Mt. Graham camping and Riggs Flat Lake at Riggs Flat Campground. Experience Some come to fish in it, some to boat on it, and some just to enjoy the reflective beauty this small (11 acre) lake adds to such a scenic area. The dam was financed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 1957 to provide trout fishing for forest recreationists. Information about stocking Riggs Lake is available from Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Riggs Flat Campground

Riggs Flat Campground is located in the Pinaleño Mountains 40 miles southwest of Safford, AZ. The lake is not all that big, a bit under whelming to be honest after such a great drive, although if your lucky you may be able to catch some trout and bass for dinner (you'll need a valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp). I don't believe many people come to the lake to specifically "camp", what this location offers is a scenic drive and a base camp for much better nearby activities such as hiking, mountain biking, birding, caving and swimming.

There are no services or first Aid, the nearest would have to be Mt. Graham Community Hospital in Safford, 42 miles away. RV Camping is 22 feet and less. Boats permitted on the lake may be powered by no more than a single electric trolling motor. RV’s up to 22' and vehicles with trailers less than 21' are recommended. Longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on the road up the mountain (AZ 366). Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14 day stay limit.

The drive up starts out paved and well maintained, but half way turns to a semi-maintained dirt road. You'll climb from 3200 feet to 9000 in a matter of miles, Mt. Graham is known for is amazing diversity from the surrounding desert. You'll climb through many different Biospheres and witness wildlife change from Lizards, Snakes, and desert dwellers to Deer, Endanged Red tree squirrels, and black bear. There are many other camp grounds on the way but if they are all full then this is your… 15th or so choice!

If your a hiker you can find traces of the Anasazi Indians that once inhabited this area.

Keep in mind the cabins you will pass on the way up are PRIVATELY OWNED, and are not for rent.

Long, Slow, Beautiful Curvy Scenic Route to an Under Whelming Lake

This is small campground around a small fishing lake. There are about 20 camp spots, but only half were taken up. The lake is 30 some miles up well maintained dirt road. The campsite its self is clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were the cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen. The camp host, Troy, was a nice guy happy to chat or give hiking suggestions. 

A great little spot

We decided to go to Riggs Lake and camp there we stayed a little outside of the fee are! And had blast! 2 nights and lot’s of fun! Really pretty area with great scenic views!   

Great Area

Video

The fishing is great for beginners and kids, not hard at all and the entire lake is easily accessible. The views from the top are great, the road in up the mountain is not ideal for small cars since its unpaved for a few miles up. There were a lot of skunks in the area and they will get into your things at night if you don’t clean up. 

Riggs Flat

Beautiful area and the lake is great for fishing.  The road up is long unpaved and rough so not ideal without 4 wheel drive.   The campground was peaceful.  Smelled and then saw skunks.  Pit toilets and they were NOT clean.  

Riggs Flat Lake

We did not end up camping here. Beautiful location. Road is super rough and narrow in spots going up Mt Graham.  Drove up end of June 2020 and there were so many cars parked that you could not drive the camp ground loop to check out the sites. It did not appear to be monitored by a ranger so people were parked everywhere. Like 4 and 5 cars to a site. Lots of dispersed camping in the way up the mountain. Worth the drive in my opinion to check it out but overall disappointed. 

Wanted to love it

The camp sites are nice and large. Spaced out for plenty of room. Sound carries like crazy so kids screaming and dogs barking can be disappointing. The bathrooms are well kept as well. The lake is beautiful and a easy walk around for exercise. No campfires allowed.

A bit noisy

Me and the boys picked a site with a few flat areas for tents. Standard issue picnic tables and fire pits with a flat common area is fantastic.
Very easy access to this cute little Lake that is stocked with fish. Good fishing if you're into it.
Definitely some trails on the mountain, but we also greatly enjoyed just wandering through the forest to some local lookouts.
No sour reception in Camp that we've found, but if you walk out to the West edge of the mountain you can pick some up.
The pine Forest up here is fantastic.  Not as many Aspen's at this camp as others on the mountain.
We got caught in some pretty heavy rain. Definitely be aware of the weather and that the mountains attract more rain.
It is definitely a healthy drive to get out there, and the last 30 minutes or so is dirt with some holes and dips and rocks.