Central, AZ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Central is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Central, AZ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Roper Lake State Park is located 6 miles south of Safford in Graham County in southeast Arizona and sits at the base of Mt. Graham. There are three different campgrounds for lakeside camping as well as fishing, bird watching and water activities. This park is home to a large variety of bird species, offers great seasonal fishing, and is within close proximity to one of Arizona's most beautiful "Sky Island" mountain ranges. Comfy camping cabins dot the shoreline, and neighboring Dankworth Pond State Park offers hiking trails and more water access.
$20 - $70 / night
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.
$10 / night
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.
$20 / night
Located in an oak woodland at an elevation of 5,200 feet, Round-the-Mountain campground is pleasant year-round. This campground includes 3 campsites, a restroom, horse corrals, and a trailhead.
You may camp outside of developed areas across most of the Coronado National Forest at no charge. We recommend that you stop in to one of our five ranger stations to pick up a free travel management map so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted.
Potable water, restrooms, and other amenities are not available at dispersed sites. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas.
The Coronado National Forest has a 14-day stay limit on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.
Roper Lake State Park is located 6 miles south of Safford in Graham County in southeast Arizona and sits at the base of Mt. Graham. There are three different campgrounds for lakeside camping as well as fishing, bird watching and water activities. This park is home to a large variety of bird species, offers great seasonal fishing, and is within close proximity to one of Arizona's most beautiful "Sky Island" mountain ranges. Comfy camping cabins dot the shoreline, and neighboring Dankworth Pond State Park offers hiking trails and more water access.
$20 - $70 / night
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.
$10 / night
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.
$20 / night
