The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM sites are an amazing way to explore an area that has been left in its wild state. Some of these sites, which are swathes of unincorporated public lands, are specifically designed for day use, while others offer camping options. To find BLM sites with camping available, search "BLM camping near me."
The Flying W Group Day Use Area is located in the Riverview Campground outside of Safford, Arizona, not too far from the Gila River. The area has six picnic tables, and visitors can reserve the area for exclusive use. Fees for reserving the area depend on how many people will utilize the space. If the picnic area hasn't been reserved, it can be used on a first-come, first-served basis. The area also provides beautiful views and easy access to nearby hiking and mountain biking trails.
This trail offers gorgeous views, but the road to the trailhead can be a bit rough.
Length: 3.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located in the nearby Coronado National Forest, this gorgeous trail offers spectacular views and is a great way to spot wildlife.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail, located in the Mount Graham Wilderness, is a good challenge for experienced hikers, and it offers amazing views of the scenery.
Length: 10.6 miles
Intensity: Hard
Located in nearby Dankworth Pond State Park, this beautiful trail offers great photography opportunities and provides lovely views.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Another trail in the Coronado National Forest, this path lets visitors explore the area's desert landscape, and it provides many wildlife viewing opportunities.
Length: 9.4 miles
Intensity: Hard
People visiting the area around the Flying W Day Use Area and Safford often fish and swim at the Gila River. The river is also very popular for floating or rafting.
Many animal species can be viewed from the Flying W Day Use Area, but nearby Roper Lake State Park, Coronado National Forest, Dankworth Pond State Park, and the Mount Graham Wilderness are also excellent places to spot wildlife. Visitors can usually see rabbits, hawks, eagles, ground squirrels, quail, coyotes, lizards, rattlesnakes, tortoises, and, if they're lucky, bobcats and mountain lions.
The best place for a picnic in the area is the Flying W Day Use Area itself. There are six covered picnic tables, grills, trash cans, drinking water, and restrooms. The area also offers horseshoe pits and access to the Cottonwood Trailhead. Reservations for the area can be made by calling the Safford Field Office.
Horseback riding is popular throughout the area around Safford and the Flying W Day Use Area. Horseback riders can utilize almost any of the area's hiking or mountain biking trails, as long as they are horse-friendly.
There are many fantastic regular and BLM RV camping opportunities in the area around Safford and the Flying W Day Use Area. The Safford RV Resort offers a laundry area, showers, and a pool, and the RV spaces are large and accommodating. Cunningham Campground near Mount Graham offers a slightly more rugged camping experience, but several smaller RV sites are available. The campground also offers picnic tables and restrooms. Shannon Campground also has 11 campsites, and it provides easy access to many hiking trails, including the popular Arcadia Trail. The campsite also offers picnic tables and grills.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Riverview Campground. The campground offers easy access to many hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and rafting opportunities, and wonderful sightseeing. However, there are few amenities at the campground, so make sure to pack everything you think you might need.
The Flying W Day Use Area is located in the desert, and the area around it is home to many reptiles, including rattlesnakes. Always stay alert and keep an eye on the ground. If you see a snake, leave it alone and do not try to move it. Observe it from a distance instead. Observing all wildlife from a distance helps to protect both you and the animals.
The weather in the area around Safford and the Flying W Day Use Area can be incredibly hot and dry during the summer. If you're planning to visit the area during this season, protect yourself from the sun by wearing loose, layered clothing, hats, and sunglasses or opting for sunscreen. Despite the warm weather during the day, temperatures can drop swiftly at night. You may want to pack extra layers for camping, especially if you're visiting the area during the spring, fall, or winter months. During these seasons, nighttime temperatures can reach below freezing. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace practices, such as packing out all of your trash, can help to protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and wilderness areas. It's also important to be courteous to your fellow adventurers and to respect the local plants and wildlife. Because the area around the Flying W Day Use Area is so dry, starting a fire can be risky. Always check the fire danger rating beforehand, and only build campfires in controlled areas, such as a pit or fire ring.
From Safford, head east on US Highway 70 for about 5 miles. Turn left onto Sanchez Road and continue north for 8 miles. You'll cross the bridge at the Gila River before turning left onto a dirt road, following the signs for the Gila Box RNCA. Continue for another 3.8 miles and turn right at the fork. Drive another 0.6 miles before turning right at the next fork. Turn right again at the next fork, following the signs for the Riverview Campground. The picnic area is beyond the campground.
Ready to visit Flying W Day Use 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 of 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.
