Elks Group Campground
The Elks Group Campground sits among a mix of ponderosa pines and juniper at an elevation of 6,500 feet offering a cool respite from the summer heat of the valley below. This campground facility was designed and constructed by the Winslow Elks Lodge and generously donated to the Mogollon Rim Ranger District. The campground is designed to meet the needs of large groups and can accommodate 300 people, offering picnic tables, grills, and fire pits. There are vault toilets. For every 25 people after the first 50, the group will need to provide additional port-a-pots.
More like this: reservable in Arizona · pets allowed in Arizona · group sites in Arizona
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Group sites | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 45 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elks Group Campground | 45 | Gravel | Partial | 300 / 50 | Yes | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
The site record lists 300 people. The campground description says up to 100 people.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Group Standard Nonelectric 10-50 people $85.00. Group Standard Nonelectric 51-100 people $110.00. Group Standard Nonelectric 101-300 people $135.00 |
| Accessibility | Site Elks Group Campground is listed accessible |
The group campground is in a primitive setting on 6 acres. The site has a swing set, horseshoe pit, poles for a volleyball net, flag pole, pavillion, grills, picnic tables, a large fire ring, a 500 gallon water buffalo, trash collection and vault toilets. It is important to know that for every 25 people after the first 50, the group will need to provide additional port-a-pots. The site can accomodate up to 100 people and 50 vehicles.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | Early May to October 27 |
| Forest | Coconino National Forest Recreation |
| Booking | One six-acre group site. |
| Fees | $85 for 10-50 people. $110 for 51-100 people. $135 for 101-300 people. Maximum parking for 50 vehicles. |
| Rules | Seasonal closures or fire restrictions/closures may be in place. During Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, fires are allowed in the established Forest Service fire rings only at this site. During Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, campfires are prohibited at this site. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. |
Weather by month
Getting there
From 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.
| Nearest town | Happy Jack, Arizona |
| Coordinates | 34.7090° N, 111.1026° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedD2 Vincent Rx
20 mi from the campground · 2,258 acres
- PrescribedD2 Dye Rx
22 mi from the campground · 5,246 acres
- PrescribedTillman Rx
22 mi from the campground
- PrescribedD2 Sinkhole Rx
30 mi from the campground · 875 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 27.8 mi |
| Outdoor gear | The Hike House ↗ | 38.8 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Coconino National Forest.
- inCoconino National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 2,000,952 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Moqui Lookout CabinBuilding · Blue Ridge · 10.6 mi
Natural features
The campground is in a transition zone where ponderosa pines fade into stands of pinyon and juniper trees. The nearby Mogollon Rim is one of the most striking geologic features in the state. This steep escarpment, measured in thousands of feet, stretches from New Mexico diagonally across two thirds of Arizona and offers sweeping views of the landscape.
Recreation
Many visitors spend time relaxing and exploring the area. The nearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake offers opportunities for water based recreation, while the Arizona National Scenic Trail, General Crook National Recreation Trail, and historic Cabin Loop Trail System offers opportunities for hikers, bicyclist, and equestrian users. There are also several Fire Lookout Towers in the area.
Nearby
The community of Happy Jack, Arizona offers two convenience stores, two restaurants, and a gas station.
Guidebooks for Arizona
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
- Best Backpacking Trips in Utah, Arizona, and New MexicoMike White and Douglas Lorain, 2016Find at Bookshop.org
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Elks Group Campground?
Sites at Elks Group Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. One six-acre group site. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Elks Group Campground?
Group Standard Nonelectric 10-50 people $85.00. Group Standard Nonelectric 51-100 people $110.00. Group Standard Nonelectric 101-300 people $135.00
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Elks Group Campground?
Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Elks Group Campground open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season Early May to October 27.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Elks Group Campground have?
1 site, including 1 group site.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Elks Group Campground?
Elks Group Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Elks Group Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Elks Group Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Elks Group Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 4 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. Seasonal closures or fire restrictions/closures may be in place.
Source: Fire nearby
Are there accessible sites at Elks Group Campground?
Site Elks Group Campground is listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Elks Group Campground?
FCC coverage maps show AT&T 4G LTE at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Elks Group Campground?
Many visitors spend time relaxing and exploring the area. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Elks Group Campground?
Happy Jack, Arizona. The community of Happy Jack, Arizona offers two convenience stores, two restaurants, and a gas station.
Source: Getting there