Arcadia Campground

Open — Open year-round, weather permitting, on a first-come, first-served basis. Water system closed for winter as of October 25, 2025; bring your own water. While the upper unpaved section of Swift Trail (SR 366) closes for winter around mid-November through April, Arcadia Campground at 6,770 feet remains accessible during typical winter conditions. Check local road conditions during winter months.

About

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 Pinalenos, Arcadia was the site of one of several Civilian Conservation Corps camps established in the 1930s to provide jobs for workers idled by the Great Depression. Today, Arcadia Campground, which has 19 campsites, is the second 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 at an elevation of 6,770 feet. Such a diverse habitat makes this an excellent area for bird watching. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Arcadia National Recreation Trail #328, which leads up the mountain to Shannon Campground with a spur trail to Heliograph Peak. This is active black bear country, so all food must be stored in bear-proof containers, trash bins, or locked in vehicles. Watch for poison ivy in the area.

Directions

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. RVs up to 22 feet and vehicles with trailers less than 21 feet are recommended due to switchbacks on AZ 366.

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