Located up the mountain just above the elk wildlife refuge, I got there late at night, which was a little challenging given the road once in the campground gets pretty rough and bumpy in some stretches. I don’t have four-wheel-drive which was not a problem, but I was driving my truck with decent clearance which I was grateful for, I wouldn’t want to do this with a low clearance vehicle or my trailer.
I stayed at site 12A which was pretty far up the mountain. It was a nice large site, no neighbors in sight, and a fire pit. I see in the description of amenities and some reviews mentioning toilets, firewood, picnic tables, bear boxes, but I didn’t see any of those or have them my site so I don’t know if maybe some sites even further in had those. Fires were allowed although the camp hosts came around on date two to let people know the fire risk was high and while fires were allowed, they were discouraged, but they were very friendly and helpful.
Some sites like mine are tucked more into the forest. I had a beautiful view of a small valley below me. Other sites are more open on top of the grassier part of the canyon with a broader view of the larger elk refuge below. I like that mine felt more secluded and less exposed, but the view from some other sites was spectacular. Trade-offs.
When I first got there, it wasn’t clear whether they were going to be any sites available so I kept driving and driving until I found a spot. The next night, the camp hosts had put up signs down at the entrance saying the campground was full, which I assume is common practice but I wasn’t sure when I got there I just took my chance until I found a spot.
They allow a five day maximum and it’s free. It was a 20 minute drive from Jaxon to the campground another 20 minutes inside the campground on the mountain road to my site, the campground is pretty dispersed up the mountain so lower numbered sites would be faster to get to.
All in all the great places to stay for a few days for me to explore the Jackson area.