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BLM Camping

Margie’s Cove West Campground

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

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Margie’s Cove West Campground

Margie’s Cove West Campground is located south of Phoenix, Arizona in the Sonoran Desert and is part of the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The campground is small, quiet, and secluded, making it a fantastic spot for a private camping experience. The area around the campground leads to several trails, and the desert views from the trails and campground are spectacular. Margie’s Cove West Campground is also only about two hours from Saguaro National Park.

BLM sites were originally created to bring people closer to nature and allow them to explore untouched areas of wilderness. These sites, which are located on public lands and management by the federal government, offer unique options for recreational activities, including RV camping. To find BLM sites with RV camping availability, search for “BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Butterfield Pass

This beautiful, scenic trail is ideal for hiking or horseback riding, and it offers excellent views of the area’s native plants.

Length: 14 miles

Intensity: Easy

Quartz Peak Trail

Located in the nearby Sierra Estrella Wilderness, this trail provides some steep uphill climbs for hikers who are looking for a challenge.

Length: 5.6 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Montezuma Peak Trail

This trail climbs upward until it ends at Don Joaquin’s Lost Spanish Mine.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Pyramid Trail

Located in the South Mountain Preserve, this trail offers spectacular views of the landscape, and it is a good option for a sunset hike.

Length: 6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Bursera Loop Trail

This trail is pet-friendly and is an excellent option for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or trail running.

Length: 3.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Fishing enthusiasts can head to the nearby Gila River, located near Gila Bend and not far from the Margie’s Cove West Campground. The river is perfect for swimming or rafting, and anglers can catch catfish, Gila trout, sunfish, and largemouth bass.

Climbing

The area around the Margie’s Cove West Campground offers some of the best rock climbing opportunities in all of Arizona. The South Mountain area comprises more than 450 routes, including areas along the Pima Canyon, the South Mountain Tower, and the Mormon Boulders. The routes vary in difficulty and include bouldering, traditional, sport, top-rope, and aid climbing.

Wildlife Viewing

The South Mountain Preserve, Sierra Estrella Wilderness, and Sonoran Desert National Monument offer spectacular opportunities to view wildlife. Visitors can often spot cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, king snakes, skinks, horned lizards, owls, hawks, quail, coyotes, mule deer, javelina, and bobcats.

Picnicking

Picnic areas, fire rings, and grills are available at the Margie’s Cove Trailhead and the Table Top Trailhead, which is also located in the Sonoran Desert National Monument.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is one of the most popular recreation activities throughout the area around the Margie’s Cove West Campground. Nearby trails, including the Margie’s Cove Trail, are excellent choices for equestrians. If you don’t have a horse, you can often find stables offering horses for trail rides.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Visitors can enjoy standard or BLM RV camping in numerous locations near the Margie’s Cove West Campground. The Gila Bend FamCamp Campground is inexpensive and offers an on-site laundry area although there are no bathrooms or showers. The Sonoran Desert RV Park offers large spaces with full hookups. There is a large, clean shower and restroom building, and a laundry area is available. Pets are also welcome at the park.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available right at the Margie’s Cove West Campground. There are three campsites. Each site has a steel fire ring and a picnic table. Vault toilets are also available. There are no other amenities, so bring everything else you might need, including food and water.

RV Rentals Near Margie’s Cove West Campground Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Margie’s Cove West Campground BLM trip

The weather around the Margie’s Cove West Campground can be unpredictable, so check the weather forecast before you head out, and plan accordingly. During the summer, temperatures can easily exceed 100 degrees, and hikers and campers can quickly become dehydrated without realizing it. Always carry more water than you think you’ll need. Hydrate frequently, and attempt to stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day. Enjoying the campground during the cooler winter, late fall, and early summer months is often a better option. Remember, however, that desert nights can be very cold, and the area can see frosts and below-freezing temperatures.

The trails around the Margie’s Cove West Campground, including the Margie’s Cove Trail, can be tricky to navigate, so they’re best for experienced hikers. Always carry a compass, map, or GPS to help you stay on track. No mountain biking is allowed in the area, as the trails are on federally designated wilderness lands.

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 like Margie’s Cove West require care to remain in their beautiful, untouched condition. This is particularly true in the desert, where fire can be a very real threat. Only ever build controlled fires, and only start them in designated rings or pits. Check for fire bans, and start no fires if the fire danger rating is high. Keep your camping area clean by disposing of trash or packing it out with you. Do not disturb any plants or wild animals.

Margie’s Cove West Campground Location

From Phoenix, take Arizona Hwy 85 to Woods Road, which is located just south of milepost 134. Turn east onto Woods Road. At the cattle guard, take a quick left and follow the signs for Margie’s Cove Trail. Continue along the Hwy 85 fence line; then travel east for another 3.8 miles. Turn right on Route 8001E. Turn right again and continue south for 1.2 miles until you reach the campground.

Ready to visit Margie’s Cove West Campground? 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.