Cunningham Campground

Star4.33
22 reviews
Across from Columbine Visitor Center, Swift Trail, AZ 366, Arizona

Quick Facts

8,700 ft

Price

$7.5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website
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Cunningham Campground
$7.50 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site fee is $15 per night. Discounted rate of $7.50 applies for Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 22 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulclean

"Overall, user reviews describe Cunningham Campground as a serene and scenic destination with well-maintained facilities, though its remote location and lack of modern conveniences are noted."

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Campground Map

Across from Columbine Visitor Center, Swift Trail, AZ 366, Arizona

Cunningham Campground

Across from Columbine Visitor Center, Swift Trail, AZ 366, Arizona

Driving directionsFrom Safford, Arizona: 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, Arizona: 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.
State Route 366 is described as steep and curvy with switchbacks. While the first section is paved and well-maintained, the final 3.6 miles are dirt, rocky, rough, and mostly a wide single lane with additional switchbacks. Vehicles exceeding 40 feet in total length are not recommended on this road. During winter (November 15 - April 15) the Swift Trail is closed, and early or late snow can further restrict access.
Nearby places
Safford, AZ - ~35 miles, Tucson, AZ - ~115 miles
Nearby supplies
The nearest fuel, groceries, and camping supplies can be accessed in Safford, AZ, approximately 35 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Cunningham Campground

At 8,700 feet, Cunningham Campground serves as nature's air conditioning, offering a refreshing escape when desert temperatures soar below. Open from April 15 through November 14, the campground basks in comfortable daytime temperatures that give way to crisp mountain nights—perfect for campfire stories and sleeping under quilts of stars. Pack layers for those cool evenings, and leave your winter gear at home: once snow blankets these peaks, Cunningham retreats into peaceful hibernation until spring returns.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Most popular in summer; high elevation offers cooler temperatures and access to trails.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspen foliage likely in fall; campground open through Nov 14 allowing autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open Apr 15; spring access reasonable but early season may have lingering snow.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 15–Apr 15 and inaccessible in winter due to snow.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15 - November 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from April 15 to November 14. It is closed from November 15 to April 15.
  • Current Alerts: The campground and access roads are closed during winter (November 15 - April 15).

About Cunningham Campground

Escape to the sky at Cunningham Campground, where primitive camping meets mountain majesty at 8,700 feet in the Pinaleno Mountains. Here, ten intimate campsites nestle among whispering aspens and towering Douglas firs, offering a serene retreat from the modern world. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire grille, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. With vault toilets providing basic comfort and endless trails beckoning horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers, Cunningham delivers an authentic wilderness experience that reconnects you with nature's rhythm.
Cunningham Campground provides a rustic camping experience with designated sites for tents and combined tent/RV camping, but no RV-specific sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • First-come, first-served
  • no formal check-in process.
Stay Limit
14 days per month.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and equestrian camping. Three trails start near the campground, providing scenic routes for exploration.
HikingNearby trails include Grant Hill Loop (#322) at 4.2 miles, Cunningham Loop Trail (#310) at 5.6 miles, and Grant Creek Trail (#305) at 5.5 miles. All trails accommodate foot traffic, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available via the Cunningham and Grant Hill Loop, a series of old logging roads and trails accessible across the Swift Trail from the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is home to black bears, and proper food storage is emphasized to avoid encounters. Steep and curvy roads with switchbacks can pose a challenge for larger vehicles.
Active AlertsThe campground and access roads are closed during winter (November 15 - April 15).
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cunningham Campground

Reviews

4.3
22 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cunningham Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews describe Cunningham Campground as a serene and scenic destination with well-maintained facilities, though its remote location and lack of modern conveniences are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean vault toilets, scenic trails, and peaceful environment. The high elevation offers cooler temperatures, especially in summer.
Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention the need for additional cleaning of the campsites and note the lack of potable water as an inconvenience.
Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own potable water and practice bear safety by storing food in vehicles or bear-proof containers.
Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to cooler temperatures at high elevation. The campground is inaccessible in winter due to snow.
Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of my favorite places in Arizona is Mt Graham. At 9000+ ft elevation, it is much cooler than the desert that surrounds it." - James Van Vorst; "Love camping here....nice camp spots, good...
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Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are highlighted in reviews.
Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, which enhances accessibility for some users.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information on pet policies is provided.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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