Campgrounds 4,517 ft Bortle 4 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)

Kellner Group Site is nestled at the base of the beautiful Pinal Mountains south of Globe, Arizona. Several picnic areas are separeted from the larger group area creating a semi-secluded setting. This site's interesting rock walls and steps were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It sits in the riparian area of Kellner Canyon, which frequently has a small stream running through it following winter runoff. Recreation Kellner Group Site recreation opportunities include hiking, exploring and wildlife viewing. The Pinal Mountains are considered a "Sky Island" and make for excellent bird watching opportunities. A short seven-mile drive leads to Icehouse Canyon Day Use Area which hosts trailheads for Six Shooter Canyon Trail, Ice House Canyon Trail, Kellner Canyon Trail and the Telephone Trail. Facilities The unique rock walls and steps of Kellner Group Picnic Site were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940s. The site is at the end of a gated, 3/4 mile long road, giving it privacy and a remote feel. There are five picnic units with tables and grills, one group fire ring, and a vault toilet. The site can accommodate up to 25 people. Due to a small parking area with minimal turnaround room, parking is limited to five vehicles under 20 feet. This site is available for overnight and day use. Natural Features Kellner Group Site boasts spectacular views of the Pinal Mountains, which rise 3,500 feet above it. The riparian area and stream host large sycamore and white oak trees which give it shade. Wildlife in the Pinal Mountains includes a large variety of birds, chipmunks, squirrels, coatimundi, and coos whitetail deer. A fire came very close to this area in the spring of 2017 and has affected some of the vegetation. Nearby Attractions Kellner Group Site is next to the City of Globe which offers an array of restaurants, as well as antique, grocery, and feed and tack stores. It is roughly an hour's drive from the Salt River Canyon, where several overlooks allow you to capture the magnificent beauty of "Arizona's other Grand Canyon." Roosevelt Lake and the Apache Trail are also within driving reach.

Near Globe, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Kellner Group Campground, Gila

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

Based on the terrain, climate, and wildlife at Kellner Group Campground, here's what to bring.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Kellner Group Campground, Gila

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Kellner Group Campground supports 11 outdoor activities, with birdwatching being the most popular draw.

Photographers rate this area 55/100, with Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

birdwatching — Spot and identify birds in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal habitats.
camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Kellner Group Campground, Gila

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

With a danger score of 25/10, Kellner Group Campground has a few wildlife hazards worth preparing for.

Danger rating: 25/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (72mi)

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (33N), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Arizona Coral Snake

A small slender snake with red, yellow, and black rings around the body.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Kellner Group Campground, Gila

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

Kellner Group Campground sits within a Desert ecosystem home to 4 documented mammal species and 30 bird species.

Wildflowers (2)

California poppy — Bright orange cup-shaped flowers with silky petals.
blackfoot daisy — White ray flowers with yellow central disks.

Shrubs (5)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Engelmann's hedgehog cactus is a low, clumping barrel cactus with cylindrical stems covered in dense radial spines. Flowers are large and showy, typically magenta to pink, blooming in late spring.

Other Plants (5)

saguaro
Chain-fruit Cholla
Graham's nipple cactus
ocotillo
Arizona Hedgehog Cactus

Mammals (4)

White-nosed Coati — A raccoon-like mammal with long ringed tail and white facial markings.
Cliff Chipmunk — A small striped rodent with gray-brown fur and bold facial markings.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.
Desert Cottontail — Gray-brown rabbit with large ears and white underside to tail.

Birds (30)

Brewer's Blackbird — Glossy black male with pale eye
Red-winged Blackbird — Male black with red and yellow shoulder patch
Sandhill Crane — Tall gray body
Chipping Sparrow — Rusty cap
Yellow-headed Blackbird — Black body

Reptiles (11)

Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Greater Earless Lizard — A small lizard lacking visible external ear openings.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped dorsal blotches.
Desert Spiny Lizard — A robust lizard with rough spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.

Amphibians (3)

Red-spotted Toad
Sonoran Desert Toad
Lowland Leopard Frog

Insects (18)

Queen
Pipevine Swallowtail
Empress Leilia
American Snout
Sleepy Orange

Nature Bingo at Kellner Group Campground, Gila

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Northern Cardinal (bird)
White-nosed Coati (mammal)
Ornate Tree Lizard (reptile)
Red-spotted Toad (amphibian)
saguaro (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Kellner Group Campground, Gila Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The climate at Kellner Group Campground averages 59.9°F annually, with Semi-Arid conditions.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 59.9°F

Annual precipitation: 19.5 in

With an average annual temperature of 59.9°F and 19.5 inches of precipitation, Kellner Group Campground has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 79°F, while winter lows drop to 43°F.

Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Winter 43°

2.5"

Spring 57°

0.6"

Summer 79°

2.6"

Fall 62°

1.4"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	43°F	2.5 in
Feb	45°F	2.2 in
Mar	50°F	1.7 in
Apr	57°F	0.6 in
May	65°F	0.5 in
Jun	75°F	0.3 in
Jul	79°F	2.6 in
Aug	77°F	2.9 in
Sep	72°F	1.4 in
Oct	62°F	1.4 in
Nov	51°F	1.3 in
Dec	43°F	2.1 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14.3 hours in summer — a difference of 4.3 hours.

Summer: 5:13 AM – 7:33 PM

Winter: 7:19 AM – 5:17 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:19 AM, Sunset 5:17 PM Golden hour from 4:39 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:13 AM, Sunset 7:33 PM Golden hour from 6:57 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:35 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM Golden hour from 5:57 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:05 AM, Sunset 6:31 PM Golden hour from 5:58 PM

Kellner Group Campground, Gila Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Kellner Group Campground — here's the practical information you'll need.

The nearest major city to Kellner Group Campground is Phoenix, about 72 miles away.

Nearest city: Phoenix (72 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $18.06 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 58.4 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Kellner Group Campground, Gila

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

There are 15 outdoor destinations within easy reach of Kellner Group Campground.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Campgrounds

Pinal Campground, Gila 3.28 mi
Upper/lower Pinal Campground, Gila 3.52 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Kellner Group Campground, Gila

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

The skies above Kellner Group Campground register a Bortle class 4, making this a Rural/suburban transition location for stargazing.

Bortle 4 Rural/suburban transition

Constellations

From Kellner Group Campground, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Kellner Group Campground, Gila

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Kellner Group Campground.

The seasons shape the experience at Kellner Group Campground — here's what each one brings.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Kellner Group Campground, Gila

This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.

Kellner Group Campground sits on the traditional lands of Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache), Hohokam.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include San Carlos, Pima.

Data from Native Land Digital

Kellner Group Campground, Gila Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Kellner Group Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Middle Proterozoic sedimentary rocks
Formation: Grand Canyon Supergroup; Chuar Group; Unkar Group; Apache Group; Troy Quartzite
Lithology: Major:{shale,sandstone,quartzite}, Minor:{limestone,basalt,black shale}, Incidental:{conglomerate}
Age: Proterozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 1
Unique Species: 1
Oldest: 372.2 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 285
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Copper, Gold, Silver, Asbestos, Tungsten, Uranium, Lead, Molybdenum

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 114°F (1995-07-28)
Record Low: 5°F (1974-12-24)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 25
Largest Fire: Telegraph (180,756.3 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Silver Creek
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 11 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 3 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 45/100

Kellner Group Campground, Gila Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check current conditions at Kellner Group Campground before heading out using these official sources.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: GLOBE NUMBER 3, AZ US (4.45 mi)