How much does camping cost at Riggs Lake?

Camping fees at Riggs Lake range from $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Riggs Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Riggs Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Riggs Lake before I book?

Yes! Riggs Lake has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Riggs Lake?

Riggs Lake is open April 15 to November 14. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Riggs Lake?

Riggs Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Riggs Lake?

Fire policies at Riggs Lake: Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving; do not leave fires unattended. Only dead-and-downed trees and shrubs may be collected as firewood; tree cutting is prohibited. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Riggs Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Riggs Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Riggs Lake?

Riggs Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Riggs Lake?

Popular activities at Riggs Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Riggs Lake

4.52

13 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Arizona

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Season dates may dep...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Season dates may dep...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Riggs Lake

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Riggs Lake Group Site: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-428-4150samantha.malone@usda.gov

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Campground Map

Riggs Lake

32.7085, -109.9623

Nearby places

Safford - approximately 42 miles (around an hour drive)

Weather at Riggs Lake

Current alerts(10)

Bears live in the area; make sure all food is secure and trash is disposed of properly
Click here to learn more about Coronado National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Nearest first aid - Mt. Graham Community Hospital in Safford

Best Time to Camp at Riggs Lake

Best season: fall. Fall showcases the campground's signature aspen display and cool, stable weather — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s F with nights often dipping near freezing, making the gold and red foliage especially vivid. Fishing and quiet shoreline kayaking are at their best as trout remain active in clear, crisp water and crowds thin after the summer peak. Expect fewer weekend crowds except during peak color weekends; also watch for National Forest hunting seasons and check notices Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Aspen color peaks, perfect weather, fewer insects, and active trout make fall excellent.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to November 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season dates may depend on weather and fire conditions; call 928-428-4150 for current information

About Riggs Lake

Riggs Lake sits high in the Coronado National Forest near Safford, Arizona, where alpine terrain and seasonal aspen groves frame a quiet fishing lake. The USDA Forest Service operates tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for trout fishing, shoreline kayaking, wildlife viewing, and fall foliage displays.

Riggs Lake Campground caters to a range of camping preferences, including RV, tent, and group camping. However, there are no options for cabin lodging or glamping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall showcases the campground's signature aspen display and cool, stable weather — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s F with nights often dipping near freezing, making the gold and red foliage especially vivid. Fishing and quiet shoreline kayaking are at their best as trout remain active in clear, crisp water and crowds thin after the summer peak. Expect fewer weekend crowds except during peak color weekends; also watch for National Forest hunting seasons and check notices Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation10000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Pinalenos rise nearly 7,000 feet from the valley floor, creating a geological island that compresses life zones from desert scrub to Canadian-style coniferous forest. Riggs Lake fills a natural basin carved by fault-block geology, surrounded by ponderosa pine and aspen stands that turn gold in fall. The 11-acre lake is one of the few natural water bodies at this elevation in southern Arizona. Views stretch to West Peak and, on clear days, the Aravaipa Valley and Galiuro Mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground only offers primitive camping with no formal lodging available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum consecutive stay.

Groups

Group camping is supported with a fee of $50 per night during peak season. The specific capacity and vehicle limits for group sites are not described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the available materials.

Site SizeThe campground is designed for small group usage. Specific dimensions of campsites are not provided, but user Carlos Barron highlighted that trailers longer than 26 feet are not recommended.

PrivacyThe campground is described as remote and less crowded. User Aaron Acuna mentioned, 'Quiet nights,' while Kristen Metzger noted it as 'generally quiet.

Recommended SitesRiggs Lake Group Site Loop A has received mixed reviews. One user noted that Recreation.gov charged twice what they could have paid in person.

Need help booking Riggs Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No hookups available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Riggs Lake offers a range of activities including fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and birding. The picturesque lake and its surroundings provide opportunities for both recreation and nature appreciation.

Hiking

Fishing

Fishing is a prominent activity at Riggs Lake. The lake is stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout during the summer, and anglers report good fishing conditions. Specific bait recommendations include corn, cheese, garlic cheese, salmon eggs, and worms. Artificial lures and flies are effective for brown and brook trout. A valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp are required for anglers aged 14 and older.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground provides vault toilets as the primary sanitation facility.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

13 reviews

Top-Rated

Riggs Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of Riggs Lake, along with good fishing conditions and a less crowded atmosphere. However, concerns include the remote location, altitude sickness, and the challenging dirt road access.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campground's scenic surroundings, quiet atmosphere, and good fishing conditions. Melissa Miller noted, 'The lake is absolutely beautiful,' while Aaron Acuna called it a...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes the challenging 12-mile narrow dirt road, lack of phone service, and the potential for altitude sickness. Melissa Miller recounted, 'Our dog got altitude sickness,' while...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- John M: 'Beautiful campsite and very remote. Recreation.gov charged twice what I could have paid in person.' - Edward R: 'Been going since I was little. Very well maintained and the road has been...

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend preparing for altitude sickness, securing food to avoid bear and skunk encounters, and using only vehicles capable of handling rough roads. Melissa Miller advised, 'Work yourself...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are praised for cooler temperatures and active fishing conditions, while autumn brings perfect weather and fewer insects. Rain is noted during the July 4th holiday, and conditions may vary by...

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

- Kristen Metzger: 'There’s a lot of lake weed around the edges, so maybe not the best for swimming, but if you can get out on the water on a kayak or paddle board it’s really nice.' - Melissa...

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were found.

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Melissa Miller shared a detailed account of her pet's altitude sickness, emphasizing the need for preparation when bringing pets to high elevations. She noted, 'Our dog got altitude sickness......

Based on 13 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want quiet lakeside camping with good fishing and don't mind rough access roads or altitude.

Skip if

You drive a large RV, need paved access, or are sensitive to high elevation and wildlife encounters.

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Riggs Lake

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Riggs Lake sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<img alt="Riggs Flat Campground" src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd748393.jpg" title="Riggs Flat Campground" />The main attraction at Riggs Flat Campground (<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd684805.pdf">Map</a>) is <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25588">Riggs Flat Lake</a>. Some come to fish in it, some to boat on it, and some just to enjoy the reflective beauty this small (11 acre) lake adds to such a scenic area. The dam was financed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 1957 to provide trout fishing for forest recreationists. Information about stocking Riggs Lake is available from <a href="https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/">Arizona Game and Fish Department</a>.Note: Black bear area. Store and dispose of all food in bear-proof containers and trash bins, or keep it locked in your vehicle with windows all the way up.

Open Season: April 15 – November 14