Upper Arcadia

Star4.55
89 reviews
711 14th Avenue, Suite D, Safford, AZ 85546, USA

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$25 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Upper Arcadia
$25.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The site charges $25 per night with an additional $5 per vehicle per night fee collected upon arrival. Group standard area campsite fees are $25 per...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-428-4150
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 89 reviews

78 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadesites

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, secluded environment, and clean facilities. However, concerns regarding restroom cleanliness and campsite slopes are noted. Seasonal factors such as wind and snow also influence user experiences."

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Campground Map

711 14th Avenue, Suite D, Safford, AZ 85546, USA

Upper Arcadia

711 14th Avenue, Suite D, Safford, AZ 85546, USA

Driving directionsFrom Safford, Arizona: Take State Route 191 south for 6 miles. Turn right onto State Route 366/Swift Trail and travel 11.5 miles to the Arcadia Campground entrance (MM 125.5), then take the next right turn to access Upper Arcadia. From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 East for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for State Route 191, turn left toward Safford, drive 26.3 miles north and turn left on State Route 366/Swift Trail, continue for 11.5 miles to the Arcadia Campground entrance (MM 125.5), and take the next right turn to access Upper Arcadia.
Road access to Upper Arcadia can be challenging. The route includes narrow switchbacks on State Route 366 (Swift Trail), making it difficult for vehicles longer than 40 feet or trailers over 22 feet. This road is closed during winter months.
Nearby places
Safford: 30 minutes (approx. 17.5 miles via SR 191). Tucson: approximately 90 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, can be obtained in Safford, AZ, which is a 30-minute drive from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Arcadia

Experience the refreshing embrace of mountain air in Upper Arcadia's cool, dry climate, where gentle breezes whisper through the pines. While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, each season brings its own character – from crisp autumn mornings to snow-dusted winter landscapes that may temporarily close access roads. Summer offers respite from valley heat, though mountain winds can pick up unexpectedly, adding to the wild atmosphere.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Cooler than the desert but some reviewers note it can be 'too hot in the summer.'

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Reviews cite fall (and spring) as among the best times for favorable weather and access.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Spring recommended by reviews for favorable weather and accessibility.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter may bring snowed-in roads and limited access; winter experiences are mixed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates year-round, with peak season lasting from January 1 to December 31.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts currently documented.

About Upper Arcadia

Escape the desert heat and discover Upper Arcadia Campground, a mountain sanctuary perched high in southeastern Arizona's sky islands. This serene retreat beckons nature enthusiasts with world-class birding opportunities, miles of hiking trails, and access to the breathtaking Swift Trail scenic byway. Modern amenities including vault toilets, seasonal drinking water, picnic tables, and grills ensure comfort while you immerse yourself in the wilderness.
Upper Arcadia offers options for both individual and group camping, including standard nonelectric sites and a group camping area. Primitive camping features like bear-proof lockers and vault toilets enhance the experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Arcadia offers access to various recreational activities including hiking, birding, picnicking, fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The Swift Trail Scenic Drive provides breathtaking views and connects visitors to other attractions like Riggs Lake and Columbine Visitors Center. "Loved this place. Very secluded. Lots of beautiful trees," and "Awesome place!" reflect user enthusiasm for the scenic and accessible recreational opportunities.
HikingThe Arcadia Trail #328 starts at the campground and leads to Shannon Campground. A one-mile spur off the trail leads to the top of Heliograph Peak, offering panoramic views. Hiking trails vary in difficulty and are popular among users.
FishingFishing is available at Riggs Lake, which is stocked with trout by Arizona Game & Fish. No specific fishing opportunities are mentioned within the campground itself.
BikingThe Swift Trail provides mountain biking opportunities with scenic views and challenging terrain.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is known for wildlife and birding due to its diverse habitat, as noted in the authoritative content. "Wildfires destroyed parts of this area but it is still absolutely pristine with beauty all around," mentioned a user review.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high elevation effects, strong winds, wildlife encounters, and icy road conditions during winter.
Active AlertsNo active alerts currently documented.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available for free use, ensuring safety and cleanliness.

Weather at Upper Arcadia

Reviews

4.6
89 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Upper Arcadia is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, secluded environment, and clean facilities. However, concerns regarding restroom cleanliness and campsite slopes are noted. Seasonal factors such as wind and snow also influence user experiences.
Review Summaries
Based on 89 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground's natural beauty, large shaded sites, and clean environment. "Beautiful area...clean bathrooms and plenty of trash bins" and "Nice camp stop but too hot in the summer"...
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Based on 89 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include restroom maintenance, sloped campsites, and seasonal challenges like snow and extreme winds. "Restrooms need more attention paid to them" and "most campsites are on a hill"...
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Based on 89 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing water due to seasonal availability, securing food in bear-proof lockers, and preparing for sloped campsites. "Bring your own water!" is a common sentiment.
Based on 89 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is best visited in spring and fall for favorable weather conditions and accessibility. Winter visits face snowed-in roads and limited access, while summer reviews...
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Based on 89 reviews

Camper Quotes

"First, if you have a long vehicle or are towing, you might NOT want to head up the Coronado Nat'l Forest road. It's extremely tight, with a lot of switchbacks." "Wildfires destroyed parts of this...
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Based on 89 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users mention specific site characteristics, such as campsite slopes affecting tent placement and amenities like bear-proof lockers and recycling bins.
Based on 89 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews or features are mentioned.
Based on 89 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pets or pet-related policies are mentioned.
Based on 89 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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