Long Valley Group Campground
4.736 reviews8738 Ranger Rd, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
Long Valley Group Campground
$85.00 - $135.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Standard Nonelectric 10-50 people: $85. Group Standard Nonelectric 51-100 people: $110. Group Standard Nonelectric 101-300 people: $135.
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
Total Campsite Fees$135.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider928-477-2255https://www.fs.usda.gov/coconino/
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Arizona's high country, Long Valley Work Center Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience perfect for large gatherings and outdoor celebrations. This expansive primitive site welcomes groups of up to 300 people, creating an ideal setting for family reunions, scout troops, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to connect under the stars. Your group will enjoy essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables, grills for outdoor cooking, and a impressive central fire ring that becomes the natural gathering point for evening stories and songs. The campground maintains vault toilets and regular trash collection, ensuring comfort while preserving the pristine mountain environment. For larger gatherings exceeding 50 people, additional portable facilities will need to be arranged to accommodate your group comfortably.
Long Valley Group Campground caters to group camping with a capacity of up to 300 people. It is suitable for tent camping, RVs, and trailers.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history at Long Valley Work Center, where generations of Forest Service crews once gathered to protect and maintain Arizona's precious woodlands. This historic work center served as a vital outpost for the men and women who shaped our national forests, and echoes of their dedication still resonate through the towering pines. Today's campers walk the same grounds where forest rangers planned conservation efforts and fire crews prepared for their crucial missions, adding a layer of meaningful heritage to your outdoor adventure.
Weather and SeasonsPerched high in Arizona's mountains, Long Valley Work Center offers a refreshing escape from desert heat, with summer temperatures that stay delightfully cool even when the valleys below swelter. The campground's thoughtfully designed layout features excellent drainage systems that quickly channel away rare mountain showers, keeping your camping experience comfortable even during monsoon season. Visitors consistently praise the crisp mountain air and the way morning mist gives way to brilliant blue skies. Weather patterns here favor outdoor adventures, with predominantly clear days, gentle mountain breezes, and the kind of perfect camping conditions that create lasting memories.
ElevationAt nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, Long Valley Work Center Group Campground delivers the mountain experience Arizona visitors dream about. This lofty perch provides natural air conditioning during summer months, when temperatures typically run 20-30 degrees cooler than the desert floor below. The elevation creates perfect conditions for the majestic ponderosa pine forests that surround the campground, offering shade, wildlife habitat, and that distinctive vanilla scent that pine lovers treasure. Here, you'll breathe easier in the thin, pure mountain air while enjoying panoramic views that stretch for miles.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral at Long Valley Work Center, their cinnamon-bark trunks rising like pillars into the azure sky. The campground borders a serene mountain meadow where wildflowers paint the landscape in seasonal colors and wildlife frequently appears at dawn and dusk. This pristine setting sits at the doorstep of the legendary Mogollon Rim, whose dramatic cliffs and endless vistas have inspired countless photographers and nature lovers. The interplay of forest and meadow creates diverse habitats that support everything from tiny hummingbirds to majestic elk, making every visit a potential wildlife watching adventure.
Geological RegionYour camping adventure unfolds atop one of North America's most spectacular geological wonders—the mighty Mogollon Rim. This ancient escarpment rises like a massive natural wall across Arizona, creating a dramatic boundary between the high country forests and the desert basins below. Formed over millions of years through powerful geological forces, the Rim stretches diagonally for over 200 miles across the state, offering breathtaking panoramas that seem to extend to infinity. From your campsite, you're perfectly positioned to explore this geological marvel, where every overlook reveals new perspectives on Arizona's diverse landscapes and the powerful forces that shaped them.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySome reviews indicate the site has good accessibility by vehicle, even for larger groups. The roads are described as gravel, and there may be washout areas requiring caution.
Sites SizeThe campground can accommodate up to 300 people and 50 vehicles. RVs, trailers, and fifth wheels are allowed up to 45 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyThe location offers a secluded feel, as noted in one user review: "Such a beautiful secluded area; we actually had our wedding here."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroups above 50 people should bring additional portable toilets. Consider sites with shade for summer camping.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight the scenic and secluded nature of the campground, calling it ideal for large get-togethers.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations can be made for up to 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 300 people per group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 300 people and 50 vehicles. For groups larger than 50, additional portable toilets are required at the rate of one per 25 extra people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground spans 5 acres and includes grills, picnic tables, large fire rings, and vault toilets. Groups above 50 must provide additional port-a-pots.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 9, 2025 - October 18, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served (FCFS) is available June 20, 2025, through June 21, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyChanges incur a $10 fee if dates are completely different. Cancellations before arrival date refund all fees minus a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees. Late cancellations (within 14 days of check-in for group sites) forfeit the first night’s use 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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities nearby, including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding area features several scenic trails and reservoirs.
