Upper Hospital Flat Group Site
02 reviews711 14th Ave., STE D, Safford, AZ 85546, USA
Upper Hospital Flat Group Site
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
This site is now first-come, first-served and is fee-free.
About this campground
High in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona, where cool mountain breezes replace desert heat, lies Upper Hospital Flat Group Site—a serene campground with a fascinating past. Once a sanctuary where 1880s soldiers recovered from illness and families escaped scorching desert summers, this historic site now welcomes modern adventurers seeking respite at 9,000 feet. Perfect for group gatherings of up to 50 people, the campground provides picnic tables, a communal campfire ring, and grills for memorable outdoor meals. While the site embraces a rustic experience without restroom facilities (visitors must bring self-contained toilets), it rewards guests with exceptional birding opportunities, scenic hiking trails, and abundant wildlife encounters in this sky island paradise.
Upper Hospital Flat Group Site is specifically designed for group camping and operates as a primitive site without advanced facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep back to the 1880s when this mountain meadow served as a vital field hospital for soldiers stationed at Fort Grant. Military officers and their families discovered what Native peoples had long known—these cool heights offered blessed relief from the punishing desert heat. The very ground where you'll pitch your tent once echoed with the footsteps of frontier soldiers seeking healing in the pine-scented air, transforming this campground into a living piece of Arizona's territorial history.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's dramatic seasonal shifts in this high-elevation haven. Summer brings delightfully cool temperatures that feel worlds away from the desert floor below, making it an ideal escape when valley thermometers soar. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing colors transform the landscape. Winter occasionally blankets the area in snow, creating a magical alpine atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the Sonoran Desert visible in the distance.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,000 feet above sea level, Upper Hospital Flat offers a refreshing alpine experience in the heart of the Southwest. This lofty elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, delivering temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler than the desert valleys below. Here, summer days are pleasantly warm rather than scorching, and nights require cozy campfire gatherings and warm sleeping bags.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a hidden mountain oasis where Big Creek babbles alongside your campsite through a stunning mixed conifer forest. Towering pines and firs frame expansive meadows that explode with wildflowers in late summer, painting the landscape in vibrant purples, yellows, and reds. This 9,000-foot wonderland offers a feast for the senses—from the gentle whisper of wind through pine needles to the sweet fragrance of mountain wildflowers and the cheerful songs of diverse bird species that call these heights home.
Geological RegionWelcome to one of Arizona's remarkable 'sky islands'—the majestic Pinaleño Mountains rise like a verdant island from the surrounding desert sea. Part of the Coronado National Forest, this extraordinary mountain range soars from 3,000 to 10,720 feet, creating an ecological elevator that lifts visitors through multiple life zones. Your journey to Upper Hospital Flat takes you from saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert through oak woodlands and pine forests to near-alpine meadows, showcasing nature's incredible diversity in a single dramatic ascent.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited due to the rugged terrain and the absence of developed facilities. Higher-clearance vehicles are required to access the site.
Sites SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 50 people.
Sites PrivacyThe site offers a quiet area but does not specify secluded or clustered arrangements.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for visitors with higher-clearance vehicles due to road conditions and those seeking a quiet, secluded outdoor experience.
Best CampsitesUpper Hospital Flat Group Site is the sole group site accommodating up to 50 people.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 50 people at the group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 50 people and vehicles, but total vehicle length must be less than 40 feet, with trailers recommended to be under 22 feet due to narrow switchbacks.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle group site with picnic tables, campfire ring, and grills. Individual sites are located nearby at Hospital Flat Campground.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 15 - November 15. First-come, first-serve begins June 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not available online or by phone; must check availability on-site.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely first-come, first-served during the open season; no online reservation system available.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations for group sites must be made at least 14 days in advance of arrival to avoid penalties. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees.
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
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, birding, and wildlife viewing. The Swift Trail Scenic Drive provides access to diverse habitats, including alpine meadows and forests, enhancing the camping experience with opportunities for scenic drives and exploration.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include a nearby 0.75-mile nature trail with interpretive information about local flora and fauna. Additional trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are accessible via the Swift Trail Scenic Drive.Fishing
Fishing is available at nearby Riggs Lake, stocked with trout by Arizona Game & Fish, making it a worthwhile excursion for anglers.Biking
Mountain biking trails accessible from the Swift Trail Scenic Drive provide outdoor enthusiasts with options for exploring the area.Wildlife viewing
The diverse habitats along the Swift Trail Scenic Drive make the area well-known for birding and wildlife watching. Species commonly observed include deer.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, but the high elevation could provide opportunities for snow-related recreation in colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not specified as available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires must be extinguished completely before departure. Dead-and-downed trees may be collected for firewood; tree cutting is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned; presumed quiet due to less-visited status.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential bear activity, requiring secure storage of food and proper trash disposal. Also, high elevation may cause altitude sickness for some visitors.
Active alertsSeason dates may depend on weather and fire conditions; call 928-428-4150 for current updates.
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
The town of Safford is home to the Ranger Station, located approximately 1 hour away, where visitors can inquire about trails, camping, hunting, fishing, and other activities.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 - November 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available on-site. All trash, including garbage in food-storage lockers, must be removed from the Forest before leaving the campsite.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Big Creek, offering scenic views and minor water access.
Common complaintsNo toilets or drinking water provided; visitors must bring self-contained units.
HostNo campground host is mentioned; contact the Safford Ranger Station for inquiries.
Campground Map
711 14th Ave., STE 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 23.3 miles to the Upper Hospital Group Site entrance on the right (MM 137.2). 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 23.3 miles to the Upper Hospital Group Site entrance on the right (MM 137.2).
The road leading into the group site is mainly suitable for higher-clearance vehicles. Total vehicle length must be less than 40 feet, and trailers are recommended to be less than 22 feet due to narrow switchbacks of AZ 366.Nearby places
Safford: approximately 1 hour drive
Nearby supplies
Safford, Arizona, offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and essentials. The town is a 1-hour drive north of the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Upper Hospital Flat Group Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Upper Hospital Flat Group Site highlight its scenic location, high elevation, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and relaxation. Visitors appreciated the quiet environment, but noted the absence of developed facilities and the need to pack out trash.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the breathtaking views, serene environment, and proximity to nature. Wildlife sightings, including deer, were frequently mentioned as a highlight.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of drinking water, trash facilities, and toilets, as well as the necessity to bring self-contained portable toilets and manage trash removal.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing self-contained toilets, sufficient drinking water, and trash bags. High-clearance vehicles are advised due to the rugged road conditions.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are ideal for camping, offering mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. However, users noted significant rainfall during this time and advised preparation for wet weather.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Absolutely breathtaking up there (literally the altitude, if you are not used to it)! Twenty miles from the base of the mountain to paradise!' - Jessica Smith
2. 'Lots of rain this time of year....
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
User reviews did not mention specific campsites by number, but focused on the general experience at the group site.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are limited but indicate challenges due to rugged terrain and the need for high-clearance vehicles.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related policies and reviews are not provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025