Shannon Campground

Star4.70
56 reviews
Shannon Campground, Coronado National Forest, AZ
Peace & QuietGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

9,100 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Shannon Campground
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single sites cost $15 per night, while double sites cost $30 per night. Discounts are available for holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 56 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

Some mention

small

"User reviews highlight Shannon Campground as a clean, quiet, and beautiful location with great hiking opportunities. Its rustic charm and cooler temperatures during summer months are frequently praised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Shannon Campground, Coronado National Forest, AZ

Shannon Campground

Shannon Campground, Coronado National Forest, AZ

Driving directionsIn Safford, AZ, at the intersection of US Highways 191 and 70, take Route 191 south for 7.9 miles to Mount Graham signs. Turn right onto Route 366 and continue 21.7 miles to the campground sign. Turn right and proceed 0.1 miles to the campground. Note: Route 366 is steep and curvy with switchbacks. The last 7.3 miles are dirt, rocky, rough, and mostly a wide single lane with some switchbacks.
Route 366 is paved and well-maintained, though it is steep, curvy, and includes multiple switchbacks. The last 7.3 miles consist of dirt roads that are rocky, rough, and primarily single lane.
Nearby places
Safford (29.6 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), Tucson (140 miles, approximately 3 hours drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Safford, approximately 29 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Shannon Campground

From mid-April through October, Shannon Campground becomes a natural air conditioner for desert dwellers seeking relief. While valley temperatures soar, this mountaintop haven maintains delightfully cool conditions, with summer days reaching only into the pleasant 70s. Spring and fall bring crisp mornings in the 30s that warm to perfect hiking weather, while afternoon thunderstorms in July and August deliver dramatic sky shows and the sweet scent of rain on pine needles.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 10% in AZ

Described as a 'natural air conditioner' and very popular from mid-April to Oct for escaping valley heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 31 with cooler temps; limited mention of fall foliage but still scenic and pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens Apr 15; spring offers cool temps and good hiking as valley heat wanes.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed/seasonal in winter; winter reviews are sparse.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: From late spring to early fall (April 15 to October 31).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from April 15 through October 31, weather dependent.

About Shannon Campground

Hidden like a secret in the clouds at 9,100 feet, Shannon Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat in the Pinaleno Mountains of Coronado National Forest. Here, where Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir tower overhead and Marijilda Creek whispers through the forest, you'll discover a peaceful sanctuary far from the crowds. The campground's signature Adirondack-style shelters add a touch of mountain lodge charm to your wilderness experience, creating cozy havens beneath the forest canopy.
Shannon Campground is a small, rustic campground featuring both single and double campsites. It is ideal for tent camping and offers a unique historical experience with Adirondack-style log shelters.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
14-day limit

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Shannon Campground provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The main highlight is the Arcadia Trail, a National Recreation Trail that leads hikers to the top of Heliograph Peak. This peak offers panoramic views and historical significance due to its use during the Apache Wars.
HikingHiking is a standout activity at Shannon Campground. The Arcadia Trail, designated as a National Recreation Trail, is accessible from the campground. It includes a one-mile spur to the 10,022-foot Heliograph Peak, which has both historical significance and breathtaking views. Additional trails include the Noon Creek Ridge Trail (foot travel only, 3 miles) and Heliograph Lookout Trail (7 miles).
BikingBiking is permitted on the Arcadia Trail and other trails leading to Heliograph Peak. However, the terrain and elevation may cater more to experienced cyclists.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is mentioned in reviews, with one camper noting the presence of hummingbirds and another cautioning about black bears. Campers are advised to use bear-proof containers.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is black bear country; food should be stored securely in bear-proof containers or cars with windows fully closed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredSome sites have bear-proof food containers to promote safe food storage practices in bear country.

Weather at Shannon Campground

Reviews

4.7
56 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Shannon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Shannon Campground as a clean, quiet, and beautiful location with great hiking opportunities. Its rustic charm and cooler temperatures during summer months are frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the cleanliness of the vault toilets, scenic beauty, presence of historical three-sided shelters, and excellent hiking trails. The cooler summer temperatures and tranquil...
Show more
Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, small campsite sizes, and the absence of flush toilets. Some users found the envelope payment system confusing.
Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a water filter due to the lack of potable water. Additionally, visitors should prepare for potential encounters with wildlife, including bears, and are advised to store...
Show more
Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is particularly enjoyable during the summer months, offering cooler temperatures compared to surrounding areas. Reviews during winter are sparse, likely due to...
Show more
Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Quiet and beautiful.' (Josh Smith) 2. 'Dry camping, beautiful, clean and quiet.' (Brian Ryder) 3. 'Great place to camp, clean bathrooms and beautiful scenery.' (Joe) 4. 'Very green and quiet...
Show more
Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users noted the historical shelters as a highlight, while others commented on the small size of campsites. Specific site numbers or best/worst sites are not mentioned.
Based on 56 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 56 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related experiences are not detailed in the available reviews.
Based on 56 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Shannon Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Arizona

Campgrounds
Coronado National Forest
Shannon Campground