Soldier Creek Campground

State: Arizona

Open: Seasonal

Number of Sites: 12

Elevation: 9340

County: Graham

Free: No

About: Campsites at Soldier Creek are nestled in a forest grove where large granite boulders sculptured by the forces of nature help separate the sites and add to the area’s scenic beauty. A short walk from camp, an abrupt drop-off provides good views of the lower slopes of the Pinaleños, of the Aravaipa Valley and the Galiuro and Winchester mountains.

Soldier Creek is especially popular with campers during mid-summer because it is one of the coolest areas on the mountain. The area is also popular with the mountain’s large black bear population in the summers, so be doubly careful with food and garbage.

The Grant Goudy Ridge Trail #310 sets out from the south end of the campground and leads down the mountain’s slopes to the vicinity of Fort Grant, a historic outpost that is now an Arizona State Prison Facility.

Fees: $10 (2011)

Water: None

Restrooms: Flush Toilets

Directions: From Safford drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366. Turn right (southwest) onto 366 and drive 29.7 miles to the campground entrance on the left side of the road. Accessible April 15 through November 14, weather permitting.