Treasure Park - East
01 review711 14th Avenue, Suite D, Safford, AZ, 85546, USA
Treasure Park - East
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$25 per night fee and a $5 per vehicle per night fee. Nightly rate is charged upon reservation, while vehicle fees are paid in cash or check upon arrival.
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Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Escape to the cool mountain meadows of Treasure Park East, where towering conifers and wildflower-dotted landscapes await at 9,000 feet above the Arizona desert. This hidden gem along the Swift Trail beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its promise of crisp mountain air, abundant wildlife encounters, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're gathering with friends for a group camping experience, exploring winding mountain bike trails, or simply seeking refuge from the desert's blazing summer heat, this high-altitude haven delivers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness wonder.
Treasure Park East is primarily a group campsite designed for up to 100 guests. It does not support RV hookups, cabins, or luxury camping.
Historical SignificanceMystery and legend shroud these mountains, where whispers of outlaw treasure have echoed through the pines since the 1850s. According to local lore, desperate bandits buried their stolen cache of gold and silver somewhere near this very spot, marking their secret with three distinctive colored granite stones. Though countless treasure hunters have scoured these slopes over the decades, the elusive fortune—if it ever existed—remains hidden beneath the forest floor, adding an air of intrigue to every hiking trail and meadow vista.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's air conditioning at Treasure Park East, where summer temperatures hover in the refreshing 70s while the desert valleys below swelter in triple digits. As autumn arrives, the meadows transform into a golden tapestry before winter's embrace brings a blanket of snow, with temperatures dipping to around 23°F and highs reaching just 41°F. Light snowfall and occasional rain showers create a pristine winter wonderland, though access becomes challenging—making spring through fall the prime seasons for your mountain adventure.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet above sea level, Treasure Park East offers visitors a true alpine experience in the heart of southern Arizona. This dramatic elevation transforms the landscape from desert to forest, creating a cool mountain sanctuary where temperatures drop 20-30 degrees from the valley floor, and the air carries the crisp, invigorating quality that only high-altitude destinations can provide.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the enchanting world of Arizona's 'sky islands'—isolated mountain ranges that rise like verdant archipelagos from the surrounding desert sea. At 9,000 feet in the Pinaleno Mountains, Treasure Park East showcases a stunning mixed conifer forest where Douglas firs, white firs, and aspens create a canopy of green overhead. These biological treasures support an incredible diversity of plant and animal life across elevations ranging from 3,000 to 10,720 feet, offering visitors a chance to experience multiple ecosystems in a single journey up the mountain.
Geological RegionDiscover the remarkable Coronado National Forest's crown jewel—the Pinaleno Mountains, where Treasure Park East sits majestically within a mixed conifer paradise. These 'sky islands' represent one of nature's most fascinating phenomena, with elevations soaring from desert floor at 3,000 feet to alpine peaks at 10,720 feet. This dramatic vertical relief creates distinct biological zones, each supporting unique plant communities that transition from saguaro-studded desert through oak woodlands and pine forests to spruce-fir wilderness at the highest reaches, making every elevation change a journey through different worlds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described by the authoritative sources.
Sites SizeThe site can accommodate up to 100 guests at a time, suitable for large group camping.
Sites PrivacyThe campsite provides a quiet mountain meadow setting, but there is no explicit mention of privacy levels in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring portable toilets due to lack of on-site restrooms. Vehicles over 40 feet in length or trailers exceeding 22 feet are discouraged.
Best CampsitesOnly one large group site available accommodating up to 100 guests.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 100 guests allowed at group site.
Groups
The site accommodates up to 100 guests. Campers are required to bring portable toilets, and there is a $5 per vehicle fee.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle large group site layout with picnic tables, campfire ring, grill, and parking area.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 15, 2025, through November 14, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are made through Recreation.gov and its associated platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not specified; reservations are required for this group site.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations (14 calendar days or fewer before check-in date).
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Activities you can enjoy
Treasure Park East offers diverse recreational activities, including birding, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and picnicking. The Swift Trail Scenic Drive, with its dramatic elevation changes, provides access to alpine meadows and several trails. Day trips to Rigg’s Lake or the Columbine Visitors Center are also recommended.
Hiking
The Swift Trail provides access to multiple hiking trails. The authoritative sources note that these trails traverse diverse habitats, from deserts to alpine meadows. Specific trail details are not mentioned.Fishing
Fishing is supported at nearby Riggs Lake, which is stocked with trout by Arizona Game & Fish. "A trip up to Riggs Lake, stocked with trout, could make a worthwhile day trip," according to authoritative sources.Biking
Mountain biking is explicitly mentioned as an available activity, with trails accessible via the Swift Trail Scenic Drive.Wildlife viewing
Treasure Park East is known for its wildlife viewing and birding opportunities, thanks to the diverse habitats in the Coronado National Forest.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned explicitly. However, the area’s high elevation suggests potential for snow-based recreation during winter months.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated rings. Firewood from dead-and-downed items can be collected.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are present in the area; secure all food and dispose of trash properly. High elevation can lead to altitude sickness.
Active alertsSeasonal closures may occur due to weather, fire conditions, or other factors.
Weather forecast
69
°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, AZ, including a Ranger Station open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15, 2025 - November 14, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are not provided on-site. Campers must remove trash before departure. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresDrinking water available seasonally on-site; Riggs Lake nearby for recreational fishing.
Common complaintsAbsence of restroom facilities is cited as inconvenient, requiring users to bring portable toilets. Narrow switchbacks on access roads pose challenges for larger vehicles.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
711 14th Avenue, Suite D, Safford, AZ, 85546, USA
Driving directionsFrom Safford, Arizona: Take State Route 191 south for 6 miles. Turn right onto State Route 366/Swift Trail and travel 23 miles to the Treasure Park Campground entrance (MM 137), following the loop road to the East campsite. From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 east for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for State Route 191, and turn left toward Safford. Drive 26.3 miles north and turn left on State Route 366/Swift Trail. Continue for 23 miles to the Treasure Park Campground entrance (MM 137), following the loop road to the East campsite.
Road access is generally suitable for vehicles, but total vehicle length must be less than 40 feet due to narrow switchbacks on AZ 366. Trailers above 22 feet are not recommended. Seasonal closures may occur, and roads can be affected by fire and weather conditions.Nearby places
Safford, AZ: Approximately 1 hour drive (about 29 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, fuel, and other essentials can be accessed in Safford, AZ, approximately 1 hour drive away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Treasure Park - East has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praised the campsite for its suitability for large groups and its scenic location. "A beautiful area for large groups," and "Good spot for camping," are standout user sentiments. However, the lack of on-site toilets means campers must be prepared to bring portable/self-contained toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlighted the large campfire ring with a grill top, picnic tables, and the overall suitability for group camping. Users appreciated the bear-proof food storage bins and nearby...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of on-site toilet facilities was a notable complaint. Campers are required to bring portable/self-contained toilets, which may inconvenience some.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend renting porta-potties and hauling them to the site due to the absence of on-site toilets. They also suggest collecting dead-and-downed firewood available in the area.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User reviews did not explicitly discuss seasonal trends, but the high elevation and mountain meadow setting suggest the site is most pleasant during summer months.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Enjoyed the large campfire ring that also has a grill top." "There are a few picnic tables." "Water tap located just up the dirt road." "Good spot for camping."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
User reviews did not specify particular site numbers or areas within the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features and experiences were not explicitly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews specific to pet policies or pet-friendly features were not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025