Oleary Group Site
4.6315 reviews: null
Oleary Group Site
$171.00 - $199.00 / 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$171.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee ranges from $171 to $199 per night for group sites depending on season. Additional fees may apply for reservations ($8-$9) and cancellations ($10).
About this campground
Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, O'Leary Group Campground offers the perfect basecamp for large gatherings seeking adventure in Arizona's volcanic wonderland. Your group will settle into spacious sites equipped with picnic shelters, tables, and grills, all set on level ground cushioned by ancient volcanic cinders. Just minutes away, the dramatic landscapes of Sunset Crater Volcano and the mysterious ruins of Wupatki National Monument beckon explorers eager to uncover millennia of natural and human history.
O'Leary Group Campground specializes in hosting large groups with spacious areas for tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceStep back nearly 900 years at nearby Wupatki National Monument, where ancient Pueblo peoples built remarkable stone structures around A.D. 1120. These masterfully crafted dwellings tell stories of ingenious adaptation to the high desert environment, showcasing sophisticated masonry techniques that have endured through centuries. The surrounding landscape whispers tales of volcanic eruptions, ancient trade routes, and the enduring connection between people and this dramatic terrain.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints O'Leary with its own spectacular palette. Spring transforms the landscape into a wildflower wonderland, while early summer continues the colorful display across meadows and forest clearings. Late summer brings dramatic afternoon monsoons that refresh the pine-scented air and create stunning cloud formations over the volcanic peaks. Winter occasionally dusts the campground with snow, creating a pristine wonderland where frost sparkles on pine needles and temperatures dip below freezing—perfect for cozy campfire gatherings.
ElevationPerched at a unique elevation that creates its own mountain micro-climate, O'Leary offers refreshingly different conditions from nearby Fort Tuthill. This elevation advantage means cooler summer temperatures, crisper autumn air, and the possibility of experiencing four distinct seasons—sometimes all in one trip. The varied elevation creates diverse ecosystems where different plant communities thrive, offering campers a rich tapestry of natural environments to explore.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to breathtaking vistas where dark cinder cone peaks pierce azure skies, creating a dramatic backdrop for your outdoor adventures. The campground's volcanic soil nurtures stately ponderosa pines that provide natural shade and fill the air with their vanilla-scented bark. Beyond the forest, open meadows stretch toward the horizon, transforming into seas of lupine, paintbrush, and golden sunflowers during wildflower season. This remarkable blend of volcanic drama and forest serenity creates endless opportunities for photography, contemplation, and connection with nature.
Geological RegionO'Leary sits at the heart of Arizona's volcanic playground, where ancient eruptions have created a landscape unlike anywhere else. The soft volcanic cinders beneath your feet tell a story millions of years in the making, while the surrounding ponderosa pine forest has claimed this mineral-rich soil as home. Dark cinder cones dot the horizon—silent sentinels of the region's fiery past. The nearby Sunset Crater, the youngest volcano in the Colorado Plateau, serves as a dramatic reminder that this seemingly peaceful forest rests atop one of North America's most geologically active regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityUser reviews and official descriptions do not provide specific details about accessibility features; general accessibility is implied through the campground's designed spaces for tents and RVs.
Sites SizeCamping sites are spacious and designed to accommodate large groups. Official details note that the east and north loops can accommodate up to 50 people each, while the west loop can host up to 75 people.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly detailed, but user reviews suggest the campground is spacious and ideal for group gatherings.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEast and North loops provide better privacy and facilities; West loop accommodates larger groups but may be noisier.
Best CampsitesEast Loop Site 001 and North Loop Site 002 are highlighted positively in reviews for cleanliness and amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
East and North loops can accommodate up to 50 people, West loop up to 75.
Groups
Official sources state that the east and north loops accommodate up to 50 people each, while the west loop can host up to 75 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree loops: East and North (50 people each), West (75 people). Spacious sites with ample room for tents and activity setup.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 2, 2025–October 12, 2025 (peak season). Closed October 12, 2025–June 5, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot specified.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee if canceled less than 14 days before check-in for group sites.
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
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
O'Leary Group Campground provides recreational opportunities for visitors, including hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and camping. Many activities are centered around the nearby Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments.
Hiking
Popular hiking options include the O'Leary Lookout Tower trail, which is 4.9 miles one way, offering panoramic views of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks, and the Painted Desert. User reviews also praise the proximity to hiking trails.Wildlife viewing
User reviews and official descriptions highlight the natural features, such as dark cinder cone peaks and grassy meadows that support wildlife viewing.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments offer ranger-guided and self-guided tours, focusing on cultural and natural history.Winter Activities
The only winter-related data available pertains to snow percentages, but no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the provided information.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire pits. Firewood available for $10/bundle.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife and micro-climate variations. Reviews mention bees and overly large fire pits requiring substantial wood. No cell service in the area.
Active alerts: null
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Heavy rain
Precipitation: 11.4%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (11.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Heavy rain
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
Flagstaff Medical Center (13 miles away, Flagstaff). Police services and ranger stations are located in Flagstaff.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2, 2025–October 12, 2025 and June 5, 2026–September 6, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, as noted in the official sources and corroborated by user reviews. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water features: null
Common complaintsComplaints include smelly vault toilets, limited parking, and noise sensitivity due to site location.
HostCamp hosts are praised for attentiveness and enforcing regulations. Reviews highlight host named Tim checking in daily.
Campground Map
: null
Driving directionsFrom Flagstaff, take I-40 to exit 201. Turn left at the Page exit (Highway 89). Proceed north on 89 approximately 13 miles to the entrance of Sunset Crater National Monument. Turn right on Forest Road 545a and go 1.7 miles to Group Campground Road on the left (just before Bonito Campground).
Road access is paved until the entry of Sunset Crater National Monument, after which it transitions to an unpaved forest road for the last 1.7 miles. No seasonal closures are mentioned.Nearby places
Flagstaff: 13 miles (~15 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Flagstaff (13 miles away) for grocery stores, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.6
15 reviews
Oleary Group Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives generally positive reviews, with users highlighting its amenities, spacious sites, and scenic surroundings. Some users emphasized its suitability for large groups, while others pointed out issues with vault toilets and fire pit size.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praise the campground’s pavilion with lights, picnic tables, built-in grills, fire pits, trash collection, running water, and electrical outlets. They also appreciate the proximity to...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Key complaints include smelly vault toilets, overly large fire pits that require significant wood, limited parking space, and occasional enforcement of rules by the camp host.
Based on 15 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra firewood due to the large fire pits. Be prepared for possible bees and no cell phone service. Use Solo Stove for smaller fires. Consider the micro-climate differences; some users noted...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Positive experiences were noted during spring and summer when meadows bloom with wildflowers. Some users highlighted monsoon rains during summer as manageable under the ramada.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The outhouse was lit inside and out. Water was easily accessible. Hiking trail nearby." - Brian Van-Dyke
"Bathrooms are clean (outhouse) but they have light, didn’t smell nasty and again very clean....
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Loop-specific reviews indicate the east loop has a pavilion with lights and is close to hiking trails. The north loop received positive feedback for cleanliness of restrooms and attentiveness of the...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility; general features imply accessibility for groups of varying needs.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Users mention pets are allowed but must be leashed as per camp host reminders.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025