Upper Arcadia
Open — Open year-round. Water is turned off seasonally, generally in October when temperatures drop. Check local road conditions during winter months due to Swift Trail's high elevation.
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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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
Upper Arcadia Campground is nestled in the Pinaleño Mountains along the Swift Trail Scenic Drive at 6,700 feet elevation. The campground is shaded by stands of tall ponderosa pines interspersed with Gambel oaks and Arizona walnuts, creating a cool escape from the desert heat below. This historic area was once as far as early settlers could reach on their first day up Mount Graham and later served as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s. The campground provides access to the Arcadia National Recreation Trail #328, which climbs to Shannon Campground with a 1-mile spur leading to Heliograph Peak, one of southeastern Arizona's highest mountains. The Swift Trail itself offers a remarkable journey through eight distinct ecological zones, from Sonoran Desert to alpine forest, making the area exceptional for birding and wildlife watching. The campground operates year-round and offers both double sites and group sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Visitors should be aware this is black bear country and must store food properly in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles. The narrow switchbacks of Highway 366 limit trailer length to 22 feet or less, with total vehicle length under 40 feet recommended. Water is available seasonally but typically turned off in October when temperatures drop.
Directions
From Safford, drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366. Turn right (southwest) onto AZ 366 and drive 11.6 miles. Turn right on the road just past the Arcadia Campground entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 428-4150 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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