The Safford area of central Arizona encompasses diverse camping environments ranging from desert lowlands to high mountain forests. Roper Lake State Park, located just south of Safford, offers three developed campgrounds with full hookup sites, cabins, and tent camping areas around a small fishing lake. The surrounding Pinaleño Mountains host several Forest Service campgrounds including Arcadia and Riggs Flat, while BLM lands provide free dispersed camping options at places like Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area and along Tanque Road. Most established campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though mountain sites often have length restrictions due to narrow, winding roads.
Road conditions and seasonal closures significantly impact camping access in this region. As one camper noted, "The drive up [to Riggs Flat] starts out paved and well maintained, but halfway turns to a semi-maintained dirt road. You'll climb from 3,200 feet to 9,000 in a matter of miles." Mountain campgrounds like Clark Peak Corrals at 8,800 feet elevation provide relief from summer desert heat but are typically closed in winter. Many BLM dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with Verizon generally providing the best coverage. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in lower elevations.
Visitors consistently praise the dramatic temperature differences between desert and mountain sites. According to one review, "Within a 30-minute drive from the nearest town, you can leave 112-degree heat, cactus, and sand to find yourself surrounded by large pine, long mountain hikes and a 30-degree difference in temperature." Roper Lake State Park receives high ratings for its clean facilities, hiking trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, from desert quail and doves at Hot Well Dunes to deer and endangered red squirrels in the mountains. Birdwatchers particularly appreciate Cochise Lake near Willcox for its sandhill crane population during migration seasons.
$50 / night
"There is plenty to do at Roper Lake. Great spots for RVs, tents, and cabins too. This is a popular area so get your reservations in early."
"Very nice campgrounds, close to the lake. Plenty of space between campsites. Kids were able to ride bikes on the numerous paths around the campgrounds and lake."
$20 - $180 / night
"Site 46 is on the lake which hosts a variety of water fowl. The sites are large with plenty of screening for privacy."
"Clean and peaceful location."
$30 / night
"You can get campsites within 100 feet of the water's edge (and they have cabins for rent too). The pits were well kept and had the built in BBQ grate."
"Thus park is nice if you like fishing or floating in the lake. The. Camping spaces are really close together and most hold could hold a 10x10 tent.."
"Nice sunset behind Mount G. Plenty of spots even with a dozen or more RVs and vans."
"Great spot to split up our drive. Super easy access and road in, the coordinates take you to one spot, but there is multiple here. It’s not far off the road but far enough to be peaceful and quiet!"
$10 / night
"Very easy access to this cute little Lake that is stocked with fish. Good fishing if you're into it."
"Beautiful site, great lake views, Vista view within walking distance of campsites. Outstanding experience overall."
"*I live nearby and chose to write a more accurate description for the community members."
"Conveniently located large sites clean facilities."
$20 / night
"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!"
"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."
"Verizon in and out. 4x4 needed to exit. Road is a couple miles, rough, and one shallow water crossing."
"Lots of places to pull over for a night or for a week or two along Tanque Road, and almost no road noise since the highway is far enough away."
"Each spot is fairly level and most are drive through. Y oh are right off the road but you really don’t hear much road noise."
GuideA collection of trees and dunes surrounding two manmade cement tubes with very nice water......during the day. The pumps that fill the pools are solar and only therefore work filling the tubs if the sun is shining. The tubs start draining at dusk and refill when the sun comes up. There are nice tables with roofs for shade and fire rings and clean pit toilets. Camp host. Regular price $3 per day. Pass holders: 1.50.
GuideWe’ve actually stayed here before. Fight realize it until I walked into the office. Sites are nice size, gravel, and they take you to your site. Wish they all did that!!!!! They have a cozy restaurant on the property that serves good food and a heated pool. It’s close to a Loves station, Arby’s, and a McDonalds. It’s right off of I-10 West. Very easy access.
LegendAbout 30 minutes from Safford down a good two lane asphalt Road, You will find 14 campsites and two spring fed hot tubs. Campsites have picnic tables, trash cans, fire rings and vault toilets. There is also a day use only picnic area, and two spring fed hot tubs which operate during daylight hours. My understanding is that accidental diversion of the spring water has left the area drier than it has been in the past and water needs to be pumped from the reservoir to feed the hot tubs, and it has left the area much drier than it has been in the past. There is plenty of deadfall wood to collect, and a camp host to help with any problems. There are tons of ATV trails but ATV noise was not a problem at all, but it was quite dusty. Spotty T-Mobile coverage. Cost is $3 a day per vehicle.
LegendWith a view of snow-capped Mount Grant, chihuahuan desert, buttes and arroyos, spectacular sunsets, this says the American southwest to me. Don't make the mistake of taking Old Safford Road (Black Hills Scenic Byway) to get here unless you're a four-wheel drive high clearance vehicle looking for adventure. We made it in our Ford Transit, but it was not fun. If you take North Cuesto Ranch Road at mile marker 141 on US 191 the site is only about 2 mi off the highway. There are several places to pull off on North Cuesto Ranch Road well before you get to the Rockhound Area, that would accommodate a large pull through, and do not require sharp turns or steep grades on narrow roads. Plenty of room to set up many camps at the Rockhound area and accommodate weekend Rock hunters. 25 minute drive to Safford, which has everything you could possibly need, because there is nothing here but sunshine, rocks, and wide open spaces. Weak but adequate T-Mobile coverage.
