The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you are looking for a remote place along the Gila River to go camping, consider Christmas Recreation Area. This minimally maintained facility is a great place to unwind while watching wildlife. It is easy to access this site along gravel roads, and there is a restroom.
If you are in Tucson or Phoenix and wondering where to find BLM camping, this campground is less than 100 miles away. Like nearby Gila River Recreation Area and Shores Recreation Area, you can stay in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Arizona for up to 14 out of 28 days free or for a very nominal fee as long as you pick up after yourself and be a responsible steward of the land.
The Bobcat Trail 194 in Tonto National Forest slowly descends in a southwest direction along the spine of Bobtail Ridge. Near the beginning of the trail, the Pineline Trail goes to the right, so stay left. This trail can get extremely muddy after rain. When you reach the gate, be sure to close it behind you.
Length: 7.6 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This lightly used trail in Tonto National Forest runs along Parallels Campaign Creek. Then it climbs over a ridge before reaching the West Fork of Pinto Creek. This trail gains over 3,900 feet in elevation.
Length: 10 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail follows a creek, which is often dry in the summer. Portions of the trail run under shade trees, but other areas are exposed, so do this hike when it is cooler or cloudy. You must drive through an active mine to reach the trailhead.
Length: 7.9 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Be careful fishing in this area because you cannot fish on the San Carlos Indian Reservation. Instead, follow Arizona 77 until it gets to the Gila River near Winkelman. You can also find great fishing at the Shores Recreation Area, about three miles from Christmas Recreation Area. The best fishing is in the spring and fall as water levels can get very low in the summer.
While it is about 90 miles north to Payson, there are outstanding climbs in the Granite Dells area. Many start their adventure at Stewart Pocket. You can reach large granite boulders where you can go climbing by following the Payson Area Trail System's Cypress, Boulders, and Monument Peak trails.
Aravaipa Canyon is a great place for wildlife viewing, especially between Booger Canyon and Horse Camp. Most of this area requires experience hiking. If you are looking for a more accessible option to see wildlife, then take a drive along the Copper Corridor Scenic Road. As you follow Arizona 77 and 177, watch for javelina, pronghorn sheep, and wild horses.
The Old Dominion Historic Mine Park in Globe, Arizona is an excellent place for a picnic. If you have children along, they will love playing on the playground. This park's picnic area is well shaded, so it is perfect even in summer. This park also has old mining equipment on public display along with informative plaques telling you about the equipment.
You can go BLM RV camping at Christmas Recreation Area. There are gravel driveways and a toilet, but there are no hookups at the individual campsites. You can also stay at the Shores BLM campground. While shorter units will have no problem accessing this site, longer trailers may have trouble with the steep hill.
If you are looking for BLM free camping besides Christmas and Shores recreation areas, there are other choices nearby within Tonto National Forest. Pioneer Pass Camping Area is between Globe and Miami, and it offers vault toilets, but there are no hookups. You can also find Bureau of Land Management free camping at Oak Flat Campground, about four miles east of Superior, Arizona.
Consider the weather when planning your BLM RV camping trip to Christmas Recreation Area. During the winter, temperatures often drop to near freezing at night. Therefore, if your RV uses a propane heater, you can expect it to use about 0.5 gallons per hour to heat your RV. Other things, like your hot water tank and stove, will require additional propane. Therefore, you should make sure that you come prepared.
During the summer, daytime temperatures can soar to near 100 degrees. Be sure that you stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Since there is no potable water available at this site, you need to pack it in. For more useful tips, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
You are close to Fort Apache and San Carlos Indian reservations when visiting the Christmas Recreation Area. These people have taken great care of the land for hundreds of years. Help them out by doing your part. Please pick up your trash and dispose of it at home or another location. Help protect this area so that others can enjoy its immense beauty.
It is easy to get to Christmas Recreation Area from Winkelman. Follow Arizona 77 east out of town until you get to mile marker 144. Then go 0.6 miles, and you will see the site.
Address: Christmas Recreation Area, Winkelman, Arizona 85192
Ready to visit Christmas Recreation Area? 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.