Hiking
Nearby trails include the Arizona National Scenic Trail, General Crook National Recreation Trail, and the historic Cabin Loop Trail System. These trails cater to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrian users. Reviews mention the trails as a highlight, with one stating, "Easy access to multiple trails and great drainage for rainwater."Fishing
The nearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake provide fishing opportunities. One user noted, "If you like fishing, blue ridge is about 10 minutes away."Biking
Trails in the area are suitable for biking. Specific difficulty levels or trail lengths are not detailed.Boating
Water-based recreation is available at nearby reservoirs, such as C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake. Boating activities are supported, but exact facilities like docks are not described.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife. According to one review, "Lots of wildlife, from birds and squirrels to elk and coyotes."Winter Activities
Seasonal weather data suggests that the campground would not be ideal for winter activities due to very cold temperatures and snow.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and canoeing are possible at nearby reservoirs, as noted in the list of recreational activities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in provided metal fire rings.
- Quiet hours are No amplified music or public address systems allowed.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife includes elk, coyotes, birds, and squirrels. User reviews note potential smells and noise from portable toilet servicing.
Weather forecast
50
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Happy Jack, AZ, including two convenience stores, a gas station, and two restaurants.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9, 2025 - October 12, 2025; May 1, 2026 - October 18, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash service is provided on-site. Groups exceeding 50 people may need to arrange additional portable toilets.
Proximity to water featuresNearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake offer opportunities for water-based recreation.
Common complaintsUser reviews note noise and odor during portable toilet servicing. Lack of water and utility hookups is frequently mentioned.
HostCampground workers are described as very nice by user reviews.
Campground Map
8738 Ranger Rd, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
Driving directionsFrom Flagstaff, Arizona, drive 55 miles south on FH 3 (Lake Mary Road) to AZ 87 at Clint's Well. Turn right onto AZ 87. Drive approximately one mile and turn left onto Forest Road 141. Travel 1/2 mile on Forest Road 141, turn right onto Forest Road 147A for 0.7 miles. The Group Campground will be on your left. From Payson, Arizona, drive 36 miles north on AZ 87 toward Clint's Well. Turn right onto Forest Road 141. Travel 1/2 mile on Forest Road 141, turn right onto Forest Road 147A for 0.7 miles. The Group Campground will be on your left.
Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel. The site is accessible for cars, RVs, trailers, and fifth wheels up to a maximum length of 45 feet. Some user reviews note minor washout areas in road access, but overall, they state it is easy to negotiate with care.Nearby places
Flagstaff (55 miles south)
Payson (36 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be purchased at the Clint's Well store and gas station approximately 1 mile away, or in Happy Jack, AZ.
Camper Reviews
4.7
6 reviews
Long Valley Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's spacious layout, convenience for large groups, and natural beauty. Many appreciate the seclusion and wildlife.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's large capacity, well-maintained facilities, and beautiful natural setting. Specific highlights include the availability of picnic tables, a large fire pit, and the...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users complained about the lack of running water and showers. A reviewer mentioned the inconvenience of loud and unpleasant odors when portable toilets were being emptied.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Consider bringing additional portable toilets for large groups and extra water, as no potable water is officially available. Be cautious of washout areas on the gravel roads when driving.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak camping season is during the summer months when the weather is cooler due to the higher elevation. However, the campground is less accessible in colder months due to snow and very cold...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"We had our wedding here, and it was such a beautiful secluded area." "The forest and meadows are gorgeous, and the elevation makes for great temps." "Lots of wildlife, from birds and squirrels to...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Loop 1 of the campground is mentioned positively in several reviews for its convenience and suitability for group events.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility by vehicle is good, with gravel roads and manageable washout areas. One reviewer noted, "Easy access for any vehicle from the highway."
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be on a leash or confined at all times. No specific reviews about pet experiences were found.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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