Noon Creek Campground And Picnic Area
05 reviewsNoon Creek Campground And Picnic Area
$15.00 - $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 fees are $15 per night, and double sites are $30 per night. Discounts are available with federal recreation passes like Golden Age, Interagency Senior, or Military Pass. Day use fees are $8 per vehicle or $10 per vehicle for a week.
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About this campground
Nestled in the enchanting Pinaleño Mountains, Noon Creek Campground invites tent campers to experience the same respite that pioneer settlers sought generations ago. This rustic, back-to-nature retreat sits among ancient mountain oak woodlands, where the melodic sounds of Noon Creek tumbling over smooth boulders create a natural soundtrack for your wilderness escape. While you won't find modern amenities like potable water here, you'll discover something far more valuable: an authentic connection to the land and its storied past. The campground's scenic picnic areas provide perfect vantage points to soak in the mountain atmosphere and imagine the pioneers who once paused here during their arduous journeys.
The campground is designed for tent camping only and features options for single and double sites. It is suitable for individuals, families, and small groups.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Noon Creek, where the echoes of pioneer wagons still seem to whisper through the trees. This historic waypoint served as the traditional midday rest stop for brave settlers venturing into the formidable Pinaleño Mountains. Here, weary travelers would water their horses, share meals in the shade of the oaks, and gather strength for the challenging journey ahead. Today's campers follow in their footsteps, finding the same natural shelter and peaceful respite that made this spot essential to the region's early exploration and settlement story.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at Noon Creek, each offering its own unique charm. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland where snow may dust the oak branches, creating magical camping for those prepared for the cold. As spring awakens the mountains, wildflowers emerge and temperatures become delightfully mild. Summer brings intense heat that makes the shade of the oaks and the cool creek especially welcome, while autumn paints the landscape in warm hues with crisp, perfect camping weather. The shoulder seasons of spring and early fall offer the sweet spot for most campers, with comfortable days and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings.
ElevationPerched at mountain elevation in the Pinaleño range, the campground offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, and the stars shine with exceptional clarity.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry of mountain oak woodlands where gnarled junipers stand sentinel alongside scrub oaks, their branches creating natural cathedrals of shade. The landscape bursts with desert mountain flora including the distinctive red bark of manzanita, architectural sotol plants, and dramatic yucca spears reaching skyward. This diverse ecosystem buzzes with life - watch for spiny lizards basking on sun-warmed rocks, listen for the distinctive call of the cactus wren, and keep an eye out for roadrunners darting between the underbrush. The interplay of high desert and mountain environments creates a uniquely beautiful setting that changes subtly with each passing hour.
Geological RegionThe Pinaleño Mountains rise dramatically from the surrounding desert, creating a sky island ecosystem where Noon Creek Campground resides. This remarkable geological formation supports a rare blend of species in its mountain oak woodlands, where hardy junipers and resilient scrub oaks have adapted to thrive in the challenging terrain. The mountains' unique position creates diverse microclimates and habitats, making this region a biological treasure trove where desert meets forest in spectacular fashion.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no detailed information about accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe campground has single and double sites. Single sites accommodate up to 10 people and 2 vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are separated by mesquite and creosote, providing some level of privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of 10 people and 2 vehicles per site
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 10 people per site
Groups
No specific group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round
Reservation PlatformsReservation platforms include online purchasing or on-site with cash or check.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Noon Creek Campground offers a serene environment for various outdoor activities. Picnicking is a primary activity, with picnic tables provided at different levels of the site. The creek adds to the relaxed ambiance. Hiking opportunities are available directly from the campground, including the Noon Creek #302A trail and the Ladybug #329 trail.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the Noon Creek #302A trail, which connects to Round the Mountain #302, and the Ladybug #329 trail, starting across the road near Angle Orchard. No specific details about trail difficulty or length are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes spiny lizards, cactus wrens, and roadrunners. Visitors are advised to keep an eye out for these creatures while exploring the area.Winter Activities
There is no mention of winter-specific activities.Water Sports
There is no mention of non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are present in the area, necessitating proper storage and disposal of food. Additionally, poison ivy is present within the campground.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Closest hospitals, police stations, and other emergency services are in Safford, approximately 6 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, and campers are reminded to store food in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles to avoid attracting wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresSituated near Noon Creek, the campground has a flowing creek with smooth boulders enhancing its natural charm.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Safford, Arizona: Take US 191 south for 6 miles. Turn right onto AZ 366/Swift Trail and travel approximately 7 miles. The campground is on the right side of the road. 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 7 miles. The campground is on the right side of the road.
Accessible year-round from major highways. Roads leading to the campground are paved.Nearby places
Safford (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Tucson (approximately 96 miles, about 2 hours drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping equipment, and fuel can be found in Safford, 6 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Noon Creek Campground And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic and peaceful environment of the campground. The cleanliness of the vault toilets and the helpfulness of the park ranger are particularly praised. The site’s proximity to a creek and the general privacy between sites also receive positive mentions.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the 'really clean vault toilets,' the 'zen-like' creek, and the scenic and peaceful environment. The park ranger was described as 'really nice.'
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users expressed confusion about whether the site is exclusively for picnicking or allows overnight stays. For example, one user asked, 'Can people sleep here?'
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water as potable water is not available. Follow bear safety guidelines and store food in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide specific insights about seasonal variations; however, the campground is open year-round, and its oak woodland setting may offer a mix of green foliage in warmer months and...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'The name was inviting, so we stopped in. We weren't disappointed with this peaceful and scenic picnic area off the road winding up Mt. Graham.' - Rachel Rueth
- 'Beautiful campground with really...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences were provided.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025