Elks Group Campground
4.7310 reviews8738 Ranger Rd
Elks Group Campground
$85.00 - $135.00 / 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$135.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Nonelectric (10-50 people): $85.00; Group Standard Nonelectric (51-100 people): $110.00; Group Standard Nonelectric (101-300 people): $135.00. Prices do not reflect taxes or incremental charges.
About this campground
Welcome to Elks Group Campground, where memories are made under towering pines and starlit skies. This sprawling 6-acre haven welcomes gatherings of up to 300 people, making it the perfect basecamp for family reunions, scout troops, and outdoor celebrations. Your group will enjoy all the essentials for an unforgettable experience: sturdy picnic tables for feast-worthy meals, grills for campfire cooking, and a grand communal fire ring where stories and s'mores are shared. The fun continues with a classic swing set, horseshoe pit, and volleyball poles ready for friendly competitions. A covered pavilion provides shelter for group activities, while clean vault toilets and a 500-gallon water buffalo ensure comfort during your stay. This is primitive camping at its finest—where nature provides the entertainment and your group creates the adventure.
The Elks Group Campground is tailored for large group camping in a primitive setting. It accommodates various camping styles, including tent and group camping.
Historical SignificanceThis special place carries a heartwarming legacy of community spirit. The Winslow Elks Lodge, recognizing the need for a gathering space where large groups could connect with nature, constructed this campground with care and purpose. In a generous act of civic dedication, they donated their creation to the Mogollon Rim Ranger District, ensuring that generations of campers could experience the magic of the Arizona high country. Today, every campfire lit here continues their tradition of bringing people together in the great outdoors.
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through October, the campground basks in Arizona's high-country perfection—think crystal-clear skies, gentle breezes, and sun-dappled afternoons that invite exploration. Late spring through early summer brings the sweet spot of camping weather, with comfortable days perfect for hiking and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings. While July and August can stir up a bit of dust as noted by fellow campers, the predominantly dry conditions and moderate cloud cover create that quintessential Arizona camping experience. Clear skies dominate the peak season, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities that will leave you breathless.
ElevationPerched at 6,500 feet above sea level, this mountain retreat offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat below. Here, summer temperatures drop 15-20 degrees compared to the valleys, creating an alpine oasis where cool mountain air mingles with the scent of pine. This elevation sweet spot means comfortable days for outdoor activities and crisp nights perfect for sleeping under the stars—no air conditioning needed when Mother Nature provides the perfect climate.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral, their vanilla-scented bark and emerald canopy providing shade and serenity. The campground sits at nature's crossroads, where these majestic pines mingle with hardy juniper trees in a stunning display of high-country diversity. Just beyond your campsite lies one of Arizona's most dramatic natural wonders—the Mogollon Rim. This ancient escarpment rises like a massive wall across the landscape, its cliffs and viewpoints offering panoramic vistas that stretch for miles. From your base at Elks, you're perfectly positioned to explore this geological marvel and discover why it captivated Western author Zane Grey.
Geological RegionYou'll be camping in one of Arizona's most fascinating geological zones, where the Colorado Plateau meets the transition forests. The campground occupies a unique ecological niche where stately ponderosa pines gradually give way to the more drought-adapted pinyon and juniper woodland. The star of this geological show is the nearby Mogollon Rim—a dramatic escarpment that stretches diagonally across Arizona like nature's own Great Wall. This ancient formation, with cliffs dropping thousands of feet, creates a natural boundary between two distinct worlds: the cool forests above and the desert basins below. The sweeping views from the Rim reveal layer upon layer of Earth's history, painted in red rock and green forest, making every sunset a masterpiece millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is gated and fenced, which provides security and ensures children cannot wander out. It is also accessible via a well-maintained dirt road suitable for low-clearance vehicles.
Sites SizeThe campground spans 6 acres and can accommodate up to 300 people and 50 vehicles. Campsites are spacious, allowing for varied tent sizes.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as well spread out, offering a good level of privacy for groups.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIdeal for large groups such as scout troops and family reunions. Bring additional water and port-a-pots for groups larger than 50.
