Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Star4.82
256 reviews
8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,316 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Coconino National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Rock Crossing Campground (Az)
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric sites for 1-8 people cost $20 per night, while larger sites accommodating 9-16 people cost $40 per night. Note that reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 256 reviews

104 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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Some mention

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"User reviews indicate overwhelmingly positive experiences at Rock Crossing Campground, highlighting its cleanliness, natural beauty, and the friendliness of campground hosts. The campground is noted for its well-maintained facilities, abundant wildlife, and proximity to recreational opportunities like hiking and kayaking."

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Campground Map

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Driving directionsFrom 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 4.6 miles to FR 751 (turnoff for the Blue Ridge / C.C. Cragin Reservoir). Turn right on FR 751 and drive approximately 2.5 miles to the campground. From Payson, Arizona, drive approximately 42.5 miles north on AZ 87 toward Winslow to FR 751 (turnoff for the Blue Ridge / C.C. Cragin Reservoir). Turn right on FR 751 and drive approximately 2.5 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessed via gravel roads. Reviews indicate that the road condition can be rough and unmaintained, so caution is advised. Use of SUVs or trucks is recommended for easier navigation.
Nearby places
Flagstaff: ~55 miles, ~1.25 hours driving. Payson: ~42.5 miles, ~1 hour driving.
Nearby supplies
Gas station, two convenience stores, and two restaurants are available in Happy Jack, Arizona, which is approximately 15 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Experience nature's perfect climate at Rock Crossing, where elevation works its magic year-round. As summer heat bakes the desert valleys below, you'll find sweet relief among the pines, with temperatures often 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Winter transforms the landscape into a wonderland of frost-kissed mornings and occasional dustings of snow, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for campfire gatherings and hot cocoa under star-filled skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 10% in AZ

Peak season May–Sep; reviewers praise cool temps and abundant summer recreation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Sep 21; early fall is pleasant but the open window is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens May 8; late-spring visits offer cool air and recreation but the season starts late.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground operates seasonally; winter use is limited/closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 08 to September 21.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally from May 8th through September 21st for standard reservations.

About Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Escape to Rock Crossing Campground, where towering ponderosa pines and ancient oaks create a natural cathedral at 7,316 feet above sea level. Tucked within the vast Coconino National Forest, this beloved mountain retreat beckons adventurers with its promise of cool mountain air and endless recreation. Whether you're casting a line into crystal waters, paddling across the mirror-like surface of C.C. Cragin Reservoir, or setting out to explore the legendary Mogollon Rim, Rock Crossing serves as your perfect basecamp for Arizona's high country adventures.
Rock Crossing Campground offers a mix of camping options suitable for families, groups, and individual campers. The campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and trailers (up to 35 feet in some sites).
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rock Crossing Campground offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors of all interests. Activities include hiking, birding, kayaking, canoeing, stargazing, and photography. The nearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir is a hub for water-based activities and offers opportunities for cliff jumping, swimming, and fishing. The Arizona National Scenic Trail and other local trails are popular for hiking and biking.
HikingHiking opportunities abound with trails such as the Arizona National Scenic Trail, General Crook National Recreation Trail, and the Cabin Loop Trail System nearby. These trails offer varying difficulty levels and cater to hikers, bikers, and equestrian users.
FishingFishing is available at the nearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir. While specific fish species are not mentioned, the area is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful fishing spots.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities are available at the nearby reservoir. Visitors have mentioned enjoying cliff jumping and water activities, although there is no designated beach area.
BikingBiking is supported on local trails, including the Arizona National Scenic Trail and General Crook Trail. The terrain varies, offering options for riders of different skill levels.
BoatingBoating activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular at C.C. Cragin Reservoir. There are also opportunities for motorized boating.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, bald eagles, osprey, hummingbirds, and foxes. Campers frequently note abundant wildlife sightings.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife includes black bears and rattlesnakes, requiring caution and proper food storage.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at many sites for secure food storage.

Weather at Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Reviews

4.8
256 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Rock Crossing Campground (Az) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate overwhelmingly positive experiences at Rock Crossing Campground, highlighting its cleanliness, natural beauty, and the friendliness of campground hosts. The campground is noted for its well-maintained facilities, abundant wildlife, and proximity to recreational opportunities like hiking and kayaking.
Review Summaries
Based on 256 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms, the well-maintained campsites, the helpfulness of the camp hosts, and the natural beauty of the area. Many reviews also highlight the...
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Based on 256 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the rough condition of the access road, limited cell service, and occasionally small tent pads that may not accommodate larger tents.
Based on 256 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving sites 18-35 for better shade and views, bringing a kayak for the reservoir, and packing appropriately as there is no cell service and the nearest town is 24 miles away.
Based on 256 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season for visitors seeking a cool escape. Campers appreciate the mild temperatures and abundant recreational opportunities during this time. Winter use is limited due to higher...
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Based on 256 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground was so well kept, very clean bathrooms, decent spacing between sites." - Sara Turner. "The views are absolutely gorgeous. Very clean restrooms and water available." - Chef Nessa....
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Based on 256 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 18-35 are recommended for their shade and views.
Based on 256 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users appreciate the accessible vault toilets and drinking water but note that certain areas may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 256 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash or confined at all times. One negative user review mentions inappropriate behavior from staff towards a pet, which may require further investigation.
Based on 256 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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