Riggs Flat Campground

For Arizonans, the allure of escaping the desert heat for cooler mountain air is an annual tradition. While our state is famous for its vast desert landscapes, it also boasts incredible "sky island" mountain ranges that offer a refreshing contrast, providing lush forests, sparkling lakes, and breathtaking vistas. Among these high-altitude havens, Riggs Flat Campground in the Pinaleño Mountains near Willcox stands out as a beloved destination for those seeking a true outdoor escape.

Riggs Flat Campground offers a unique and serene camping experience, nestled alongside the picturesque Riggs Flat Lake at a refreshing elevation of 8,600 feet. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the views are expansive, and the opportunities for recreation are plentiful. Whether you're an avid angler, a seasoned hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax under the pines, Riggs Flat provides an ideal setting. This overview will guide you through everything you need to know about this remarkable Arizona campground, from its somewhat adventurous accessibility to the services and features that make it a top choice for locals seeking respite and adventure in our beautiful state.

Riggs Flat Campground is located in the heart of the Coronado National Forest, high up in the majestic Pinaleño Mountains, near Willcox, AZ 85643, USA. This elevation, at 8,600 feet, provides a welcome escape from the intense summer heat of Arizona's lower elevations, making it a popular retreat during the warmer months.

Accessing Riggs Flat Campground is an adventure in itself, and it's important for local Arizonans to be prepared for the journey. From Safford, you'll drive south on US 191 for about 8 miles, then turn right (southwest) onto AZ 366, also known as Swift Trail. This road is known for its "amazing scenery" but also for being "narrow and winding," particularly the last 12 miles. The road climbs dramatically, ascending through various ecosystems from Sonoran desert to spruce-fir forest, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the Pinaleño Mountains. One reviewer specifically noted that "the drive up starts out paved and well maintained, but half way turns to a semi-maintained dirt road."

While the scenery is "amazing," visitors should be aware that "longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on the road up the mountain (AZ 366)." RVs up to 22 feet and vehicles with trailers less than 21 feet are generally recommended. This means careful driving is essential. The campground is typically accessible from mid-April to mid-November, with opening and closing dates dependent on weather conditions and snow accumulation. Cell service in the area is often poor, so it’s wise to download maps and essential information before heading out. Despite the "long drive to get there," as one customer review put it, the journey is consistently described as a "great ride up" with "amazing scenery," making the effort well worth it for the stunning destination.

Riggs Flat Campground offers essential services and facilities designed to provide a comfortable, rustic camping experience amidst its stunning natural setting. While it doesn't boast resort-style amenities, it delivers on the fundamental needs for an enjoyable outdoor stay.

• Campsites: The campground features 31 individual campsites, primarily available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is also one reservable group campsite (sites 23-27). Each site is equipped with a parking spur, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, providing the basic setup for outdoor cooking and gathering.

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground, ensuring basic sanitation facilities for campers.

• Drinking Water: Potable water is available at the site. However, some older reports and reviews suggest "no drinking water available" or that it may not always be available, so it's always best practice to bring your own adequate supply of drinking water as a backup, especially given the remote mountain location.

• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are provided via bear-proof containers, which are essential for maintaining cleanliness and deterring wildlife.

• Boat Ramp & Fishing Pier: For those looking to enjoy Riggs Flat Lake, a boat ramp is available, and there is a fishing pier, making it convenient to access the water for fishing or small non-motorized boating.

• Fish Cleaning Station: A dedicated fish cleaning station is available, a convenient amenity for anglers who successfully reel in their catch from Riggs Flat Lake.

• Camp Host: A camp host is often present during the operating season, offering assistance, providing information, and selling firewood, contributing to a safer and more organized camping experience.

Riggs Flat Campground is celebrated for several key features and highlights that draw campers from across Arizona and beyond, making it a truly special place for outdoor recreation.

• Riggs Flat Lake: The centerpiece of the campground, this 11-acre lake is regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, making it an excellent spot for fishing, especially for beginners and kids. Small boats with a single electric trolling motor are permitted, allowing for tranquil paddling or fishing on the water.

• Stunning Mountain Scenery: Located at 8,600 feet in the Pinaleño Mountains, the campground offers breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors frequently rave about the "amazing scenery" and highlight the unforgettable "sunset at the cliff" with its "amazing view!" The drive up itself is part of this scenic highlight, ascending through diverse biological zones.

• Cool Mountain Climate: A significant draw for Arizonans, Riggs Flat provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The high elevation ensures cooler temperatures, perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors without the intense desert sun.

• Well-Maintained Grounds: Reviews consistently commend the campground's upkeep, noting that it is "well maintained" and that "everything was clean," from the campsites to the toilets. This attention to detail enhances the overall camping experience.

• Secluded Sites: Many sites are described as "well nestled," offering a good degree of privacy and a sense of immersion in the natural surroundings. This allows for a more peaceful and intimate camping experience.

• Abundant Wildlife: The Pinaleño Mountains are a "sky island" ecosystem, rich in biodiversity. Visitors have opportunities for "watchable wildlife," including various species of birds, deer, and even the occasional bear (hence the bear-proof lockers).

• Hiking Opportunities: The area around Riggs Flat offers access to several hiking trails, including the Lakeshore Trail and the Jesus Babcock Trail, allowing campers to explore the beautiful forest and discover scenic overlooks. Trail #321 leads to a scenic overlook about a mile away, perfect for sunset viewing.

For direct inquiries or to gather more information about Riggs Flat Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Willcox, AZ 85643, USA (specifically, 386 N Miller St, Sebewaing, MI 48759, USA)

Phone: (928) 428-4150

Mobile Phone: +1 928-428-4150

Given that many of the individual campsites at Riggs Flat are on a first-come, first-served basis, calling ahead to inquire about general conditions, road status (especially early or late in the season due to snow), and potential crowd levels is highly advisable. While individual sites are not reservable, there is one group site that can be reserved through Recreation.gov or by contacting the Coronado National Forest directly. For the most up-to-date information on seasonal closures, fees, and fire restrictions, checking the U.S. Forest Service website for the Coronado National Forest and current alerts for the Pinaleño Mountains is also recommended.

For locals throughout Arizona, Riggs Flat Campground stands as an exceptionally appealing and suitable destination, offering a unique high-altitude escape that perfectly complements our state's diverse landscapes. Its most significant draw for Arizonans is undoubtedly the "cool mountain weather" it provides, a vital respite from the intense heat that characterizes much of the state for a good portion of the year. This makes it an ideal summer retreat where one can truly enjoy outdoor activities without overheating.

Beyond the climate, the campground's blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities is perfectly suited for various local interests. Anglers, from seasoned pros to families with young children, will appreciate the regularly stocked Riggs Flat Lake and its "good fishing" for trout. Hikers will find ample trails, including those leading to "amazing" scenic overlooks, to explore the unique Pinaleño "sky island" ecosystem. The well-maintained sites and clean facilities ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay, fostering relaxation and enjoyment for all ages.

While the drive up requires some care and planning due to the winding mountain road, as noted by local reviews, the "amazing scenery" on the way makes the journey part of the adventure. This sense of a secluded, off-the-beaten-path destination adds to its charm, providing a true escape from the everyday. For Arizonans seeking a refreshing change of scenery, a peaceful retreat, or an active outdoor adventure in a pristine mountain environment, Riggs Flat Campground is a highly recommended and truly special local gem that promises unforgettable memories.