
General hazardsWinter storms may make the campground inaccessible. Wildlife such as elk and coyotes frequent the area, which could pose risks if proper precautions are not followed.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Mogollon Rim Ranger Station (8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024, Phone: 928-477-2255) for immediate assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesEarly May to late September
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling services are provided. Campers must pack out all their waste.
Proximity to water featuresSeveral forest lakes, known for fishing, are within driving distance.
Common complaintsSome users report that the campground host can be grumpy and impose strict fire regulations. Other complaints include road noise due to proximity to the highway.
HostA campground host is present during the summer, but reviews indicate mixed impressions. Some users praise hosts for being attentive, while others find them overly strict or grumpy.
Campground Map
8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
Driving directionsDrive 55 miles south of Flagstaff on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road). The campground is just north of the Clints Well intersection.
The campground is located just off the highway, providing convenient access. However, roads and the campground may become impassable after winter storms and are occasionally closed.Nearby places
Flagstaff (55 miles southeast)
Nearby supplies
Services including a gas station/country store and a restaurant are available at a small community near the Clints Well intersection.
Camper Reviews
4.3
32 reviews
Clints Well Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly rated by users for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and peaceful environment. However, proximity to a highway generates mixed feedback about noise levels. The campground host's behavior has been a significant point of contention, with some campers reporting a helpful host and others labeling the host as rude and overly strict.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers frequently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the spaciousness of the campsites, and the tranquil setting. Quotes: 'Clean, quiet, and with enormous campsites,' 'Bathrooms were...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints include the proximity to a busy road, which leads to traffic noise during the day, and inconsistent experiences with the campground host. Quotes: 'Bathrooms are clean and...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, as sites fill up quickly. Bringing your own water is essential due to the lack of potable water on-site. Firewood and other supplies should...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer tends to be the busiest time, and campsites fill quickly. Winter brings tranquility, but roads may be impassable after storms. Spring and fall offer a balance of accessibility and fewer crowds.
Based on 32 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Clean, quiet, and with enormous campsites; not bad for $8 per night!' 2. 'The bathrooms are very clean. Very limited number of sites, but that made for a very peaceful stay.' 3. 'Vault toilets...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite numbers are not explicitly detailed, but the campground has 7-9 sites. Many reviewers mention that all sites are spacious and well-maintained.
Based on 32 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews are available.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific details about pet-related amenities or experiences are provided in the reviews.
Based on 32 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025