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Established Camping

Arcadia Campground

Arcadia Campground near Safford, AZ, is surrounded by desert terrain with sparse vegetation. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 100°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area and Roper Lake State Park.

Description

National Forest

When early settlers ventured up Mount Graham, the Arcadia area was usually as far as they got on the first day. A little later in the history of the Pinaleños, Arcadia was the site of one of several Civilian Conservation Corps camps established in the 1930s to provide jobs for workers idled by the Great Depression. Today, Arcadia Campground, which has 19 campsites, is the first campground visitors encounter on their way up Mount Graham by way of the Swift Trail (AZ 366), which was built by those Depression-era workers. Arcadia Campground is shaded by stands of tall ponderosa pine interspersed with Gambel oaks and Arizona walnuts. Such a diverse habitat makes this an excellent area for bird watching. Watch for poison ivy. Note: Black bear area.

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Location

Arcadia Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Safford drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366. Turn right (southwest) onto AZ 366 and drive 11.6 miles to the campground entrance on the right side of the road. Check local road conditions during winter months.

Coordinates

32.6488903 N
109.81941097 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2023

Great bail out late at night

Plan were for higher up the mountain but too dark. This was perfect went around the loop 3 times and found a spot for our off-road trailer. Great table and benches - they were even totally level. Bathroom were clean, not malodorous, cleaned o. The day we left by USFS staff leaving them smelling even cleaner. All sites are under tree. A deer came through. Good jump off point to go to Riggs Flat lake, use the kayak. Next time we’ll bring fishing rods

Site3
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Arcadia Campground by Andrew M., August 20, 2023
  • Review photo of Arcadia Campground by Andrew M., August 20, 2023
  • Review photo of Arcadia Campground by Andrew M., August 20, 2023
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2020

Nice break from the desert heat but overpriced

My husband, myself and our 2 small dogs live in Tucson, AZ. We recently acquired a roof top tent and we’ve been trying out various campgrounds across the Southwest.

The drive up scenic highway 366 is worth a trip regardless. There are some amazing views of the Pinaleños. Since it’s still February, the road to the top of the mountain was closed to us so we decided to stay at Arcadia since it’s open year round.

We were the only people staying overnight, which surprised us since it was a holiday weekend. We did see a group picnicking when we first arrived though. Also, we could hear sports cars on the highway at night. Probably racing down the tight switchbacks.

No water, so make sure to bring your own. Toilets were clean, pit toilets and there were 2 sets. Campsites are pretty spread out. Some were 30-50 feet from the main road and wouldn’t really suit our needs as RTT campers. Lots of trash cans and a few bear boxes. Each site has a fire pit with a cooking grate and a cement picnic table. For camping in AZ, it is well suited for tent camping. We stayed in site 12. Most other sites wouldn’t not be ideal for RTTs.

I would definitely return to the Pineleños, but I’m going to wait until April, when we can access the sites at the top of the mountains.

Overall, it’s a nice wooded area, but with only 1 hiking trail (to Shannon Campground, 10mi r/t) and no vista views from the site, I don’t think it’s worth $20 a night. We decided to only spend 1 night here.

  • Review photo of Arcadia Campground by Beth G., February 16, 2020
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  • Review photo of Arcadia Campground by Beth G., February 16, 2020
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Reviewed Sep. 8, 2018

Prefect Desert Getaway

Within a 30 mins drive from the nearest town, you can leave 112 degree heat, cactus, and sand to find yourself surrounded by large pine, long mountain hikes & 30 degree difference in temperature!

Surrounded by large pine, a cool breeze and a cornucopia of wildlife! Although fire restrictions are always a concern Arcadia campground is the blessing all desert dwellers need!

Fire rings, BBQ, & bathrooms are available at camp sights. There is a $10 day pass or $10 nightly pass required to stay.

Info from the USDA:

When early settlers ventured up Mount Graham, the Arcadia area was usually as far as they got on the first day. A little later in the history of the Pinaleños, Arcadia was the site of one of several Civilian Conservation Corps camps established in the 1930s to provide jobs for workers idled by the Great Depression. Today, Arcadia Campground is the first campground visitors encounter on their way up Mount Graham by way of the Swift Trail (AZ 366), which was built by those Depression-era workers. Arcadia Campground is shaded by stands of tall ponderosa pine interspersed with Gambel oaks and Arizona walnuts. Such a diverse habitat makes this an excellent area for bird watching. Watch for poison ivy.

RV’s up to 22' and vehicles with trailers less than 21' are recommended. Longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on AZ 366. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14 day stay limit.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Arcadia Campground by Adam R., September 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Arcadia Campground by Adam R., September 8, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Arcadia Campground?

    Arcadia Campground allows vehicles up to 22 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Arcadia Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Arcadia Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Arcadia Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Arcadia Campground does not have wifi.