Cunningham Campground
4.296 reviewsAcross from Columbine Visitor Center, Swift Trail, AZ 366, Arizona
Cunningham Campground
$7.50 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Single site fee is $15 per night. Discounted rate of $7.50 applies for Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass holders. Double sites are charged $30 per night. Payment can be made via cash or check at the campground. Discounts apply only to the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Escape to the sky at Cunningham Campground, where primitive camping meets mountain majesty at 8,700 feet in the Pinaleno Mountains. Here, ten intimate campsites nestle among whispering aspens and towering Douglas firs, offering a serene retreat from the modern world. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire grille, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. With vault toilets providing basic comfort and endless trails beckoning horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers, Cunningham delivers an authentic wilderness experience that reconnects you with nature's rhythm.
Cunningham Campground provides a rustic camping experience with designated sites for tents and combined tent/RV camping, but no RV-specific sites.
Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the pines at Cunningham, where the nearby Grant Creek Trail traces footsteps of frontier soldiers and Apache warriors. This scenic path leads adventurous souls to the remnants of old Fort Grant, once a crucial military outpost during the turbulent Apache wars. Today, the fort site serves as an Arizona State Prison Facility, but the trail itself remains a window into the Old West, where every bend reveals stories of courage, conflict, and the taming of the American frontier.
Weather and SeasonsAt 8,700 feet, Cunningham Campground serves as nature's air conditioning, offering a refreshing escape when desert temperatures soar below. Open from April 15 through November 14, the campground basks in comfortable daytime temperatures that give way to crisp mountain nights—perfect for campfire stories and sleeping under quilts of stars. Pack layers for those cool evenings, and leave your winter gear at home: once snow blankets these peaks, Cunningham retreats into peaceful hibernation until spring returns.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,700 feet, Cunningham Campground reigns as a high-altitude haven where thin air meets thick forests. This lofty elevation transforms the typical Arizona experience, trading cacti for conifers and desert heat for mountain cool. Here, the air feels lighter, the stars shine brighter, and summer temperatures drop by 20-30 degrees compared to the valley floor below—nature's perfect prescription for desert dwellers seeking relief.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to golden sunlight filtering through a cathedral of aspens, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze. Cunningham Campground spreads across an enchanting meadow where wild grasses sway between stands of quaking aspens and stately Douglas firs. This natural amphitheater creates an ever-changing canvas: spring wildflowers paint the meadows, summer brings lush green canopies, and fall transforms the aspens into rivers of gold. It's a photographer's paradise and a soul's sanctuary, where Arizona shows its cooler, gentler side.
Geological RegionCunningham Campground crowns the magnificent Pinaleno Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, showcasing a remarkable sky island ecosystem that rises dramatically from the Sonoran Desert below. At 8,700 feet, this geological wonder creates a temperate oasis where Canadian-zone forests thrive in the Arizona sky. The campground's open meadows and mixed conifer forests represent millions of years of geological uplift, creating a unique biological crossroads where desert meets alpine, and where camping feels like discovering a secret world above the clouds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-friendly. Additional accessibility features are not specified.
Sites SizeCampsites include a parking area with gravel aprons measuring 13' x 30'.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information on site privacy is provided.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are first-come, first-served. No specific recommendations are provided, but arriving earlier in the day is advised to secure a spot.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- First-come, first-served
- no formal check-in process.
Stay Limit
14 days per month.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 10 guests per site.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 10 sites, including 9 combined-use sites and 1 dedicated tent site. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire grilles.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open from April 15 to November 14. It is closed from November 15 to April 15.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly first-come, first-served sites are available; there is no reservation system.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available; only first-come, first-served camping is offered.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and equestrian camping. Three trails start near the campground, providing scenic routes for exploration.
Hiking
Nearby trails include Grant Hill Loop (#322) at 4.2 miles, Cunningham Loop Trail (#310) at 5.6 miles, and Grant Creek Trail (#305) at 5.5 miles. All trails accommodate foot traffic, horseback riding, and mountain biking.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available via the Cunningham and Grant Hill Loop, a series of old logging roads and trails accessible across the Swift Trail from the campground.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during winter due to snow and inaccessible roads.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within the provided fire grilles. Campers should follow local fire restrictions, especially during dry seasons.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is home to black bears, and proper food storage is emphasized to avoid encounters. Steep and curvy roads with switchbacks can pose a challenge for larger vehicles.
Active alertsThe campground and access roads are closed during winter (November 15 - April 15).
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Safford, AZ, approximately 35 miles away, which likely includes the local hospital and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 - November 14
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. Campers are advised to use bear-proof containers for food storage.
Proximity to water featuresThere are no nearby lakes, rivers, or streams mentioned within close proximity.
Common complaintsReviews mention occasional cleanliness issues. One user review states, 'Nice little campground. Could use some cleaning up.'
HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
Across from Columbine Visitor Center, Swift Trail, AZ 366, Arizona
Driving directionsFrom Safford, Arizona: Take US 191 south for 6 miles. Turn right onto AZ 366/Swift Trail and travel approximately 29 miles. The campground is on the right across from the Columbine Visitor Center. 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 approximately 29 miles and the campground is on the right across from the Columbine Visitor Center.
State Route 366 is described as steep and curvy with switchbacks. While the first section is paved and well-maintained, the final 3.6 miles are dirt, rocky, rough, and mostly a wide single lane with additional switchbacks. Vehicles exceeding 40 feet in total length are not recommended on this road. During winter (November 15 - April 15) the Swift Trail is closed, and early or late snow can further restrict access.Nearby places
Safford, AZ - ~35 miles, Tucson, AZ - ~115 miles
Nearby supplies
The nearest fuel, groceries, and camping supplies can be accessed in Safford, AZ, approximately 35 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
6 reviews
Cunningham Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews describe Cunningham Campground as a serene and scenic destination with well-maintained facilities, though its remote location and lack of modern conveniences are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the clean vault toilets, scenic trails, and peaceful environment. The high elevation offers cooler temperatures, especially in summer.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users mention the need for additional cleaning of the campsites and note the lack of potable water as an inconvenience.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own potable water and practice bear safety by storing food in vehicles or bear-proof containers.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season due to cooler temperatures at high elevation. The campground is inaccessible in winter due to snow.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"One of my favorite places in Arizona is Mt Graham. At 9000+ ft elevation, it is much cooler than the desert that surrounds it." - James Van Vorst; "Love camping here....nice camp spots, good...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are highlighted in reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, which enhances accessibility for some users.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information on pet policies is provided.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025