Coronado National Forest

Arcadia Campground

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 1930’s to provide jobs for workers idled by the Great Depression. Today, Arcadia Campground 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.

The Arcadia Trail starts here and leads up the mountain to Shannon Campground. A one mile spur off this trail leads to the top of Heliograph Peak.

Location: Arcadia Campground is in the Pinaleño Mountains 19 miles southwest of Safford.

Access: From Safford drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366. Turn right (southwest) onto AZ 366 and drive 11.6 miles to the campground entrance on the right side of the road. Check local road conditions during winter months.

Elevation: 6,700'

Season: Arcadia Campground is open year round, weather permitting. In winter, AZ 366 may be closed due to snow. The group site is open April 1 through November 1, weather permitting.

Attractions:

• Tall trees and lots of shade
• Easiest access (closest to town)
• Trail Access
• Popular birding area

Facilities:

• 19 individual sites
• 1 reservation-only group site (contact Safford Ranger District)
• Tables and fire grills
• Vault toilets

Notes:

• No water; bring your own.
• Watch for poison ivy.
• RV’s up to 22' and vehicles with trailers less than 21' are recommended. Longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on AZ 366.
• Arcadia Trail #328 begins at Arcadia and ends at Shannon Campground (5.5 miles).
• Nearest first aid - Mt. Graham Community Hospital in Safford, 19 miles.
• Check local road conditions during winter months.
• Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground.

In the same area:

Wet Canyon