Map showing campground location near Pima, Arizona

Camper submitted image from Riggs Flat Campground

Riggs Flat Campground

Fishing enthusiasts and mountain campers will find Riggs Flat Campground positioned around a small stocked lake at 9,000 feet elevation in the Pinaleño Mountains. The campground sits 40 miles southwest of Safford via Highway 366, which transitions from paved road to maintained dirt for the final stretch up the mountain. This Forest Service facility operates seasonally from April through November with 20 sites accommodating RVs up to 22 feet.

The lake provides easy fishing access for trout and bass, though visitors need valid Arizona fishing licenses with trout stamps. Kaileen F. notes "very easy access to this cute little Lake that is stocked with fish." Sites feature standard picnic tables and fire rings with vault toilets and drinking water available. The campground includes water hookups and a dump station for RVs.

Wildlife encounters are common, particularly with skunks that forage through campsites at night. The pine forest setting offers hiking trails and opportunities to spot deer, endangered red squirrels, and black bears as elevation zones transition from desert to mountain ecosystems. Cell service remains limited within the campground but can be found at the western edge of the mountain.

The rough mountain road with switchbacks challenges smaller vehicles and longer RVs. For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore camping near Pima. This location works best for anglers, hikers, and campers comfortable with mountain access roads.

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Location

Public Campground

Riggs Flat Campground is located in Arizona

Directions

In Safford, AZ, at intersection of US Rt. 70 (5th St.) and US Rt. 191, take Rt. 191 south for 7.4 miles to State Rt. 366. Turn right onto Rt. 366 and go 33.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 287 and go 0.9 miles to campground

Coordinates

32.70628004 N
109.96404036 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+19284284150

Drive Time

2 hrs 50 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
2 hrs 52 min from Tucson, AZ
4 hrs 7 min from Las Cruces, NM
4 hrs 21 min from Phoenix, AZ

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out of 5

10 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the beautiful mountain setting with scenic lake views and clean, spacious campsites. A common theme was the challenging dirt road access requiring high-clearance vehicles. Vault toilet conditions varied significantly between visits.

Kaileen F.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2021

Perfect

Me and the boys picked a site with a few flat areas for tents. Standard issue picnic tables and fire pits with a flat common area is fantastic. Very easy access to this cute little Lake that is stocked with fish. Good fishing if you're into it. Definitely some trails on the mountain, but we also greatly enjoyed just wandering through the forest to some local lookouts. No sour reception in Camp that we've found, but if you walk out to the West edge of the mountain you can pick some up. The pine Forest up here is fantastic. Not as many Aspen's at this camp as others on the mountain. We got caught in some pretty heavy rain. Definitely be aware of the weather and that the mountains attract more rain. It is definitely a healthy drive to get out there, and the last 30 minutes or so is dirt with some holes and dips and rocks.

Site13

Month of VisitSeptember

(6) View All

Karen D.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2021

A bit noisy

The camp sites are nice and large. Spaced out for plenty of room. Sound carries like crazy so kids screaming and dogs barking can be disappointing. The bathrooms are well kept as well. The lake is beautiful and a easy walk around for exercise. No campfires allowed.

Site#21

Month of VisitJune

Rachelle J.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 29, 2020

Wanted to love it

We did not end up camping here. Beautiful location. Road is super rough and narrow in spots going up Mt Graham. Drove up end of June 2020 and there were so many cars parked that you could not drive the camp ground loop to check out the sites. It did not appear to be monitored by a ranger so people were parked everywhere. Like 4 and 5 cars to a site. Lots of dispersed camping in the way up the mountain. Worth the drive in my opinion to check it out but overall disappointed.

(5) View All

Dave

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2020

Riggs Flat Lake

Beautiful area and the lake is great for fishing. The road up is long unpaved and rough so not ideal without 4 wheel drive. The campground was peaceful. Smelled and then saw skunks. Pit toilets and they were NOT clean.

Joshua L.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 5, 2020

Riggs Flat

The fishing is great for beginners and kids, not hard at all and the entire lake is easily accessible. The views from the top are great, the road in up the mountain is not ideal for small cars since its unpaved for a few miles up. There were a lot of skunks in the area and they will get into your things at night if you don’t clean up.

