Camping opportunities near Thatcher, Arizona span elevations from 3,200 to 9,000 feet, creating distinct temperature differences that affect camping seasons and preparation needs. Mount Graham's proximity creates a significant cooling effect, with higher elevation sites often 30 degrees cooler than valley locations. During summer months, many campers migrate to higher elevations for relief from desert heat, while winter visitors typically stay at lower elevations.
What to do
Fishing at Riggs Flat Lake: The small alpine lake at Riggs Flat Campground offers trout and bass fishing from April through November. "The lake is great for fishing. The road up is long unpaved and rough so not ideal without 4 wheel drive," notes one visitor. Electric trolling motors are the only powered boats permitted.
Bird watching at lower elevations: The diverse habitats at Tanque Road Dispersed Camping provide excellent bird watching opportunities, especially during spring migration. "Wildflowers at their peak, a full on superbloom of California poppies amidst cacti greeted us at this BLM spot just southeast of Mt. Graham," reports a camper who visited during peak season.
Hiking mountain trails: The Pinaleño Mountains offer numerous hiking options. A camper at Round the Mountain Campground shared, "Great hiking around the whole area, complete with snowy peaks in early April and waterfalls." The campground provides access to several trails with varying difficulty levels.
What campers like
Hot springs access: The developed facilities at Roper Lake State Park include unique natural features. A visitor to Hacienda Campground mentioned, "Went 7-6-2020. Campsites are good size. Had power and water hook ups. Virtually no spots have shade. Pop up AC couldn't drop the temp below mids 80's. Lake is small. Has a little 'beach' area to swim. Water felt great."
Dark night skies: The remote location of Haekel Rd Dispersed Camping provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. A recent visitor noted, "There is no light noise at night and we had an amazing view of the Milky Way! Lots of rocks if you are into rock hounding." The area remains relatively uncrowded even during peak seasons.
Wildlife viewing: The varied ecosystems from desert floor to mountain top support diverse wildlife. "Deer came through. Good jump off point to go to Riggs Flat lake, use the kayak," reported a camper who stayed at Arcadia Campground, noting the easy wildlife spotting near camp.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to mountain campgrounds requires careful vehicle planning. A visitor to Arcadia Campground advised, "RV's up to 22' and vehicles with trailers less than 21' are recommended. Longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on AZ 366."
Limited services at dispersed sites: BLM lands provide free camping with minimal infrastructure. "No services, no water, no toilets, just beautiful open desert. Come prepared with drinking water and please Leave No Trace," wrote a camper about Tanque Road Dispersed Camping.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely by location and carrier. A visitor to Haekel Road reported, "Great 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. Verizon via Visible 2-3 bars. ATT via Straight Talk 3-4."
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed sites for amenities: Families often prefer campgrounds with facilities. A visitor to Gila Campground shared, "Very nice campground to get to. It's all paved and the sites are easily accessible. We got a site on the end of a loop so we had a little privacy. You can get campsites within 100 feet of the water's edge."
Consider cabin options: State park cabins provide comfortable alternatives to tent camping. "We stayed in a cabin and it was nice and quiet. We will definitely stay here again," noted a father who visited with his son.
Plan for weather variations: Mountain weather can change rapidly. One camper at Riggs Flat Campground cautioned, "We got caught in some pretty heavy rain. Definitely be aware of the weather and that the mountains attract more rain."
Tips from RVers
Choose sites based on specific needs: Different loops offer varied experiences. An RVer at Hacienda Campground noted, "It's on par with other state parks in AZ. Kinda pricey but you do get electric and water. The men's showers are not working but it's Thanksgiving so probably no one around to fix the problem."
Utilize local services: The town of Safford provides essential services for RVers. "Free dump station at the Water Reclamation Plant in Safford, just sign in, dump, sign out. They also have water to rinse, not potable," advised an experienced RVer.
Consider seasonal crowds: Holiday periods bring increased traffic. A visitor to Haekel Road Dispersed Camping recommended, "We stayed in the 1st area for stronger internet & less fuel consumption when we go to town. 4 Rigs in the 1st area, about a football field apart. Some overnighters, but most we talked to here 7-14 days."
