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BLM Camping

Gila River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Like many BLM sites, the Gila River offers excellent recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing, and camping. To find specific BLM sites and learn about their amenities, search for “BLM camping near me.” The river is located between Globe and Winkelman in Arizona, and it’s about 70 miles from Tucson and the nearby Saguaro National Park.

The BLM area of the Gila River spans about five miles and includes two recreation sites, called the Shores and Christmas sites. The river is an excellent way to spot native animal species, view cacti species that don’t grow anywhere except the Sonoran Desert, or simply take in the beauty of the landscape. The BLM site is also part of the Gila River riparian area.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Six Shooter Canyon Trail

Located in the nearby Tonto National Forest, this trail offers some steep inclines but also provides amazing views of the area.

Length: 13.2 miles

Intensity: Hard

Pinal Mountain Trail

This trail is generally quiet and offers a secluded hike through the beautiful desert landscape.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Haunted Canyon Trail

This gorgeous trail is well-marked and maintained and leads to Tonys Ranch.

Length: 11.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Arizona Trail: Passage 15

This lengthy trail in the Tortilla Mountains is excellent for hiking, mountain biking, and backpacking.

Length: 28.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Oracle Nature Trail Loop

Located in the nearby Oracle State Park, this trail is perfect for the entire family and is a great way to spot wildlife.

Length: 1.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Fishing enthusiasts can fish right from either of the recreation sites along the Gila River. Anglers can usually catch warm-water fish such as carp and channel catfish, and flathead catfish and largemouth bass are also common. The river is also popular for floating or rafting.

Climbing

There are several areas near Winkelman and the Gila River that offer excellent rock climbing opportunities. For example, The Homestead is a limestone canyon that offers over 250 single pitch routes in a range of difficulties.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is fantastic all along the Gila River, and visitors can also spot wildlife in the nearby Tonto National Forest, Saguaro National Park, and Oracle State Park. Bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, ground squirrels, quails, hawks, eagles, ravens, cactus wrens, mule deer, and even mountain lions can be seen. The area is also home to a range of reptiles including various lizard, snake, toad, and tortoise species.

Picnicking

The Shores and Christmas Recreation Sites, located in the Gila River BLM area, offer great picnicking options. Each site has tables and fire rings. There are also restrooms at each location.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is one of the most common activities in the area around the Gila River. Riders can use almost any trail they like in the area, as long as it’s suitable for horses. Newer horse enthusiasts can also take a guided trail ride.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available in several locations between Winkelman and Globe. The Winkelman Flats Park and Campground offers a natural, rugged camping experience and only charges a small fee. The Palo Verde RV Park, on the other hand, offers full hookups and extra-large RV spaces. The nearby Aravaipa RV Park also offers full hookups, and the park is well-known for its tidiness and friendly hosts.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at both the Shores and Christmas Recreation Sites along the river. Campers can set up a dispersed campsite in any of the designated spots. The amenities in the area are limited, but bathrooms are available.

RV Rentals Near Gila River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Gila River BLM trip

Viewing the wildlife of the Sonoran Desert is one of the top reasons to visit, but some of the wildlife, including rattlesnakes, can pose a bit of a threat. Always stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on the ground as you hike. If you hear a rattle, steer clear, and if you see a snake, never attempt to touch or move it. Stay several feet away until the snake leaves the area. It’s also a good idea to avoid touching any of the area’s cacti if possible, as the spines can be painful and may even cause an allergic reaction.

The Gila River offers easy access to many of the desert’s best recreation opportunities, but the desert landscape can also pose risks such as exposure, dehydration, and heatstroke. Temperatures in the late spring, summer, and early fall can exceed 100 degrees. Nights, on the other hand, can be very cold, even after a hot day. Always bring plenty of water and prepare to screen yourself from the sun by wearing layers, a hat, or sunglasses and utilizing sunscreen. Many visitors prefer to explore the area during the winter months when temperatures are more tolerable. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and day-use sites can be protected by practicing Leave No Trace policies such as cleaning up all of your trash before leaving an area. It’s also important to be courteous to fellow travelers, keeping noise and disturbance to a minimum so that everyone can enjoy the area peacefully. Stay on trails as much as possible, and try not to damage or disturb the surrounding landscape. Be especially careful with campfires as fire is a huge risk in the dry desert environment. Ensure that all campfires are built in enclosed areas, such as pits or rings, and that they stay controlled.

Gila River Location

From Winkelman, head east on SR77 to milepost 141.4 or milepost 144.6. The Shores Recreation Site entrance road begins at milepost 141.4, and the Christmas Recreation Site is located at milepost 144.6, both of which lead to the Gila River.

Ready to visit Gila River? 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.