Riggs Lake
Open seasonally April 15 through November 14. Swift Trail closes November 15 to April 15 for winter; early or late snow may extend the closure. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. No potable water currently available. Fire danger is very high but no fire restrictions are in effect.
Red Flag Warning issued May 16 at 12:25PM MST until May 17 at 11:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 151, 152, 153 and 154. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM MST Sunday. * WINDS...Southwest 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 7 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly.
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Rose Canyon Lake restriction to being in or on the lake
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on theNational Forest System (NFS) lands in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, CoronadoNational Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into thisOrder as Exhibit A (the "Described…
Tanque Verde Fall Camping Closure
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on theNational Forest System (NFS) lands in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, CoronadoNational Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into thisOrder as Exhibit A (the "Described…
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.Effective January 22, 2025, through January 21, 2028, the Santa Catalina Ranger District has implemented a closure order in the area of Bear Canyon Trail and the Wilderness boundary…
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. Due to this species’ extremely limited habitat and population numbers, this Order provides for the protection of this species by precluding entry into the…
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.There are many problems associated with the Olson Cabin Permit Area. The permit area and improvements were…
About
Riggs Flat Campground is located at the terminus of Swift Trail (AZ 366), a scenic mountain road winding through the Pinaleno Mountains in southeastern Arizona. The centerpiece is Riggs Flat Lake, an 11-acre impoundment created in 1957 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for recreational trout fishing. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout during the open season. The campground sits at approximately 9,000 feet elevation in an alpine forest and meadow setting. West Peak is visible from the lake area, and short hikes provide overlooks of Aravaipa Valley and the Galiuro Mountains to the west. This is active black bear country, so all food must be stored in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles with windows fully closed. The access road includes 12 miles of narrow, winding switchbacks that make vehicles and trailers over 22 feet impractical. Swift Trail closes annually from November 15 through April 15 due to snow, with early or late storms potentially extending the closure period.
Directions
From Safford, drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366/Swift Trail. Turn right (southwest) onto 366 and drive 29 miles to the Columbine Visitor Center. Continue along Forest Roads 803 and 287 about 5 miles to the campground. The last 12 miles are narrow and winding with switchbacks.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| 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 |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!