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Map showing campground location near Clifton, Arizona
Camper submitted image from Black Jack CampgroundView 14 Photos
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Black Jack Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Highway 78 winds steeply up the mountain to reach Black Jack Campground, where pine trees provide shade across well-spaced sites in Apache National Forest. This free Forest Service campground sits directly alongside the road at elevation, offering big rig access and year-round availability. The drive requires confidence on narrow, winding pavement, but campers with trailers up to 21 feet report successful navigation.

Sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, though none offer hookups or water access. Two pit toilets serve the campground, and most sites accommodate RVs despite unlevel terrain that may require leveling blocks. The layout includes larger group spots near the entrance and additional sites extending in both directions, with some overflow areas tucked back among the trees without amenities.

Trail access leads approximately four miles into the surrounding forest, with ATV tracks indicating mixed use. A short walk beyond the final toilet reveals valley views, while Martinez Road provides additional riding opportunities about 2.5 miles away. Michael D. notes it's "very quiet and peaceful, although some road noise, but not distracting at all."

No cell coverage reaches this mountain location, and pets are not permitted. Campers seeking lower elevation alternatives can explore places to camp near Clifton.

Reservation Info

This campground is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

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Location

Public Campground

Black Jack Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

33.060619 N
109.080593 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 11/19/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 11/19/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned well-spaced sites with basic amenities in a peaceful mountain setting. Several reviews noted unlevel terrain requiring blocks, but many appreciated the quiet atmosphere despite minor road noise.

Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2025

Happy Little Trees!

So google tells you to drive with confidence if you venture up highway 78. You really can believe what you read on the internet! It is a very steep, narrow and windy road. However the fear will soon be replaced with amazement when you reach Black Jack at the top of the mountain. This camp ground is great. It is big rig friendly and right off the road. When you arrive there are 2 larger group spot right away. They have fire rings, barbecues and picnic tables. Then you can go left or right. Left will take you back to a treed area without tables, pits or barbecues. It not clear if you can camp here but it is part of the park. Most likely an overflow area. If you go right this is where you will find more camp sites with tables, fire rings and barbecues. There also 2 pit towels down this road. There are no visible numbers marking the spots. So we ended up taking a spot without a table, fire ring or barbecue. The spots are not level so bring your blocks or sleep on the at a slant. The trees offer shade at all the sites but there was a sign telling visitors that wind could blow them over and be aware. This place also has access to a trail. We walked it but it was wide enough for an ATV and recent tracks looked like someone rode on it. Looks like the trail goes about 4 miles. You can also go about 2 1/2 miles to Martinez road and that offers tons of riding as well. If you go past the last pit toilet there is at least one spot to camp and go a little farther you will have experience a view of the whole valley! Definitely recommend especially if you need respite from the desert heat! No cell coverage here!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Alisa P., October 28, 2025
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Alisa P., October 28, 2025
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Alisa P., October 28, 2025
  • (7) View All
MThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2025

No frills relaxation

No hook ups, no water, just well spaced campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Very quiet and peaceful, although some road noise, but not distracting at all. Stayed 2 nights in a 20 ft. TT. Will definitely go back and stay longer! So relaxing!

Sitenot numbered
Month of VisitOctober
J
Reviewed Mar. 31, 2021

High in the Jackpines

About 15 miles from 3 Way on 78, a nice little CG w pit toilets and no water. Though next to the road, there isn’t much traffic and our night was peaceful. I would guess that there are a dozen sites, fairly flat and good for tenting.

  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Jonathan , March 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Jonathan , March 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Jonathan , March 31, 2021
  • (4) View All
Justin G.
Reviewed Dec. 4, 2020

Great campground.

You are right off the road so there is some noise, but it is beautiful. Easy drive to get to. Stayed here 2 times in a couple of weeks, two separate sites, and did fine. 21 ft trailer

  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Justin G., December 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Justin G., December 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Justin G., December 4, 2020
Tyler C.
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2018

Good family campground.

I took the family out here (including the dog), a few months ago. We pushed out there and discovered a lovely little campground in the pines. The site we chose had a fire pit and a picnic table, which was great for us. We had the run of the place.

There was a pit toilet set up, even though the kids didn't want to use it. A series of trails pushing up into the ridge line gets you up to a clearing where lightning has given you a view of the surrounding area. You might be lucky to see deer in the area if you sit still. There are a number of manzanita bushes that were ripe when we popped up there.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Tyler C., January 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Tyler C., January 11, 2018
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What do photos of Black Jack Campground show about the facilities?

Photos of Black Jack Campground would show a small, rustic campground nestled among pine trees. The facilities include basic amenities such as fire pits and picnic tables at the campsites. Pit toilets are available, though they're simple in nature. The images would also capture the relatively flat camping spots suitable for tents and the natural forest setting that provides a peaceful outdoor experience.

What camping options are available near Clifton, Arizona?

Near Clifton, Arizona, Black Jack Campground offers a peaceful pine forest camping experience about 15 miles from Three Way on Highway 78. This small campground features basic amenities including fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets, though no water is available. The sites are fairly flat and suitable for both tent camping and smaller trailers (up to 21 feet have been accommodated). The campground's proximity to the road provides easy access while still offering relatively quiet nights for campers exploring the Clifton area.

Are there group camping facilities at Black Jack Campground?

Black Jack Campground doesn't appear to offer designated group camping facilities. The campground is relatively small with approximately a dozen individual sites. Each site comes with a fire pit and picnic table, but there aren't specialized areas set aside specifically for larger groups. Families or small groups can enjoy the campground together, but those planning large group events should contact the managing agency to verify accommodation options.

Where is Black Jack Campground located in Arizona?

Black Jack Campground is located about 15 miles from Three Way on Highway 78 in Arizona. The campground is situated in a pine forest setting, making it a scenic destination in this part of Arizona. It's easily accessible by car with a straightforward drive, though it is positioned right off the main road.

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