Kehl Springs Campground

Star4.56
70 reviews
8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

7,441 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from early May ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mogollon Rim Ranger District site

Official Website
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Kehl Springs Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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...
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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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 70 reviews

66 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsscenerypeacefulclean

"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."

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Campground Map

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024

Kehl Springs Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Kehl Springs Campground

Experience 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in AZ

Summer temps ~80°F; popular cool escape from low-elevation desert heat per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through late October; high-country fall weather and vistas make it appealing in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from early May; late-spring access possible with cool temps, though limited season length.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter; open early May to late October.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open from early May to late October.

About Kehl Springs 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.
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Stay Limit
14-day maximum stay.

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingFishing is mentioned as an activity available nearby, but no specific details about the type of fish or fishing conditions are provided.
BikingMountain biking is mentioned as one of the recreational activities available near Kehl Springs Campground.
BoatingBoating is mentioned as an activity available in the vicinity, though specific details about locations or facilities are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife 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
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife 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.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredSteel bear boxes are provided at each site for food storage due to the presence of bears in the area.

Weather at Kehl Springs Campground

Reviews

4.6
70 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
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 70 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....
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Based on 70 reviews

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,...
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Based on 70 reviews

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...
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Based on 70 reviews

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...
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Based on 70 reviews

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...
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Based on 70 reviews

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...
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Based on 70 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews, leaving experiences for disabled campers unclear.
Based on 70 reviews

Pet-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 70 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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