Kehl Springs Campground
4.5632 reviews8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
Kehl Springs Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campsite fee is $8 per night, payable by cash or check only. No additional fees, discounts, or premium pricing structures were noted in the materials.
About this campground
Nestled among towering ponderosa pines on the legendary Mogollon Rim, Kehl Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into Arizona's high country. This hidden gem provides primitive camping for those who prefer their adventures unadorned—where the whisper of wind through pine needles and panoramic mountain vistas are the only amenities you'll need. Here, at the edge of the world, you'll discover why generations of outdoor enthusiasts have been drawn to this tranquil forest sanctuary.
Kehl Springs Campground caters to tent and RV campers with primitive-style camping. Although it does not accommodate large groups, it provides a peaceful and rustic camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's perfect air conditioning at Kehl Springs, where summer days hover around a comfortable 80°F—a refreshing retreat from the desert heat below. Late summer brings the drama of monsoon season, when afternoon thunderheads build into spectacular light shows across the rim. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, though wise campers come prepared for potential freezing temperatures as the season progresses. Each season paints the rim country in different hues, offering year-round reasons to explore.
ElevationPerched at 7,441 feet above sea level, Kehl Springs sits in Arizona's cool mountain zone—a full 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the valley floor below. This lofty elevation creates a completely different world from the desert, where thin mountain air carries the vanilla scent of ponderosa bark and every breath feels crisp and clean.
Natural Features and SceneryStand at the edge of forever at Kehl Springs, where ancient ponderosa pines frame some of Arizona's most spectacular scenery. The Mogollon Rim serves as your personal viewing platform, offering jaw-dropping vistas of Four Peaks piercing the eastern sky, the rugged Sierra Anchas stretching to the horizon, and the mysterious Mazatzal Mountains guarding ancient secrets. This is big-sky country at its finest, where eagles soar on rim-rock thermals and every sunset becomes a memory worth keeping.
Geological RegionKehl Springs sits atop one of Arizona's most dramatic geological wonders—the Mogollon Rim, where the Colorado Plateau abruptly ends in a breathtaking 2,000-foot cliff. This ancient escarpment forms a natural barrier between two worlds: the cool, forested highlands above and the sprawling Sonoran Desert below. Standing at this continental edge, you're witnessing millions of years of Earth's history carved in stone, where tectonic forces and erosion have created one of the Southwest's most iconic landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned in the provided materials.
Sites SizeMost campsites are described as spacious. A user states, 'Big campsites, clean bathrooms.'
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides a secluded camping experience, emphasized by a user who states, 'Very beautiful and secluded.' Another notes it offers privacy but advises arriving early due to its popularity.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early in the week, especially on Thursday, to secure a spot. For privacy and better views, prioritize sites near the rim.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight site #5 as the best for its spaciousness and seclusion. Sites #2 and #6 are considered less desirable due to their smaller size.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day maximum stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8guests per site.
Groups
Kehl Springs Campground does not provide facilities for large groups. For groups larger than eight people, the official source advises contacting the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 8 individual sites, each equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Sites are spread across a loop in a shaded forested area.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from early May to late October.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, with limited availability. User reviews suggest arriving as early as Thursday to secure a spot due to the campground's popularity.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kehl Springs Campground offers various activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. While the General Crook Trail is accessible from the campground, boating and fishing opportunities are nearby.
Hiking
The General Crook Historic Trail passes by the campground and offers hiking opportunities. One reviewer states, 'Plenty of trails to hike & gorgeous scenery,' emphasizing the vast options near the site.Fishing
Fishing is mentioned as an activity available nearby, but no specific details about the type of fish or fishing conditions are provided.Biking
Mountain biking is mentioned as one of the recreational activities available near Kehl Springs Campground.Boating
Boating is mentioned as an activity available in the vicinity, though specific details about locations or facilities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight. A user states, 'Had some deer walk into our camp. Quiet, calm place to relax.' Another mentions discovering fossilized shells and coral, adding an exploratory element to the experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned or described for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted unless restrictions are in place due to fire danger.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as deer and bears are present, necessitating the use of bear-proof food storage. Thunderstorms in the late summer can bring high winds and hail.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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 can be accessed through the Mogollon Rim Ranger District (contact number: 928-477-2255).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no trash service; campers are required to pack out what they pack in.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct water features are present, but fishing and boating opportunities are available nearby.
Common complaintsLimited availability of sites (only 8); occasional cleanliness issues with the outhouse despite host maintenance; narrow and bumpy access road.
HostHosts are regularly mentioned in reviews, with some described as friendly, helpful, and keeping the campground clean. However, one user reported a negative experience with a host's attitude.
Campground Map
8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
Driving directionsDrive 50 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road to Clints Well, then 9 miles southwest on State Route 87 to Forest Road 300 (the General Crook Trail). Turn left (east) on FR 300 and drive 6 miles to the campground.
The road up is described as dirt and rather narrow and bumpy, as mentioned in a user review: "The road up is passable by car, but it is dirt and rather narrow and bumpy, so take care." (Elizabeth Wilcox). Seasonal access may be impacted by weather conditions or forest management activities.Nearby places
Flagstaff (65 miles southeast, approximately 1.5 hours)
Payson (15 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The nearest gas station is over 10 miles away as mentioned in user reviews. Supplies might also be accessible in the nearby town of Payson, 15 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
32 reviews
Kehl Springs Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Kehl Springs Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its serene environment, stunning views, and well-maintained facilities. Common highlights include the peaceful surroundings, clean vault toilets, and the scenic beauty of the Mogollon Rim. However, some users note challenges such as the lack of water and cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the campground's tranquility and natural beauty. Quotes like 'What a beautiful, peaceful place' and 'Absolutely beautiful scenery!' emphasize its appeal as a relaxing getaway....
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of potable water, with one user stating, 'There's no running water, but there are a couple of vault toilets.' Another common critique is that the campground fills quickly,...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving early to secure a spot due to limited availability. One reviewer advises, 'Make sure to get there on a Thursday if you want to get a lot as there are only 8.' Others suggest...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open from early May to late October, with users frequently mentioning the cooler summer temperatures as a major draw. One review notes, 'Phoenix got up to 114, and Kehl got up to 80...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Had some deer walk into our camp. Quiet, calm place to relax.'
2. 'No running water, but there are a couple of vault toilets and each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table.'
3. 'Bathrooms are...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #5 is praised as the best campsite, while sites #2 and #6 are criticized for their smaller size. A long-time visitor comments, 'All the campsites were nice, but #5 was the best. The worst...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews, leaving experiences for disabled campers unclear.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and they must be restrained or on a leash at all times. No user reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 32 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025