Upper Hospital Flat Group Site

Star3.86
9 reviews
711 14th Ave., STE D, Safford, AZ 85546, USA

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open April 15 - Nove...

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 Hospital Flat Group Site
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This site is now first-come, first-served and is fee-free.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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Provider
928-428-4150
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What Campers Say

3.86

Mixed Reviews

Based on 9 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews for Upper Hospital Flat Group Site highlight its scenic location, high elevation, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and relaxation. Visitors appreciated the quiet environment, but noted the absence of developed facilities and the need to pack out trash."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

711 14th Ave., STE D, Safford, AZ 85546, USA

Upper Hospital Flat Group Site

711 14th Ave., STE 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 23.3 miles to the Upper Hospital Group Site entrance on the right (MM 137.2). From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 east for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for State Route 191, and turn left toward Safford. Drive 26.3 miles north and turn left on State Route 366/Swift Trail. Continue for 23.3 miles to the Upper Hospital Group Site entrance on the right (MM 137.2).
The road leading into the group site is mainly suitable for higher-clearance vehicles. Total vehicle length must be less than 40 feet, and trailers are recommended to be less than 22 feet due to narrow switchbacks of AZ 366.
Nearby places
Safford: approximately 1 hour drive
Nearby supplies
Safford, Arizona, offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and essentials. The town is a 1-hour drive north of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site

Experience nature's dramatic seasonal shifts in this high-elevation haven. Summer brings delightfully cool temperatures that feel worlds away from the desert floor below, making it an ideal escape when valley thermometers soar. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing colors transform the landscape. Winter occasionally blankets the area in snow, creating a magical alpine atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the Sonoran Desert visible in the distance.

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

Summer offers mild temps and blooming wildflowers; users note occasional heavy rains.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Nov 15; high-elevation fall brings crisp conditions and quieter trails.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens Apr 15; mountain setting provides cool, scenic spring conditions though peak wildflowers are late summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 15–Apr 15; winter camping not available onsite.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15 - November 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 15 - November 15. First-come, first-serve begins June 20.
  • Current Alerts: Season dates may depend on weather and fire conditions; call 928-428-4150 for current updates.

About Upper Hospital Flat Group Site

High in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona, where cool mountain breezes replace desert heat, lies Upper Hospital Flat Group Site—a serene campground with a fascinating past. Once a sanctuary where 1880s soldiers recovered from illness and families escaped scorching desert summers, this historic site now welcomes modern adventurers seeking respite at 9,000 feet. Perfect for group gatherings of up to 50 people, the campground provides picnic tables, a communal campfire ring, and grills for memorable outdoor meals. While the site embraces a rustic experience without restroom facilities (visitors must bring self-contained toilets), it rewards guests with exceptional birding opportunities, scenic hiking trails, and abundant wildlife encounters in this sky island paradise.
Upper Hospital Flat Group Site is specifically designed for group camping and operates as a primitive site without advanced facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, birding, and wildlife viewing. The Swift Trail Scenic Drive provides access to diverse habitats, including alpine meadows and forests, enhancing the camping experience with opportunities for scenic drives and exploration.
HikingHiking opportunities include a nearby 0.75-mile nature trail with interpretive information about local flora and fauna. Additional trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are accessible via the Swift Trail Scenic Drive.
FishingFishing is available at nearby Riggs Lake, stocked with trout by Arizona Game & Fish, making it a worthwhile excursion for anglers.
BikingMountain biking trails accessible from the Swift Trail Scenic Drive provide outdoor enthusiasts with options for exploring the area.
Wildlife viewingThe diverse habitats along the Swift Trail Scenic Drive make the area well-known for birding and wildlife watching. Species commonly observed include deer.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential bear activity, requiring secure storage of food and proper trash disposal. Also, high elevation may cause altitude sickness for some visitors.
Active AlertsSeason dates may depend on weather and fire conditions; call 928-428-4150 for current updates.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available on-site.

Weather at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site

Reviews

3.9
9 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Upper Hospital Flat Group Site has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Upper Hospital Flat Group Site highlight its scenic location, high elevation, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and relaxation. Visitors appreciated the quiet environment, but noted the absence of developed facilities and the need to pack out trash.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the breathtaking views, serene environment, and proximity to nature. Wildlife sightings, including deer, were frequently mentioned as a highlight.
Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of drinking water, trash facilities, and toilets, as well as the necessity to bring self-contained portable toilets and manage trash removal.
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing self-contained toilets, sufficient drinking water, and trash bags. High-clearance vehicles are advised due to the rugged road conditions.
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are ideal for camping, offering mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. However, users noted significant rainfall during this time and advised preparation for wet weather.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely breathtaking up there (literally the altitude, if you are not used to it)! Twenty miles from the base of the mountain to paradise!' - Jessica Smith 2. 'Lots of rain this time of year....
Show more
Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User reviews did not mention specific campsites by number, but focused on the general experience at the group site.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited but indicate challenges due to rugged terrain and the need for high-clearance vehicles.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related policies and reviews are not provided.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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