Upper Juan Miller Campground

4.40

7 reviews

Quick Facts

5,780 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,780 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Juan Miller Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no camping fee at the Upper Juan Miller Campground.

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$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 7 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshadehiking

"User reviews highlight the area as peaceful, shaded, and suitable for hikers and nature lovers. However, the lack of potable water and nearby fishing options are common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Upper Juan Miller Campground

33.2691, -109.3474

Driving directionsFrom Clifton, the campground is located 27 miles North via US Highway 191 and Forest Road 475.

The entrance road is narrow and not suitable for trailers or RVs. The campground is less than 2 miles from US Highway 191.

Nearby places

Clifton, AZ - 27 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Juan Miller Campground

Each season paints Upper Juan Miller in dramatically different colors. Winter transforms the campground into a crisp wonderland where snow may dust the oak branches, creating picture-perfect camping for those prepared for the cold. As spring arrives, comfortable temperatures awaken the forest floor, making it ideal for hiking and exploration. Summer brings warm days perfect for splashing in nearby waters, while the shade of mature trees keeps campsites pleasantly cool. Fall delivers perhaps the most spectacular show as Gambel oaks burst into golden flames against azure skies. Throughout the year, the arid climate means you can count on plenty of sunshine for your outdoor adventures.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

High elevation keeps area cool; good hiking and shade make summer appealing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal color changes and dappled sunlight among oaks/sycamores noted in overview.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely highlights water sources, greenery and wildlife; hiking and nature viewing strong.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; snow can create 'picture-perfect' scenes but harsher conditions and primitive facilities limit appeal.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round

About Upper Juan Miller Campground

Tucked away in nature's embrace, Upper Juan Miller Campground offers a peaceful retreat where towering Gambel oaks and graceful sycamores create a natural cathedral overhead. This hidden gem sits just a short 2-mile drive from US Highway 191, making it perfectly accessible while maintaining its secluded, primitive charm. Here, visitors discover a quieter side of the forest where crystal-clear waters invite playful afternoons and wildlife sightings reward patient observers. The campground's light usage means you'll often have this slice of wilderness largely to yourself.

Upper Juan Miller Campground is a primitive site exclusively for tent camping. It is not suitable for RVs or trailers due to the narrow entrance road.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Upper Juan Miller in dramatically different colors. Winter transforms the campground into a crisp wonderland where snow may dust the oak branches, creating picture-perfect camping for those prepared for the cold. As spring arrives, comfortable temperatures awaken the forest floor, making it ideal for hiking and exploration. Summer brings warm days perfect for splashing in nearby waters, while the shade of mature trees keeps campsites pleasantly cool. Fall delivers perhaps the most spectacular show as Gambel oaks burst into golden flames against azure skies. Throughout the year, the arid climate means you can count on plenty of sunshine for your outdoor adventures.

ElevationPerched at 5,780 feet above sea level, Upper Juan Miller hits the sweet spot for mountain camping. This elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool mornings and comfortable afternoons without the breathlessness that can accompany higher altitudes. The crisp mountain air invigorates without overwhelming, allowing everyone from young children to seasoned adventurers to fully enjoy their outdoor experience. This perfect middle ground means you'll sleep better under the stars and wake up energized for the day's adventures.

Natural Features and SceneryNature enthusiasts find themselves in paradise among the campground's diverse ecosystem. Majestic Gambel oaks spread their branches wide, their leaves creating a living mosaic of dappled sunlight, while stately sycamores stand sentinel along water sources. Rock formations tell ancient stories that captivate geology buffs, revealing layers of Earth's history in their weathered faces. The understory bursts with botanical diversity - from delicate wildflowers to hardy desert plants - creating a living laboratory for nature lovers. Each campsite feels like its own private grove, where morning birdsong serves as nature's alarm clock.

Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Upper Juan Miller showcases the region's remarkable geological diversity. The landscape reads like pages from Earth's diary, with exposed rock formations that fascinate geology enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Ancient forces shaped this terrain into a wonderland of varied elevations and rock types, while centuries of growth have clothed it in magnificent Gambel oak and sycamore forests. This unique combination of geological intrigue and botanical abundance creates an outdoor classroom where every trail reveals new natural treasures waiting to be discovered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe site has five picnic tables with grills and trash cans available. Restrooms are present.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis as reservations are not required.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesThis campground is suitable for those interested in hiking, geology, and plant diversity. Campers are advised to bring their own water and firewood.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The activities at Upper Juan Miller Campground are primarily focused on enjoying nature. Opportunities include picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. However, fishing in the immediate vicinity is not an option.

HikingHiking is one of the key activities at this campground. Veronica Sexton mentions: 'If you're interested in hiking, it's perfect.' The terrain is described as interesting for geology enthusiasts, and the variety of plants is wide.

Wildlife viewingThe campground offers rich opportunities for wildlife viewing. It is surrounded by Gambel oak and sycamore trees and provides a natural habitat for various wildlife species.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFinding firewood might be a challenge as cutting trees is not allowed in most areas. There is no potable water available at the site.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but cutting down trees for firewood is not permitted. Specific trees may be protected.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available at the campground.

Water FeaturesThere is no fishable stream nearby as per user reviews. However, the nearby Blue River (accessible from the road) may offer fishing opportunities.

Camp HostThe campground has no camp host and is considered a fairly primitive site.

Weather at Upper Juan Miller Campground

Reviews

4.4

7 reviews

Recommended

Upper Juan Miller Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the area as peaceful, shaded, and suitable for hikers and nature lovers. However, the lack of potable water and nearby fishing options are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

- Peaceful and shaded environment - Clean outhouse facilities - Ideal for hiking and geology enthusiasts - High elevation keeps the area cool.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

- No potable water on-site - No fishable streams nearby - Limited firewood availability, with restrictions on tree cutting.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own potable water - Know the trees you’re allowed to use for firewood - For fishing, visit the Blue River and check Arizona Fish & Wildlife for regulations.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The only drawback to camping is there is no fish-able stream nearby. But if you're interested in hiking it's perfect.' - Veronica Sexton 2. 'High enough altitude to be cool while not so high that...

Based on 7 reviews

0 review