Shannon Campground
4.7016 reviewsShannon Campground, Coronado National Forest, AZ
Shannon Campground
$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 sites cost $15 per night, while double sites cost $30 per night. Discounts are available for holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Passes (50% off). Fees are payable via cash or check on-site.
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About this campground
Hidden like a secret in the clouds at 9,100 feet, Shannon Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat in the Pinaleno Mountains of Coronado National Forest. Here, where Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir tower overhead and Marijilda Creek whispers through the forest, you'll discover a peaceful sanctuary far from the crowds. The campground's signature Adirondack-style shelters add a touch of mountain lodge charm to your wilderness experience, creating cozy havens beneath the forest canopy.
Shannon Campground is a small, rustic campground featuring both single and double campsites. It is ideal for tent camping and offers a unique historical experience with Adirondack-style log shelters.
Historical SignificanceThe surrounding peaks hold stories of the Old West, where history literally flashed across the mountains. Nearby Heliograph Peak served as a crucial communication point during the Apache Wars of the 1880s, where soldiers used mirrors to send coded messages across vast distances. Today, these same vantage points offer visitors spectacular views and a tangible connection to the frontier era that shaped the American Southwest.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-April through October, Shannon Campground becomes a natural air conditioner for desert dwellers seeking relief. While valley temperatures soar, this mountaintop haven maintains delightfully cool conditions, with summer days reaching only into the pleasant 70s. Spring and fall bring crisp mornings in the 30s that warm to perfect hiking weather, while afternoon thunderstorms in July and August deliver dramatic sky shows and the sweet scent of rain on pine needles.
ElevationPerched at 9,100 feet above sea level, Shannon Campground sits in Arizona's sky island realm, where the air is thin, crisp, and wonderfully cool. This remarkable elevation transforms the landscape into an unexpected alpine oasis, complete with Canadian-zone vegetation and temperatures that can be 30 degrees cooler than the desert floor below. Here, you'll wake to misty mornings and fall asleep under a blanket of stars that seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where massive Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir create natural cathedrals of green, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Marijilda Creek threads through the campground like a silver ribbon, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. Ruby-throated hummingbirds dart between wildflowers, while the observant visitor might spot deer browsing in meadow clearings or hear the haunting call of a great horned owl at dusk.
Geological RegionThe Pinaleno Mountains rise like an island from the surrounding desert seas, creating a unique sky island ecosystem that harbors species found nowhere else in the region. This ancient mountain range showcases dramatic geological diversity, from granite peaks to volcanic formations, all clothed in a surprising coat of spruce-fir forest more reminiscent of Canada than southern Arizona. The presence of Marijilda Creek carving through the landscape adds another layer of beauty, creating riparian corridors that support an abundance of life in this elevated wonderland.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features vault toilets, but it is not explicitly described as wheelchair accessible, and no additional accessibility features are mentioned in the sources.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as small, with some users noting the sites are relatively compact. For example, one reviewer stated, 'The sites are kind of small.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly discussed, but some sites on the mountainside or overlooking the creek may offer a more secluded experience.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with Adirondack-style shelters are ideal for keeping gear dry.
Best CampsitesSites overlooking Marijilda Creek are particularly popular.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
14-day limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
10 persons per site
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned as an option at Shannon Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is compact, with some sites along Marijilda Creek and others positioned further uphill.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April 15 through October 31, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served only; all sites are walk-up sites.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Shannon Campground provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The main highlight is the Arcadia Trail, a National Recreation Trail that leads hikers to the top of Heliograph Peak. This peak offers panoramic views and historical significance due to its use during the Apache Wars.
Hiking
Hiking is a standout activity at Shannon Campground. The Arcadia Trail, designated as a National Recreation Trail, is accessible from the campground. It includes a one-mile spur to the 10,022-foot Heliograph Peak, which has both historical significance and breathtaking views. Additional trails include the Noon Creek Ridge Trail (foot travel only, 3 miles) and Heliograph Lookout Trail (7 miles).Biking
Biking is permitted on the Arcadia Trail and other trails leading to Heliograph Peak. However, the terrain and elevation may cater more to experienced cyclists.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned in reviews, with one camper noting the presence of hummingbirds and another cautioning about black bears. Campers are advised to use bear-proof containers.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, and the campground may not be accessible during snowy conditions due to weather-dependent seasonal closures.Water Sports
No water sports opportunities are available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is black bear country; food should be stored securely in bear-proof containers or cars with windows fully closed.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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, including Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for medical care and Safford Police Department.
Good to know
Peak season datesFrom late spring to early fall (April 15 to October 31).
Trash and recyclingBear-proof food containers are located at some sites, but there is no mention of centralized trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresMarijilda Creek runs through the campground, offering the charm of a small, natural brook.
Common complaintsSome visitors find the sites small and the campground layout compact.
HostA seasonal campground host is available, noted to have been present for 15+ years according to reviews.
Campground Map
Shannon Campground, Coronado National Forest, AZ
Driving directionsIn Safford, AZ, at the intersection of US Highways 191 and 70, take Route 191 south for 7.9 miles to Mount Graham signs. Turn right onto Route 366 and continue 21.7 miles to the campground sign. Turn right and proceed 0.1 miles to the campground. Note: Route 366 is steep and curvy with switchbacks. The last 7.3 miles are dirt, rocky, rough, and mostly a wide single lane with some switchbacks.
Route 366 is paved and well-maintained, though it is steep, curvy, and includes multiple switchbacks. The last 7.3 miles consist of dirt roads that are rocky, rough, and primarily single lane.Nearby places
Safford (29.6 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), Tucson (140 miles, approximately 3 hours drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Safford, approximately 29 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.7
16 reviews
Shannon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Shannon Campground as a clean, quiet, and beautiful location with great hiking opportunities. Its rustic charm and cooler temperatures during summer months are frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the cleanliness of the vault toilets, scenic beauty, presence of historical three-sided shelters, and excellent hiking trails. The cooler summer temperatures and tranquil...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, small campsite sizes, and the absence of flush toilets. Some users found the envelope payment system confusing.
Based on 16 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing a water filter due to the lack of potable water. Additionally, visitors should prepare for potential encounters with wildlife, including bears, and are advised to store...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is particularly enjoyable during the summer months, offering cooler temperatures compared to surrounding areas. Reviews during winter are sparse, likely due to...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Quiet and beautiful.' (Josh Smith)
2. 'Dry camping, beautiful, clean and quiet.' (Brian Ryder)
3. 'Great place to camp, clean bathrooms and beautiful scenery.' (Joe)
4. 'Very green and quiet...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some users noted the historical shelters as a highlight, while others commented on the small size of campsites. Specific site numbers or best/worst sites are not mentioned.
Based on 16 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related experiences are not detailed in the available reviews.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025