Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

Campgrounds in Arizona

Campgrounds 3,507 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)
Located among large mesquite trees and desert grasses, the Fourmile Canyon Campground offers a developed setting for an overnight or extended camping trip. Fourmile Canyon Campground is within the Aravaipa Canyon Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) which includes about 75,000 acres of public lands at the northern end of the Galiuro Mountains in southeastern Arizona.   There are 10 individual campsites, which are available on a first come, first served basis. Each campsite includes a concrete picnic table and campfire ring. There is potable water, trash containers, and a toilet at the campground.  While at or near the campground, you can enjoy camping, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, off-roading exploration, and viewing a nearby prehistoric interpretive site. In the spring and fall, the campground is popular with javelina and deer hunters. This campground also provides conveniently located camping for the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, especially from February to April when the weather is pleasant. A Bureau of Land Management ranger station is located less than one mile away in Klondyke, Arizona, and serves as an important visitor contact point. Since 2001, the campground has been staffed on a part-time basis by site host volunteers who assist visitors.

Near Mammoth, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

Preparation for Fourmile Canyon Campground starts with your pack. These items address the real risks and conditions here.

Essential

  • Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
  • Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
  • First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
  • Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
  • Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
  • Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
  • Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
  • Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
  • Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

  • Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
  • Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
  • Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
  • First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Terrain Gear

  • Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
  • Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
  • Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.

Seasonal Gear

  • Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
  • Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

With 11 activities available, Fourmile Canyon Campground works for both quick day trips and longer stays.

The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

  • backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
  • camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
  • hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
  • off_roading — Stay on designated routes to protect fragile terrain.
  • photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
  • picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
  • rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
  • sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
  • stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
  • walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
  • wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.

Wildlife Safety at Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Safety at Fourmile Canyon Campground involves knowing about 1 potential wildlife hazards in the area.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Remote (109mi from city)
UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (33N), Desert (exposed))
Photo score: 55/100
  • Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
  • 3 excellent meteor showers
  • Fall foliage
  • Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

4 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake.

Western Diamondback

Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Arizona Coral Snake

Head is blunt with a black snout.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

  • Watch where you step and place hands
  • Stay on trails
  • Wear boots and long pants in snake country
  • Do not reach under rocks or logs
  • If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
  • Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

This Desert habitat supports 3 mammal species, 30 bird species, and 10 reptile species.

Wildflowers (1)

  • purple owl's-clover
    purple owl's-clover — Showy clusters blending bracts and small flowers.

Shrubs (4)

  • Creosote Bush
    Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
  • Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus
    Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Adapted to desert heat, this cactus stores water in thick stems and tolerates prolonged drought.
  • Black-spined Pricklypear
    Black-spined Pricklypear — Pads store water for drought tolerance.

Other Plants (5)

  • fishhook barrel cactus
  • saguaro
  • Devil Club-cholla
  • Sacred Datura
  • Graham's nipple cactus

Mammals (3)

  • Coyote
    Coyote — Lean, agile build.
  • Black-tailed Jackrabbit
    Black-tailed Jackrabbit — Lean body built for speed.
  • American Black Bear
    American Black Bear — Adults typically weigh 150–600 pounds depending on region and sex.

Birds (30)

  • Ruddy Duck
    Ruddy Duck — Stiff upright tail
  • Rock Pigeon
    Rock Pigeon — Dark charcoal form with iridescent neck
  • Ring-necked Duck
    Ring-necked Duck — Subtle chestnut neck ring rarely visible
  • Gambel's Quail
    Gambel's Quail — Forward-curving head plume
  • Neotropic Cormorant
    Neotropic Cormorant — Yellow facial skin

Reptiles (10)

  • Common Side-blotched Lizard
    Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
  • Ornate Tree Lizard
    Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
  • Gila Monster
    Gila Monster — Usually 18–24 inches long.
  • Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
    Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Adults commonly 3–5 feet long.
  • Regal Horned Lizard
    Regal Horned Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.

