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Shannon Campground is small and tucked away along the upper reaches of Marijilda Creek, a pleasant little brook that winds through a setting of tall trees and green grass. Campsites are shaded under mature Engelmann spruce and Douglas-fir. Two three-sided wood shelters of the type originally developed in the Adirondack Mountains of New York add to the historic atmosphere of this campground. The Arcadia Trail, which leads down the mountain to Arcadia Campground, has been designated a National Recreation Trail. A one-mile spur leads from this trail to the top of Heliograph Peak, a vantage point with a history as well as a view. This 10,022-foot vantage point once served as a location for signal mirrors used to communicate messages during the Apache Wars of the late 1880s. Today you’ll find a Forest Service lookout tower on the mountaintop as well as some of the most panoramic views in southeastern Arizona. Bear Warning: To avoid putting a bear’s life in danger and risking the loss of some of your own property, please dispose of all garbage in the bear-proof containers provided. Also, remember to keep all food out of reach and out of sight of these curious and powerful animals.
From Safford drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366. Turn right (southwest) onto 366 and drive 21.8 miles to the campground entrance on the right side of the road. Check local road conditions during winter months.
Great place to Camp, clean bathrooms and beautiful scenery. Lots of Wildlife so be sure to keep your Camp clean and store food in the provided Bear Box. A couple of the campgrounds have a small 3 sided structure that is useful for keeping your firewood and gear dry.
Very green and quiet spot. There's a little stream, restrooms, and a trail head. Maybe one spot for a small camper if you're hauling one.
Quiet and beautiful. Amenities include flattened spots for tents, fire pits with cooking grates, wood sheds, parking spots, and pit-style toilets.
There are no taps for water but the runoff from Heliograph Spring trickles through the camp so if you brought a filter you could probably use that. The envelope/pay stub system was a little confusing.
Solitude near the road! And the hummingbirds provided quite a show. Beautiful place to camp!
