Cunningham Campground
Located high in the Pinaleno Mountains in an open, grassy stand of aspen and fir, this campground was constructed to provide a more primitive camping experience than most forest campgrounds. Campsites include a parking area and a fire grill. A public corral is available for riding and pack stock. Nearby there are plenty of foot and equestrian trails. The Grant Creek Trail starts at the campground edge and follows a scenic route down canyon to the site of old Fort Grant, once an important outpost in the days of warring between the Apaches and the U.S. Army. Today, the fort is an Arizona State Prison Facility.
More like this: first-come in Arizona · tent only in Arizona
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Fees | Single site: $15. With Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access pass $7.50. Payable with cash or check. |
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | April 15 to November 14 |
| Forest | Coronado National Forest |
| Booking | Reservations are not accepted. |
| Fees | Single site: $15. With Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access pass $7.50. Payable with cash or check. |
| Rules | Vehicles (including trailers) longer than 22 feet are not recommended because of the difficulty of negotiating the switchbacks on AZ 366. This campground is not accessible from November 15 to April 15 when the Swift Trail is closed for the winter. Early or late snow may extend the inaccessible season. Horse feed and water are not available. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. |
Weather by month
Getting there
| Coordinates | 32.6783° N, 109.8937° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Gila Outdoor ↗ | 14.1 mi |
| RV sales & service | Trek RV ↗ | 15.4 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area Campground
Trails nearby
- 0.4 miGrant Creek ↗6.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.8 miGrant Hill Loop C0.4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.8 miGrant Hill Loop D1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.8 miGrant Hill Loop A1.1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.8 miCunningham Loop ↗5.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 1 miHawkins1.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trailheads within three miles
- 0.9 miCunningham Loop Trailhead ↗Coronado National Forest
- 1 miGrant Hill Loop Trailhead ↗Coronado National Forest
- 2.3 miColumbine Corrals Trailhead ↗Coronado National Forest
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Historic landmarks nearby
Guidebooks for Arizona
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
- Best Backpacking Trips in Utah, Arizona, and New MexicoMike White and Douglas Lorain, 2016Find at Bookshop.org
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Cunningham Campground?
No. Cunningham Campground is first-come, first-served. Reservations are not accepted. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: Forest Service
How much does it cost to camp at Cunningham Campground?
Single site: $15. With Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access pass $7.50. Payable with cash or check.
Source: Forest Service
Is Cunningham Campground open right now?
Open as of Oct 26, 2026. Season April 15 to November 14.
Source: Forest Service status
Can I bring an RV to Cunningham Campground?
Cunningham Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Forest Service
What if Cunningham Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (1.4 mi), Upper Hospital Flat Dispersed Camping Area (1.4 mi, first-come), and Treasure Park - East (1.7 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby