Riggs Lake
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Swift Trail (AZ 366) closes November 15 and typically reopens around April 15, weather permitting. No water available during shoulder seasons.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Target Shooting Refuse Restriction
Possessing or storing any refuse for the purpose of target shooting with a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc).
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure
No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area
Sabino and Bear Canyon Closure Order 03-05-03-25-002
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources from environmental degradation.
Alcohol Closure
The purpose of this Order is to comply with the Arizona and New Mexico state law and to restrict underage consumption of alcoholic beverages to provide for public health and safety.
14 Day Camping Closure 03-05-00-24-005
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to mitigate impacts on sensitive plant and wildlife species.
Tanque Verde Falls Camping Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources in the Described Area.
Barfoot Snake Closure Order 03-05-01-24-004
The twin-spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) is a Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species and a State of Arizona protected reptile.
SVRD Rec Shooting Closure Order 03-05-03-23-010
Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.
Olson Cabin Closure 03-05-05-22-030
Olson Cabin Permit Area is located on the west side of Forest System Road 4458 and approximately 1,500 feet northwest of the junction of Forest System Road 4458 and Forest System Road 639.
About
Riggs Flat Campground is located at the terminus of Swift Trail in the Pinaleno Mountains of the Coronado National Forest at an elevation of 9,800 feet. The campground surrounds the picturesque 11-acre Riggs Flat Lake, which was created in 1957 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide alpine trout fishing opportunities. The cold waters are stocked during summer with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, with fishing season running from May through October. The campground operates seasonally from mid-April through mid-November, when the Swift Trail is accessible. The area is characterized by alpine forest and meadow, offering dramatic scenery including views of West Peak and distant vistas of Aravaipa Valley and the Galiuro Mountains. Small boats with electric trolling motors are permitted on the lake, though most anglers fish from shore. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit. Access requires navigating 34 miles of winding mountain road from Safford, with the last 12 miles particularly narrow and challenging. Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not recommended due to tight switchbacks. This is active black bear habitat, and proper food storage is mandatory. The campground can be reserved through Recreation.gov, with sites priced at $20 per night for single sites.
Directions
From Safford, drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366/Swift Trail. Turn right and drive 29 miles to the Columbine Visitor Center. Continue along Forest Roads 803 and 287 for about 5 miles to the campground. The last 12 miles are narrow and winding with tight switchbacks.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| samantha.malone@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (928) 428-4150 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!