Best CampsitesGroup camping areas with shaded picnic tables and clean amenities described positively in user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Not specified
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Up to 300 people allowed for group reservations
- individual campsite limits not applicable.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 300 people and 50 vehicles. For every 25 individuals over the initial 50, additional portable toilets are required.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout6-acre primitive site with picnic areas, ramadas, and centralized amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 18 to October 25 (Peak Season). Closed from October 26 to April 24 (No Booking Available).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability from June 21 to June 22 annually.
Cancellation PolicyChanges and cancellations can be made prior to arrival with fees. Late cancellation penalties include forfeiting the first night’s recreation use fee for group facilities, plus a $10 cancellation fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground supports a variety of recreational activities. Onsite, visitors can enjoy a swing set, horseshoe pit, and volleyball poles. Nearby, the C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake provide opportunities for water-based recreation like canoeing and kayaking. The surrounding area offers hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, stargazing, and photography.
Hiking
Nearby trails include the Arizona National Scenic Trail, General Crook National Recreation Trail, and Cabin Loop Trail System. These cater to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at nearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake, though specific details about fish species are not provided.Biking
Mountain biking is supported on nearby trails, including the Arizona National Scenic Trail and others.Boating
Boating opportunities are available at the C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake. Specific details about boat types or docking facilities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The area supports wildlife viewing, particularly in the transition zone between ponderosa pines and juniper, as well as near the Mogollon Rim.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities at nearby water bodies.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in existing metal fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not specified
Hazards
General hazardsDustiness during summer, minimal tree shade in some areas, and potential wildlife interactions.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
Emergency services are located in the community of Happy Jack, which has convenience stores, restaurants, and a gas station.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 18 to October 25
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available onsite, with dumpsters provided for visitor use.
Proximity to water featuresNearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake provide opportunities for water-based recreation.
Common complaintsMinimal shade and tree coverage reported in user reviews; dusty conditions during peak summer months.
HostRangers may stop by to check on campers and provide assistance, per user feedback.
Campground Map
8738 Ranger Rd
Driving directionsFrom Flagstaff, Arizona, drive 55 miles south on FH 3 (Lake Mary Road) to AZ 87 at Clints Well. Turn left onto AZ 87. Drive approximately 20 miles to milepost 309.9. Turn left on FR 9717H and drive about one quarter mile to the campground. From Winslow, Arizona, drive 32 miles south on AZ 87 for approximately 32 miles. Turn right on FR 9717H and drive about one quarter mile to the campground.
Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel. The dirt road leading into the campground is well-maintained and accessible for low-clearance vehicles.Nearby places
Happy Jack (0 miles), Flagstaff (55 miles), Winslow (32 miles)
Nearby supplies
Convenience stores, two restaurants, and a gas station in Happy Jack, Arizona.
Camper Reviews
4.7
10 reviews
Elks Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews praise the campground for its suitability for large groups, cleanliness, and the range of activities available. Some reviewers noted the need for better signage and more trees for shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the clean facilities, spacious sites, and security provided by the gated and fenced area. Activities such as horseshoes and volleyball were well-received, along with the presence of...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include limited shade due to a small number of trees, the need for better signage to locate the campground, and occasional dustiness. The requirement for additional portable toilets for...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sufficient drinking water despite the availability of a 500-gallon water buffalo. Consider bringing horseshoes and volleyballs to use the provided facilities. Be prepared for dusty conditions.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The site is most popular in the summer months, offering a cooler alternative to lower elevations. Dusty conditions may be more pronounced in drier periods.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Great place to have a wedding. Beautiful trees, campgrounds was very clean.' - User Sherrie Davis
2. 'Never needed a light the moon lite the whole place... there is a restroom with tp and picnic...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight the site's suitability for group events, such as scout gatherings and company outings. The two vault toilets were appreciated, along with the spacious layout and ample...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The gated and fenced area enhances safety for children and ensures privacy. The dirt road leading to the site is well-maintained, making it accessible for most vehicles.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must remain on a leash or be confined. No specific issues or praises regarding pet amenities were noted.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025