Amphibians (2)

  • Sonoran Desert Toad
    Sonoran Desert Toad
  • Couch's Spadefoot
    Couch's Spadefoot

Insects (9)

  • White-lined Sphinx
    White-lined Sphinx
  • Tamarisk Beetles
    Tamarisk Beetles
  • Flame Skimmer
    Flame Skimmer
  • Painted Lady
    Painted Lady
  • Roseate Skimmer
    Roseate Skimmer

Other Wildlife (3)

  • Western Spotted Orbweaver
  • Desert Millipede
  • Giant Crab Spider

Nature Bingo at Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Best months to visit based on climate: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Avoid unless prepared for .

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 64.2°F

Annual precipitation: 13.6 in

With an average annual temperature of 64.2°F and 13.6 inches of precipitation, Fourmile Canyon Campground has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 83°F, while winter lows drop to 47°F.

Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov.

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 47°F 1.8 in
Feb 50°F 1.5 in
Mar 55°F 1.0 in
Apr 61°F 0.4 in
May 70°F 0.3 in
Jun 80°F 0.3 in
Jul 83°F 2.1 in
Aug 81°F 1.8 in
Sep 77°F 1.4 in
Oct 66°F 0.6 in
Nov 55°F 0.9 in
Dec 46°F 1.5 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14.3 hours in summer — a difference of 4.3 hours.

Summer: 5:12 AM – 7:30 PM

Winter: 7:16 AM – 5:16 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:16 AM, Sunset 5:16 PM Golden hour from 4:39 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:12 AM, Sunset 7:30 PM Golden hour from 6:54 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:33 AM, Sunset 6:28 PM Golden hour from 5:56 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:04 AM, Sunset 6:29 PM Golden hour from 5:56 PM

Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Fourmile Canyon Campground.

Phoenix is the nearest hub at 109 miles — here's the trip breakdown.

Nearest city: Phoenix (109 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $27.2 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 87.9 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).

  • Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
  • Families: excellent
  • Elderly: highly_suitable
  • Strollers: excellent (100/100)
  • Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Nearby options include trails and campgrounds within a short drive.

Nearby Campgrounds

Stargazing & Night Sky at Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

The dark sky quality at Fourmile Canyon Campground (Bortle 3) places it among the darkest stargazing spots in the area.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
  • Cepheus
    Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.

Meteor Showers

The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.

  • Geminids
    Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)

    Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.

  • Quadrantids
    Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)

    Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.

  • Perseids
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)

    Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.

  • Delta Aquariids
    Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)

    Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

  • Venus
    Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
  • Saturn
    Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
  • Mars
    Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

  • Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
  • Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
  • Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

  • Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
  • Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
  • Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
  • Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
  • Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
  • Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

  • Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
  • Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

The seasonal rhythm at Fourmile Canyon Campground shapes what you'll see on the trail, in the sky, and across the landscape.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 25 – November 15

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham

The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.

Recognition of Indigenous stewardship matters. Fourmile Canyon Campground lies within the ancestral lands of Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache), Hohokam.

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include San Carlos.

Data from Native Land Digital

Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Fourmile Canyon Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type
Middle Miocene to Oligocene sedimentary rocks
Lithology
Major:{conglomerate,sandstone}, Minor:{mudstone,sedimentary breccia,limestone}
Age
Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences
20
Unique Species
18
Oldest
372.2 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
177
Richness
Exceptional
Minerals Found
Copper, Lead, Zinc, Gold, Silver, Uranium, Vanadium, Iron

Endangered Species

Species at Risk
1478
ESA Endangered
29
ESA Threatened
16
Conservation Score
100/100

Temperature Records

Record High
111°F (1995-07-28)
Record Low
11°F (2011-02-03)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires
28
Largest Fire
Pinnacle (34,438.2 acres)
Most Recent
2024
Fire Risk
Extreme

Watershed

Watershed
Turkey Creek
Water Quality (Good)
0%
Impaired
0%

Fourmile Canyon Campground, Graham Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Official condition reports for Fourmile Canyon Campground cover weather, wildfire activity, flood status, and road conditions.

Nearest weather station: SAN MANUEL, AZ US (22.81 mi)

Coordinates: 32.82925, -110.34513

Packing List Star Guide ↑ Top
Fourmile Canyon Campground
Arizona · 3,507 ft · Campgrounds · 32.8293°N, -110.3451°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Mammoth, AZ

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step (Western Diamondback,Mojave,Sidewinder,Arizona Coral Snake)

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