Aaron O.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2019

Video

Aaron O.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2019

Great Area

We decided to go to Riggs Lake and camp there we stayed a little outside of the fee are! And had blast! 2 nights and lot’s of fun! Really pretty area with great scenic views!

(6) View All

Candice E.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 3, 2019

A great little spot

This is small campground around a small fishing lake. There are about 20 camp spots, but only half were taken up. The lake is 30 some miles up well maintained dirt road. The campsite its self is clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were the cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen. The camp host, Troy, was a nice guy happy to chat or give hiking suggestions.

(4) View All

Adam R.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 9, 2018

Long, Slow, Beautiful Curvy Scenic Route to an Under Whelming Lake

Riggs Flat Campground is located in the Pinaleño Mountains 40 miles southwest of Safford, AZ. The lake is not all that big, a bit under whelming to be honest after such a great drive, although if your lucky you may be able to catch some trout and bass for dinner (you'll need a valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp). I don't believe many people come to the lake to specifically "camp", what this location offers is a scenic drive and a base camp for much better nearby activities such as hiking, mountain biking, birding, caving and swimming.

There are no services or first Aid, the nearest would have to be Mt. Graham Community Hospital in Safford, 42 miles away. RV Camping is 22 feet and less. Boats permitted on the lake may be powered by no more than a single electric trolling motor. RV’s up to 22' and vehicles with trailers less than 21' are recommended. Longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on the road up the mountain (AZ 366). Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14 day stay limit.

The drive up starts out paved and well maintained, but half way turns to a semi-maintained dirt road. You'll climb from 3200 feet to 9000 in a matter of miles, Mt. Graham is known for is amazing diversity from the surrounding desert. You'll climb through many different Biospheres and witness wildlife change from Lizards, Snakes, and desert dwellers to Deer, Endanged Red tree squirrels, and black bear. There are many other camp grounds on the way but if they are all full then this is your… 15th or so choice!

If your a hiker you can find traces of the Anasazi Indians that once inhabited this area.

Keep in mind the cabins you will pass on the way up are PRIVATELY OWNED, and are not for rent.

Month of VisitSeptember

(8) View All

Tom N.

Scout

Reviewed May. 14, 2017

Great camping!! Campground host is very helpful and friendly.

Beautiful site, great lake views, Vista view within walking distance of campsites. Outstanding experience overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Riggs Flat Campground?

Riggs Flat Campground offers spacious, well-maintained campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground features clean vault toilets and provides access to Riggs Flat Lake. Sites are generously spaced to provide privacy while camping. A camp host is typically present to assist visitors. The campground has approximately 20 camping spots set around the small fishing lake, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful mountain retreat with lake views. Note that campfires may be restricted during certain periods, so check current regulations before your visit.

Can I fish at Riggs Flat Lake?

Yes, fishing is excellent at Riggs Flat Lake! The lake is stocked with trout and bass, making it perfect for anglers of all skill levels. It's particularly beginner-friendly, as the entire shoreline is easily accessible for fishing. The small size of the lake allows for a complete walk around its perimeter, providing multiple fishing spots. You'll need a valid Arizona fishing license to fish here. The lake is especially great for families with children who want to try fishing, as catches are relatively frequent and the setting is scenic.

Do I need reservations for camping at Mt. Graham?

Riggs Flat Campground on Mt. Graham operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. During peak times, especially weekends and summer months, the campground can fill up quickly. The campground may not be consistently monitored by rangers, which can result in overcrowding during busy periods. For the best chance of securing a site, arrive early, particularly on weekends. Consider visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons for a more peaceful experience with better site availability.

How do I get to Riggs Lake Campground on Mt. Graham?

Riggs Flat Campground is located in the Pinaleño Mountains, approximately 40 miles southwest of Safford, Arizona. To reach the campground, you'll need to travel up Mt. Graham on a partially unpaved road that becomes rough in sections. The drive is about 30 miles up a mountain road that, while generally well-maintained, has narrow and rough spots. Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles are recommended, as the unpaved portions can be challenging for standard passenger cars. The journey requires careful driving but rewards visitors with beautiful mountain scenery and spectacular views along the way.

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What amenities are available at Riggs Flat Campground?

Can I fish at Riggs Flat Lake?

Do I need reservations for camping at Mt. Graham?

How do I get to Riggs Lake Campground on Mt. Graham?