Established Camping
Stockton Pass
Stockton Pass is located in the Coronado National Forest near Safford, AZ. The terrain consists of rugged landscapes with elevations that provide varied hiking opportunities. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer, and nearby attractions include the Mount Graham International Observatory and Roper Lake State Park.
Description
National Forest
Coronado National Forest
Overview
Named after "Old Man Stockton," a rancher who settled in this area in the 1870s, Stockton Campground lies off the beaten path in the high desert of the Pinale__o Mountains in southeastern Arizona. Groups of up to 30 people can come here to camp and enjoy hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing. The facility is located on a beautiful scenic drive with panoramic views of the mountains.
Recreation
A leisurely drive on SR 266 reveals large cattle ranges, rugged mountain ranges, and broad grasslands dotted with desert plants, a true southwestern experience. The Pass is open year-round, though summer can bring soaring temperatures and muddy rainstorms. The area offers excellent hiking, and trails are easily accessed from the campground. The Shake Trail #309 winds through the high desert landscape and begins a climb that continues to the Swift Trail, high in the Pinale__o Mountains. The campgrounds setting is also inviting for an afternoon picnic, with tables set in a desert grassland with the occasional oak, manzanita tree, or cactus.
Natural Features
This site encompasses an area of beautiful desert grassland mixed with oak woodlands. Many species of birds and wildlife live in the area, including deer, black bear and mountain lions. Stockton Pass serves as a route over the Pinale__o Mountains into Sulphur Springs Valley. The campground is located at the apex of the pass and offers good views of the south slopes of some of the mountain range's highest peaks, as well as views of surrounding valleys and mountains. With an elevation of 5,600 feet, temperatures are cooler than the surrounding low deserts in summer but still allow for camping in fall and winter. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.
Nearby Attractions
SR 266 West will take you out to the Galiuro Wilderness area, equipped with a variety of additional trails, including the West Divide Trail #289/Powers Garden Trail #96, which will bring you to the Powers Family Cabin. The Powers family were pioneers that farmed, ranged and mined in the Rattlesnake Canyon in the early 1900s until three members of the family were involved in a gunfight with law officers on a gold claim they were working. Two of the members escaped, at the time becoming the object of one of the longest manhunts in Arizonas history. SR 266 East will bring you back to SR 191, where you could continue heading north to reach the town of Safford (approximately a 1 hour drive from the Stockton Pass campground). Safford is home to our Ranger Station, where you can go to find information about trails, camping, hunting and fishing, and other questions you may have about our district (open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm).
Charges & Cancellations
Please review the Rules & Reservations Policies page on recreation.gov
Fee Info
This site has a $25 per night fee and a $5 per vehicle per night fee. Your check-out through recreation.gov will only include the Nightly/Daily rate. You must pay the per vehicle fee by cash or check upon arrival at the designated Fee Station.
Location
Stockton Pass is located in Arizona
Directions
From Safford, Arizona: Take State Route 191 south for 17 miles. Turn right onto State Route 266 and continue 12 miles to the Stockton Pass Campground (MM 116.5) on the right. The campground is past the second cattle guard. From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 East for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for State Route 191, and turn left toward Safford. Drive 17 miles north and turn left on State Route 266. Continue 12 miles to the Stockton Pass Campground (MM 116.5) on the right. The campground is past the second cattle guard.
Address
711 14th Avenue, Suite D
Safford, AZ 85546
Coordinates
32.5916667 N
109.8494444 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly