How much does camping cost at Rock Crossing Campground?

Camping fees at Rock Crossing Campground range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rock Crossing Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Rock Crossing Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Rock Crossing Campground before I book?

Yes! Rock Crossing Campground has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Rock Crossing Campground?

Rock Crossing Campground is open May 01 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Rock Crossing Campground?

Rock Crossing Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Rock Crossing Campground have?

Rock Crossing Campground has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rock Crossing Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rock Crossing Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Rock Crossing Campground?

Rock Crossing Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Rock Crossing Campground?

Popular activities at Rock Crossing Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Rock Crossing Campground?

Fire policies at Rock Crossing Campground: Fires allowed only in provided metal fire rings when our Forest is not under any restrictions. Know Before you go. Check our main Forest Page to see if we are in Restrictions before coming out. Violators will be Cited! Stage 1 Fire restrictions: Fires allowed in developed fire ring only Stage 2 Fire restrictions: NO fires allowed, No charcoal BBQs, Propane ONLY https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/fire/prevention/restrictions Click here for more information on Coconino National Forest Fire Restr. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.79

256 reviews

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Top 10% in AZSummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping Arizona#1 Swimming Camping Arizona#1 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Arizona#1 +13 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Coconino National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Coconino National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite - 16 Guests: $40.00; Campsite - 8 Guests: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-477-2255https://www.fs.usda.gov/coconino/

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

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Campground Map

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Nearby places

Flagstaff: ~55 miles, ~1.25 hours driving. Payson: ~42.5 miles, ~1 hour driving.

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.

Weather at Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Current alerts(13)

Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Check-in time is 2 p.m.; check-out time is 12 p.m.
Coconino National Forest Home
Horses are not allowed in the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Best season: summer. Summer at Rock Crossing delivers the clearest benefits: long, warm days (highs typically in the 70s–80s°F) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) that make hiking, boating on C.C. Cragin Reservoir, fishing, swimming, and mountain biking most enjoyable. The campground is open for reservations through the summer, facilities and lake access are fully available, and the ponderosa-shaded sites provide a welcome respite from lower-elevation heat. Expect higher use on holiday weekends and during July–August monso Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in AZ

Peak season May–Sep; cool high-elevation summers (70s–80s) are a major draw vs lowland heat.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 30. 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)

Rock Crossing Campground sits in the ponderosa pine forests of Coconino National Forest near Happy Jack, Arizona, at high elevation. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground serves as a base for hiking and exploring the surrounding alpine terrain. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, with vault toilets, potable water, and pet-friendly sites under the pines.

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).

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer at Rock Crossing delivers the clearest benefits: long, warm days (highs typically in the 70s–80s°F) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) that make hiking, boating on C.C. Cragin Reservoir, fishing, swimming, and mountain biking most enjoyable. The campground is open for reservations through the summer, facilities and lake access are fully available, and the ponderosa-shaded sites provide a welcome respite from lower-elevation heat. Expect higher use on holiday weekends and during July–August monso Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7316 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines and oaks dominate the landscape, with the Mogollon Rim's 200-mile escarpment visible on the horizon. The area occupies a transition zone where desert meets mountain forest across Coconino National Forest's nearly two million acres. Ancient limestone cliffs and volcanic rock formations create varied terrain. Campers regularly spot elk, mule deer, black bears, bald eagles, and osprey. C.C. Cragin Reservoir sits close enough for kayaking and fishing access.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no formal lodging facilities like cabins or lodges available at Rock Crossing Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, contact center, or in-person.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible drinking water, vault toilets, and grills, making it moderately suitable for campers with disabilities.

Site 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.

PrivacyCampsites are moderately spaced, providing some level of privacy. Sites 18-35 are noted for shade and better views.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesSites along the outside loops (19 and up) offer rim views and more privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 18-35 offer better shade and views according to camper reports. The rough access road is worth mentioning. Some reviewers note it as a tradeoff for the setting.

Need help booking Rock Crossing Campground (Az)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

RV's and Trailers up to 35' are allowed at several sites.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; instead, well-maintained vault toilets are provided.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at many sites for secure food storage.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only in provided metal fire rings when our Forest is not under any restrictions. Know Before you go. Check our main Forest Page to see if we are in Restrictions before coming out. Violators will be Cited! Stage 1 Fire restrictions: Fires allowed in developed fire ring only Stage 2 Fire restrictions: NO fires allowed, No charcoal BBQs, Propane ONLY https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/fire/prevention/restrictions Click here for more information on Coconino National Forest Fire Restr

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available on-site. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.8

256 reviews

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...

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

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 18-35 are recommended for their shade and views.

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...

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....

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a well-maintained mountain campground with helpful hosts and proximity to trails in the ponderosa pines.

Skip if

You need large tent pads or smooth road access to your campsite.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.3

(28)

Blue Ridge Campground

Coconino National Forest Recreation

Blue Ridge Campground sits at 6,929 feet in Coconino National Forest, offering 50 tent and RV sites beneath towering pines. The compact layout means neighbors are close. Joshua H notes sites are packed tight enough to hear conversations. But that tradeoff buys direct access to the Arizona Trail and a cool escape from desert heat. Sites run $20/night and include fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers.