Within Coronado National Forest, Safford Recreation Area provides a forested camping experience near lake access. The US Forest Service manages this established campground with a strict no-pets policy that campers should note when planning their stay.
The forested terrain offers natural shade while maintaining proximity to water recreation opportunities. Located in the Thatcher area, this campground serves as a base for exploring the broader forest system and accessing nearby group camping facilities like Columbine Corrals Campground - Coronado National Forest. The pet restriction makes this location particularly suitable for campers seeking a pet-free environment in a national forest setting.
Description
This recreation area is the home of the Coronado's most extensive mountain range, the Pinaleños, and topped by the highest peak in southern Arizona, 10,720 foot Mt. Graham. A scenic road named the Swift Trail (Hwy 366) leads into these unique mountains and provides access to campgrounds, Forest trails, and fishing at Riggs Lake. The Safford Recreation Area is also home to the Galiuro Mountainsand the Santa Teresa Range. The 76,317 acre Galiuro Wildernessis steeped in history and contains an extensive trail network. The Santa Teresas are rugged and remote, with a variety of primitive trails leading into a 26,780 acre Wilderness.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSafford Recreation Area is located in Arizona
Coordinates
32.64569912 N
109.8430004 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 15 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 2 hrs 17 min from Tucson, AZ
- 3 hrs 32 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 44 min from Phoenix, AZ