TravelerTake this quite rocky road slow and you will be rewarded with an incredible view of the mountains and weather formations. This is right at the weather transition zone, so be prepared for that. My first night (January) I was greeted with heavy winds and a mix of rain and light hail. At the top there is basically no wind protection, so I moved down a ways where the wind wasn't blowing quite so hard. No amenities except a fire ring and a single trash barrel (but you should still pack it out). Excellent solar and solid Verizon service.
GuideI enjoyed this stay. Lots to explore, beautiful view of the valley. Clean pit toilet within walking distance.
GuideIt's a large open area with 14 day camping allowed. It has a few fire rings people have made with the rocks. Good Verizon signal. I had the whole place to myself.
RangerThe road can be pretty bumpy coming in, but there’s plenty of sites to stop and spend some time. Look forward to seeing some cows and some cow pies. The view is spectacular. We only spent one night but would like to come back.
GuideVery wide and smooth dirt road around the pond. Just pull to the side and park there are no pull off spots just parked on the road. The negative is the birds squawking all the time, I heard some coyotes howling and you can hear the trains as they go by. I’m a light sleeper so I woke up often.
The Safford region in central Arizona sits at the base of the Pinaleño Mountains where elevations range dramatically from 3,200 feet in the valley to nearly 11,000 feet at Mount Graham's peak. This creates multiple climate zones within short distances, allowing campers to experience desert lowlands and alpine forests in a single trip. During summer months, temperature differences between lower and higher elevation campsites near Central, Arizona often exceed 30 degrees.
Fishing opportunities: Roper Lake State Park provides accessible fishing with a small lake stocked with various species. "Site 46 is on the lake which hosts a variety of water fowl. The sites are large with plenty of screening for privacy," reports one camper who stayed at the Gila Campground section of the park.
Hot springs access: Natural hot springs attract visitors year-round. "Two night stay. Visited Mt Graham, picnicked and hiked. Enjoyed the hot springs hot tub in the campground. Clean, beautiful and friendly staff," notes a visitor to Roper Lake State Park, though some visitors report temporary closures: "Only down was bathroom had no hot water and springs were down. But still had a great time."
Mountain hiking: Forest trails provide relief from summer heat at higher elevations. "We didn't try fishing but there were a lot of people fishing from the pier. I don't think you can do much shoreline fishing just because of the grass/weeds," explains a visitor who instead enjoyed the walking trails around Hacienda Campground.
Temperature variations: The dramatic climate change within short distances allows campers to escape extreme heat. At Arcadia Campground, visitors appreciate "the shaded campsites and quiet atmosphere. The campground is close to the road, but still feels deep in the forest."
Clean facilities: State park maintenance receives consistent praise. A visitor to Gila Campground noted, "The facilities are immaculately clean. I mean the cleanest campground restrooms I've ever seen. We stayed in a cabin and it was nice and quiet."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Designated swimming areas and accessible amenities make camping with children easier. "Very nice campgrounds, close to the lake. Plenty of space between campsites. Kids were able to ride bikes on the numerous paths around the campgrounds and lake," reports a family that stayed at Roper Lake.
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to mountain campsites requires careful vehicle consideration. A visitor to Riggs Flat Campground warns: "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."
Wildlife encounters: The area hosts diverse wildlife including skunks, deer, and birds. "There were a lot of skunks in the area and they will get into your things at night if you don't clean up," cautions a Riggs Flat camper, while another notes excellent bird watching opportunities.
Seasonal closures and maintenance: Facilities may close temporarily or seasonally. One recent visitor noted: "Sadly, there is construction going on in the park right now. It is windy and cold. The sites are pretty private and there are nice picnic table covers. Unfortunately, the dump station is closed for a while."
Water recreation options: Swimming areas provide relief from heat. "Went 7-6-2020. Campsites are good size. Had power and water hook ups. Virtually no spots have shade. Lake is small. Has a little 'beach' area to swim. Water felt great," reports a visitor to Hacienda Campground.
Child-friendly activities: Bike paths and fishing opportunities keep children engaged. "This was a wonderful place to camp. The restrooms and shower areas were very clean and the park was quite and beautiful," notes a family that enjoyed the developed amenities.
Cabin alternatives: Round the Mountain Campground offers a compact camping experience when cabins are unavailable. "This tiny little campground is perched on the side of the road in another of AZ's Sky Islands. Just 3 campsites, not big enough for large RV's, though Hamlet-sized trailers and camper vans are fine."
Size restrictions: Mountain roads limit RV access. "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," confirms a camper who visited Arcadia Campground.
Dispersed options: For RVers seeking more space, Haekel Rd Dispersed Camping offers free sites with mountain views. "Wide open area, gravel road to access camping areas. No designated sites but plenty of flat open areas to stop. Hiked to some sort of dam in a dry gulch. Open skies great for star gazing," writes one RVer who found this area accommodating for larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: Full hookups available at some lower elevation sites. "Nice Spot. Easy to find, and easy to find a spot. Big Rig friendly in the 1st area. Gets a little tighter the further down you go like most places," reports a visitor to Haekel Rd camping, adding, "Free dump station at the Water Reclamation Plant in Safford, just sign in, dump, sign out."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Central, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Central, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 68 campgrounds and RV parks near Central, AZ and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Central, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Central, AZ is Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Central, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Central, AZ.
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