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O'Leary Group Campground was constructed in 2001 and is named for O'Leary Peak, which overlooks this site. The campground is designed to accommodate the special needs of large groups with everything from picnic shelters, tables and grills, to lots of level ground covered in native volcanic cinders, perfect for setting up tents.
Its proximity to Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments make it especially suitable for visitors who are intrigued by the cultural and natural history of the area.
Most visitors spend time hiking, exploring and learning at the national monuments. Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments have visitor centers and feature self-guided and ranger-guided tours.
Another popular activity is hiking to O'Leary Lookout Tower. The trail is 4.9 miles one way on an old forest road with a steady, steep climb that rewards visitors with a vast panoramic view of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks and the Painted Desert which was carved out by the Little Colorado River.
There are three group camping areas. The east and north loops can each accommodate up to 50 people, while the west loop can host up to 75 people. Camping areas are spacious. The facilities offer many amenities for hosting large group gatherings, such as electricity, trash collection and drinking water.
The campground sits on a bed of soft, flat volcanic soil amidst Arizona's ponderosa pine country. This area of volcanic activity is so unique that much of it has been set aside as Sunset Crater National Monument.
The camping area offers incredible views of dark cinder cone peaks, thick forests and open grassy meadows that burst with wildflowers in spring and early summer.
Wupatki National Monument is also nearby and features an ancient four-story pueblo, a masterpiece of Ancient Pueblo stone masonry circa A.D. 1120.
The nearby town of Flagstaff, Arizona, has shopping, restaurants and other conveniences.
Visitors also frequent the must-see [Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument](http://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm) and [Wupatki National Monument](http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm).
O'Leary Group Site is located approximately 13 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona. From Flagstaff, take I-40 to exit 201. Turn left at the Page exit (Highway 89). Proceed north on 89 approximately 13 miles to the entrance of Sunset Crater National Monument. Turn right on Forest Road 545a and go 1.7 miles to Group Campground Road on the left (just before Bonito Campground).
Our church booked the largest of three group sites for our annual "family camp" during Labor Day weekend.
The good things: Plenty of room for tents. RV's parked around the circle (we had 5). The covered area in the middle was big and became the hangout spot for eveyone. It was powered with lights and it had a screen for a movie night. Two nice sized charcoal bbq's (plenty of cooking space for a big group). There was space to set up some corn hole boards for a tournament and a volleyball net.The outhouse was lit inside and out. Water was easily accessible. Hiking trail near by.
The only bad things were one group fire pit and no individual fire pits. Outhouses were particularly smelly. There were A LOT of bees but fortunately very few stings. Understand that there is no cell service (that could be a negative or a positive).
Nice, well kept, campground for large groups. They keep everything really clean and it's a great place for camping. We went there with our cub Scout pack and had a great time. It's one of the favorites the group goes to yearly.
The staff was amazing. The site was wonderful! Has picnic tables, a shaded area, an area for fire, a movie projector, fire stoves, nice areas for your tent. Bathrooms are clean (outhouse) but they have light, didnt smell nasty and again very clean. No showers. There is a spout for water to wash hands and there is electric plugs for small things. Definitely will come back!
Fantastic experience at the group campsite. The camp host got on us for minor things such as setting up tents just outside the non marked area. If you want to take a group of youth to experience the outdoors and not have cell service then take them here. The fire pit cement was falling apart.
If you're not rating this a 5-star campground I'm not sure what else you need to have a good time in the mountains 🤷🏽♂️ There is so much space for campers, roof-top tents and just tents! Then you add the pavilion (with lights), picnic tables, running water, built-in grill, fire pit, trash can, electrical outlets and a pit toilet 20 steps away...everything you need for an amazing weekend!
Tim the camp host was a very cool guy to talk with and was genuinely interested in making sure our site was good. He did politely remind us of some of the rules (like dogs on a leash) but was also equally as firm with enforcing the rules to other loud campers in the west site. Really appreciated him checking on us daily.
Our only 'nit' is that the firepit is overly large (circumference wise). Meaning, you have to burn a ton of wood to get a fire going that those along the edge can appreciate and stay warm. We used a Solo Stove instead.
Overall, wonderful stay. Very close access to the O'Leary trail (hiking) and other OHV trails. You are up a couple thousand feet compared to Fort Tuthill so be aware of possible micro-climate differences at this location.
