Rock Crossing Campground (Az)
4.8297 reviews8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024
Quick Facts
7,316 ftPrice
$20 - $40/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
33 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
7,316 ftPrice
$20 - $40/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
33 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsRock 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
Total Campsite Fees$20.00
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What Campers Say
4.82
Top-Rated
Based on 97 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."
Fees & Passes at Rock Crossing Campground (Az)
$20 - $40/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Visitors may cancel reservations prior to the check-in date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancel...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Coconino National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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).
Historical SignificanceYour campground sits in the shadow of one of Arizona's most iconic landmarks—the mighty Mogollon Rim. This ancient escarpment has witnessed millennia of history, from the footsteps of ancestral peoples to the inspiration it provided author Zane Grey. Stretching across two-thirds of Arizona like a great stone spine, the Rim offers not just breathtaking vistas but a connection to the geological forces that shaped the American Southwest. Every trail you hike here follows paths carved by time itself.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at over 7,300 feet, Rock Crossing offers a true high-country experience that feels worlds away from the desert below. This lofty position gifts campers with crisp, pine-scented air and sweeping panoramic views that stretch to distant peaks. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer nights require a cozy sleeping bag and morning coffee tastes better with a view of mist rising through the forest canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where majestic ponderosa pines reach skyward and gnarled oaks provide dappled shade for your campsite. This enchanted forest serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife—keep your camera ready for encounters with bugling elk at dawn, graceful mule deer browsing through camp, and the occasional black bear ambling through the woods. Above, bald eagles and osprey patrol the skies, while the forest floor reveals a tapestry of wildflowers, ferns, and ancient volcanic rocks that tell the story of this remarkable landscape.
Geological RegionRock Crossing Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads within Coconino National Forest, where desert meets mountain in dramatic fashion. The forest's incredible diversity spans from sun-baked desert basins to snow-capped peaks, encompassing nearly two million acres of varied terrain. The nearby Mogollon Rim dominates the horizon with its stunning escarpment—a 200-mile geological masterpiece that forms one of the most striking topographical features in North America. Here, ancient limestone cliffs and volcanic formations create a landscape that's both ruggedly beautiful and endlessly explorable.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible drinking water, vault toilets, and grills, making it moderately suitable for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size and can accommodate tents, pop-up campers, camper vans, pickup campers, and RVs/trailers up to 35 feet in certain sites.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are moderately spaced, providing some level of privacy. Sites 18-35 are noted for shade and better views.
Total Campsites33 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites along the outside loops (19 and up) offer rim views and more privacy.
Best Campsites
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Single sites accommodate up to 8 people
- double sites up to 16.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 31 single-family sites and two double sites. Campsites are organized in loops and are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and bear-proof lockers.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates seasonally from May 8th through September 21st for standard reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, contact center, or in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityPart of the sites are first-come, first-served; others require reservation. User reviews indicate that sites fill up quickly during holidays or weekends.
Cancellation PolicyVisitors may cancel reservations prior to the check-in date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (day before check-in) incur both the cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. Changes between dates or campsites are allowed for a $10 change fee.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available at the nearby reservoir. Visitors have mentioned enjoying cliff jumping and water activities, although there is no designated beach area.Biking
Biking 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.Boating
Boating activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular at C.C. Cragin Reservoir. There are also opportunities for motorized boating.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, bald eagles, osprey, hummingbirds, and foxes. Campers frequently note abundant wildlife sightings.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the high elevation and forested setting suggest potential for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular at the nearby reservoir.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife includes black bears and rattlesnakes, requiring caution and proper food storage.
Weather at Rock Crossing Campground (Az)
30
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Happy Jack, which includes a gas station, two convenience stores, and two restaurants. For major medical emergencies, Flagstaff may need to be considered for hospitals.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 08 to September 21.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake for kayaking, fishing, and water activities.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include rough road access and occasional small tent pads.
HostCampground hosts are consistently praised for their attentiveness, friendliness, and maintaining cleanliness. Hosts Art and T (known as 'TArt') have received specific accolades.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
97 reviews
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 97 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...
Based on 97 reviewsShow more
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 97 reviewsPro 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 97 reviewsSeasonal 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...
Based on 97 reviewsShow more
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....
Based on 97 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 18-35 are recommended for their shade and views.
Based on 97 reviewsAccessibility 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 97 reviewsPet-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 97 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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