Soldier Creek Campground

Star4.57
34 reviews
Soldier Creek Campground, Coronado National Forest, Arizona

Quick Facts

9,300 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open from April 15 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website
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Soldier Creek Campground
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsite fee is $20 per night, with discounts ($10) available for Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 34 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

"Reviews are generally positive about the campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and natural features such as granite boulders and forest groves. However, issues with maintenance, such as restroom cleanliness and lack of water, were noted."

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Campground Map

Soldier Creek Campground, Coronado National Forest, Arizona

Soldier Creek Campground

Soldier Creek Campground, Coronado National Forest, Arizona

Driving directionsFrom Safford, Arizona: Drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366/Swift Trail. Turn right (southwest) onto AZ 366 and drive 29.7 miles to the campground entrance on the left side of the road. 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 29.7 miles to the campground entrance on the left side of the road.
"Although paved and well maintained, Rt. 366 is steep and curvy with switchbacks. The last 7.3 miles are dirt, rocky, rough, and mostly wide single lane with some switchbacks." Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not recommended due to navigational difficulty. Seasonal closures affect road access from November 15 to April 15.
Nearby places
Safford (approximately 38 miles away, average travel time: 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Closest supply locations include Safford (groceries, fuel, camping supplies). Additional amenities may be found in Tucson, about 90 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Soldier Creek Campground

Experience nature's natural air conditioning at 9,300 feet, where summer temperatures remain delightfully cool even as the valleys below swelter. This alpine oasis welcomes visitors from mid-April through mid-November, transforming with the seasons from spring wildflower displays to autumn's golden aspen shows. Winter's heavy snows close the campground from November 15 to April 15, but during the open season, campers enjoy crisp mornings, comfortable afternoons, and star-filled nights where the thin mountain air makes the Milky Way seem close enough to touch.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

High elevation provides cool summer temperatures; peak season in mid-summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quaking aspens and mountain vistas suggest attractive fall color season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from Apr 15; spring access is limited and early season may still have snow.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-Nov to mid-April due to snow and road conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-summer is popular for its cool temperatures.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 15 to November 14; closed during winter due to road conditions.

About Soldier Creek Campground

Discover a mountain sanctuary where ancient granite giants stand sentinel among the trees at Soldier Creek. Here, massive boulders sculpted by millennia of wind and weather create natural privacy screens between campsites, transforming this forest grove into an intimate retreat. The crystalline waters of Soldier Creek whisper through the campground, while towering Douglas firs provide a cathedral-like canopy overhead. Even in the heat of summer, this high-altitude haven offers refreshingly cool temperatures, making it a perfect escape for hikers and nature lovers seeking respite from the desert heat below.
Soldier Creek Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. It offers a single loop design among forested areas and granite boulders.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 consecutive days are allowed per reservation.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Soldier Creek Campground offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife exploration, with a trail leading to ice caves and stunning mountain vistas nearby. The natural surroundings are a significant attraction, featuring granite rocks and a creek.
HikingHiking options include access to the upper trailhead of the Grant Goudy Ridge Trail #310, a 6.4-mile trail suitable for foot and horse traffic. Additionally, a trail south of the campground leads to ice caves, which are relatively easy to access and offer unique exploration opportunities.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's setting in a forest grove offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, including birds that are attracted by the nearby water sources and vegetation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques." Forest fire damage nearby. Irregular parking aprons may pose challenges for RVs.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredAll but one site include bear-proof food lockers. Use is strongly recommended due to bear activity.

Weather at Soldier Creek Campground

Reviews

4.6
34 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Soldier Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are generally positive about the campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and natural features such as granite boulders and forest groves. However, issues with maintenance, such as restroom cleanliness and lack of water, were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the campground for its beautiful natural setting, cool summer temperatures, and spacious campsites. Several highlighted the granite climbing rocks and the nearby trail to the ice...
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Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the inadequate maintenance of vault toilets (especially the men's facilities), and issues such as running out of toilet paper. Some users also...
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Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own potable water and toilet paper. It is advisable to visit during weekdays for a quieter experience. Additionally, hikers should explore the ice caves trail, which is...
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Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during mid-summer due to cooler temperatures in the mountains. However, it is closed from mid-November to mid-April due to snow, which limits access during winter.
Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The granite climbing rocks were the main reason we chose this campground." - Scott. "I've been coming here for over 30 years; it's one of my favorite spots." - Melissa Hinrichs. "The ice caves are...
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Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are sparse, but many sites are described as spacious, with some better suited for tents due to wet conditions. A double campsite is available for $40 per night.
Based on 34 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground has wheelchair-friendly vault toilets, but no other specific accessibility features were mentioned.
Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences with pets were found.
Based on 34 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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