The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
A BLM site is federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management for outdoor recreation. Besides setting aside land for recreational activities, the Bureau of Land Management also manages land for energy generation and livestock rearing. The bureau is an agency of the US Department of the Interior, and its mission is to preserve federal lands for present and future use. Many Arizona residents perceive BLM camping as an important activity that helps improve physical, mental and social well-being. Search for "BLM camping near me" to find a campground near your residence.
Needle's Eye Wilderness is one of the BLM campgrounds in Arizona. This site was established in 1990 and sprawls over 8,760 acres in Gila County. The name "Needle's Eye" comes from the deep, narrow canyons in this site, which are the most common features in this wilderness alongside the Mescal Mountains. It is a fantastic destination for a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and backcountry camping. Popular attractions near Needle's Eye Wilderness include Petrified Forest National Park, Gila National Forest, and White Canyon Wilderness.
Mescal Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail with an elevation of 521 feet. Although this popular hiking and biking trail is quite challenging, it compensates with panoramic views of the wilderness and surrounding mountain ranges.
Length: 6 Miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Gila River, which flows through Needle's Eye Wilderness, is an incredible fishing spot. Common fish anglers catch on this river include catfish, trout, and smallmouth bass. Although there are no lifeguards, swimming is possible on the river. Guests can also enjoy a memorable boating experience.
Needle's Eye Wilderness only has a few rock formations where climbing enthusiasts can have fun.
Needle's Eye Wilderness is home to many animals and birds. Wildlife varieties include bighorn sheep, elk, black bears, and deer. Carry binoculars and find your way to various birdwatch spots to see more than 200 bird species that live in or fly over this BLM site. Popular birds you will encounter are wild turkeys and eagles.
Picnicking is possible at Needle's Eye Wilderness. Various picnicking areas are available in the wilderness with picnic tables and fire rings. Guests can also set up picnic sites in the backcountry.
This BLM free camping site is a fantastic destination for winter sports. Guests can engage in snowball fights and downhill skiing. Rental winter sports tools and equipment are available in ski resorts around the wilderness.
This site has deep and long canyons worth canyoneering. You can climb various parts of the canyons to explore them.
Although there are no designated campgrounds in Needle's Eye Wilderness, there is BLM RV camping nearby. The Christmas Recreation Site in Winkelman is a free campground that is open throughout the year and can accommodate longer RVs measuring up to 25 feet in length. This campground has picnic tables, fire pits, and vault restrooms. The Pioneer Pass Campground provides camping services a few miles north of Needle's Eye Wilderness. Alongside having 27 sites and a few vault toilets, this campground also boasts incredible hiking and biking trails.
Free camping is available at Needle's Eye Wilderness. However, camping in the backcountry is limited to tents. The camps should be on hard grounds and away from water sources and trails. The maximum length of free camping in Needle's Eye Wilderness is 14 days.
Given its location in the wilderness, Needle's Eye Wilderness experiences harsh weather conditions throughout the eye. Summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit and winter degrees can drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, plan your tour to this wilderness, knowing that cellular service is unreliable.
Guests should pack enough clothing and footwear when coming to this wilderness. Also, carry enough sun creams and insect repellents to protect yourself against the scorching sun and mosquitoes. Carry enough food and water to sustain you while in the wilderness. It would also be nice to carry cookware for preparing food. The nearest town to buy supplies is Globe City.
Unlike going to privately owned destinations, Bureau of Land Management camping is quite affordable. That is because individual BLM sites charge little to no fees. Going to a BLM campground takes you away from urban areas to quiet and pristine places that can give you peace of mind and help you relieve stress. BLM camping allows you to see nature's beauty. It also enables you to interact and create bonds with other people. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leaving no trace is vital to conserving BLM sites for current and future generations. BLM instructs guests to clean up after themselves by collecting and disposing of garbage. Pet and human waste must be buried more than 200 feet away from water bodies and trails. Visitors are asked to avoid interfering with wildlife. Motorized and mechanical transport equipment are prohibited from this BLM camping site.
Locating Needle's Eye Wilderness from Globe City is simple. Drive northeast of W Cotton St. towards S Broad St. for 2.6 miles, then enter US-70E. Drive on the highway for 3.6 miles, then turn onto US-77S. Drive for 11.5 miles, then turn left. Continue onto Tulapai Creek, which is 18.8 miles away. When you reach Tulapai, continue driving south to Needle's Eye Wilderness.
Address: 3210 East Universal Way, Tucson, AZ 85756
Ready to visit Needle's Eye Wilderness? 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.
