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Elks Group Campground

Happy Jack, Arizona · Coconino County · Campground

Overview 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. T…

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34.70897, -111.10261
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Elks Group Campground

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High90°F
Avg Low64°F
Peak Rain Chance21%
Humidity50%
UV (avg)9
Air Quality47 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
93°/62°
💧 2%🌬 13mph
5:28 AM7:32 PM
Sat
🌧
Light Rain
91°/67°
💧 7%🌬 16mph
5:29 AM7:32 PM
Sun
☁️
Overcast
87°/62°
💧 11%🌬 19mph
5:30 AM7:31 PM
Mon
🌧
Rain Showers
89°/63°
💧 16%🌬 19mph
5:31 AM7:30 PM
Tue
Thunderstorm
88°/64°
💧 21%🌬 10mph
5:31 AM7:30 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Elks Group Campground

Overview 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. 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. Facilities 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. 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. Nearby Attractions The community of Happy Jack, Arizona offers two convenience stores, two restaurants, and a gas station.

How to Get 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. Turn right on FR 9717H and drive about one quarter mile to the campground. Do not use APPLE MAPS they will take you to our District Office. GOOGLE Maps will take you to the CORRECT location - Elks Picnic Group Campground GPS Coordinates; 34°42'32.3"N 111°06'09.4"W

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 9)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Elks Group Campground

Heading to Elks Group Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Elks Group Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Elks Group Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/264720) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Elks Group Campground?

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. Turn right on FR 9717H and drive about one quarter mile to the campground. Do n…

How do I contact Elks Group Campground?

You can reach the park at phone: 928-477-2255 or email: https://www.fs.usda.gov/coconino/.