Cunningham Campground

About

Located high in the Pinaleno Mountains in an open, grassy stand of aspen and fir, Cunningham Campground was constructed to provide a more primitive camping experience than most forest campgrounds. Each campsite includes a parking area and fire grill. A public corral is available for riding and pack stock, though pack and saddle stock are not permitted within the campground itself. Nearby there are plenty of foot and equestrian trails to explore. The Grant Creek Trail starts at the campground edge and follows a scenic route down canyon to the site of old Fort Grant, once an important outpost during conflicts between the Apache and U.S. Army, now an Arizona State Prison Facility. The Cunningham and Grant Hill Loop, a system of old logging roads and trails developed for mountain biking and hiking, is conveniently accessible across the Swift Trail from the campground. The campground sits in black bear country, so campers must store and dispose of all food in bear-proof containers and trash bins or keep it locked in their vehicle. The site is accessible via Swift Trail (AZ 366), though vehicles longer than 22 feet are not recommended due to difficult switchbacks on the mountain road.

Directions

From Safford, take US 191 south for 6 miles. Turn right onto AZ 366/Swift Trail and travel approximately 29 miles. The campground is on the right across from the Columbine Visitor Center. From Tucson, take I-10 east for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for US 191, and turn left toward Safford. Drive 26.3 miles north and turn left on AZ 366/Swift Trail. Drive approximately 29 miles and the campground is on the right across from the Columbine Visitor Center.