Best Tent Camping near Central, AZ
The Pinaleño Mountains and surrounding public lands near Central, Arizona offer diverse tent camping opportunities ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Arcadia Campground, located along Swift Trail (AZ 366), provides tent-only sites shaded by tall ponderosa pines and serves as the first accessible campground when ascending Mount Graham. Round the Mountain Campground, a tiny three-site area perched on the mountainside, caters specifically to tent campers with each site featuring a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed tent camping is available at Marijilda and Clark Peak, where campers can find spots beneath aspens and ponderosas with views toward Safford.
Most tent campsites in the region are set on dirt or forest duff with minimal improvements. Established campgrounds typically provide pit toilets, but drinking water is scarce throughout the area. Campers should bring all necessary water or equipment to filter from nearby creeks. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in summer months. Walk-in tent sites at Happy Camp Trail require navigating dirt roads that become increasingly difficult with distance from the entrance. The Marijilda dispersed area demands 4x4 vehicles to access its secluded tent camping spots, with one shallow water crossing required. A 14-day stay limit applies at most locations, and bear boxes are provided at some sites due to wildlife activity.
In summer months, tent campers frequently use these mountain sites to escape desert heat. One visitor noted that within a 30-minute drive from Safford, temperatures can drop by 30 degrees as you transition from desert to forest environments. At Round the Mountain, campers can access a beautiful creek with crystal clear water for filtering and washing. Primitive tent camping at Clark Peak offers overlooks toward Pima and Safford from beneath the forest canopy. According to reviews, Happy Camp Trail provides excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, though campers should be aware of potential encounters with rattlesnakes and free-range cattle. Backcountry tent camping throughout the region offers solitude, with many visitors reporting they encountered few or no other campers during their stays.
