The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The United States Bureau of Land Management is a federal government agency that takes care of about 245 million acres of land throughout the country. Much of this land is contained in parks that often feature developed campsites and dispersed camping opportunities. The Agua Fria National Monument in Arizona is one such park. It's home to a large system of prehistoric sites that take visitors back to the time of the ancient Pueblos. The Bureau of Land Management takes care of the monument in order to preserve its archaeological sites and its desert plant and animal life. Hiking, biking, bird-watching, dispersed and primitive camping, and more are all possible at this breathtaking BLM site that's about an hour and 15 minutes north of Phoenix.
There are multiple lovely national parks within several hours of Agua Fria. Saguaro National Park is about two hours and 40 minutes away on the outskirts of Tucson. Saguaro cacti abound, but so do numerous other types of desert flora and fauna. Petrified Forest National Park is about three hours away and is a must if you want to see beautiful painted desert views and, of course, the petrified wood for which the park is named. Grand Canyon National Park is three hours north of Agua Fria, so you can easily reach this iconic national park that contains the massive canyon and gorge for which it's famous.
The Badger Springs Trail is the only established trail at the Agua Fria National Monument. On this short trail, you can visit the Badger Springs Wash, walk along the Agua Fria River Canyon, and look at some awesome petroglyphs.
Length: 0.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Between the Agua Fria River and the Verde River, there are plenty of places you can fish or boat in the area. If you want to visit state parks that provide great places for fishing and boating, then you should check out the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area and Dead Horse Ranch State Park; both are roughly 50 miles away.
Whether you're into bird-watching or general wildlife viewing, you'll be able to take in a variety of desert fauna at Agua Fria National Monument. Nearly 200 species of birds have been spotted at this park, so you'll have plenty of chances to spot hawks, eagles, owls, and more. On land, coyotes, deer, pronghorn, Gila monsters, and even occasional elk and bear can be seen here. The Agua Fria River is full of native species like the speckled dace, the longfin dace, and the Gila chub.
There aren't any designated picnicking spots at Agua Fria National Monument, but there are plenty of places that you can stop, sit, and appreciate the beauty around you while you eat. You will, of course, have to take your own food in and bring any waste out with you; the nearby towns of Cordes Lakes and Black Canyon City both have places that sell food.
You can go hunting within the monument as long as you have the proper licenses and permits. Hunters can find big game and game birds at Agua Fria National Monument.
While you can engage in dispersed and primitive camping at Agua Fria, you'll have to go elsewhere if you want to find more luxurious locations for RV camping. Quail Ridge RV Park is just 20 minutes away, has full hookups, and can accommodate rigs of any size. If you want to visit an RV resort that has a heated swimming pool, doggie corral, and game room, then Black Canyon RV Ranch may be right for you. Those in search of a camping spot on the Verde River may want to stay at Verde Ranch RV Resort, which is home to hot tubs, a fitness center, a laundry facility, and more. Zane Grey RV Village is another great option; it has hiking trails, a pavilion, corn bag toss, and other similar amenities.
Since the state of Arizona allows for dispersed camping on many of its public lands, you can find some great free camping spots in this area. One popular place for dispersed camping and recreation is Prescott National Forest, which is about an hour away. There are also a couple of dispersed camping areas around Lake Pleasant close to Phoenix.
Agua Fria National Monument has 71,000 acres that you can explore, but much of that land is wild and rugged. There are no developed facilities here, and the only road in the park requires a high-clearance vehicle. You'll have to purchase all food and supplies in surrounding communities and find your own camping spot if you're staying in the park.
With regards to safety, you'll need to account for high elevation and high temperatures. The elevation range here is from 2,000 to 4,000 feet, and summer temperatures can reach higher than 110 degrees. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing to keep yourself safe on your adventure. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Most of Agua Fria National Monument is open to dispersed camping, but you still need to make sure to disturb as little of the land as possible. You need to set up camp at least 200 feet away from all sources of water; if possible, you should also choose a spot that has already been used as a campsite. Use biodegradable soap when bathing, and be sure to take all waste with you when you leave.
If you're traveling up from Phoenix, simply drive north on Interstate 17, take Exit 259 onto Bloody Basin Road, and drive 15 minutes to the park's entrance. If you're driving down from Flagstaff, travel south on Interstate 17, get off on Bloody Basin Road, and drive to the entrance.
Address: Black Canyon City, Arizona 85324
Ready to visit Agua Fria National Monument? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
