The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
For anyone who's adventurous or an outdoor enthusiast, it's worth giving Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping a try. The BLM is a federal government agency that administers many wonderful natural areas all over the United States, many of which contain peaceful campgrounds and other unique attractions. One of these sites is the Owl Creek Campground, which is located in eastern Arizona. The well-maintained camping area is located near both the Apache-Sitgreaves and Gila National Forests, which offer a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. If you're interested in visiting one of the BLM's many unique sites, you can search online for "BLM camping near me." You can also check the BLM website to find the most popular and interesting sites in your region.
The Woods Canyon Lake Trail is a loop trail located within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The route navigates a lush area near a lake and features plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy. The trail is kid-friendly, and hikers of all ability levels should be able to traverse it without issue. You can bring your dogs along as well, but they'll have to be leashed throughout the entire hike.
Length: 3.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Another lovely route within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is the Timber Mesa Trail, which is a long loop trail perfect for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. The area is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and offers great opportunities to spot deer and other local wildlife. The ideal times to visit the Timber Mesa Trail are between April and September.
Length: 7.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Dragonfly Trail is located in New Mexico's Gila National Forest. The scenic loop trail is not only great for hiking but also for mountain biking and bird watching as well. Roughly halfway through the route, you can check out ancient petroglyphs on some of the nearby rocks. There's very little shade in the area, so you'll want to bring along plenty of drinking water and any needed sun protection.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Owl Creek Campground is located right beside the majestic Gila River, which is an excellent destination for catching trout. The river is also a great destination for a day of kayaking, canoeing, or floating. Another great nearby boating spot is Big Lake, which is located about 30 miles northwest of the Owl Creek Campground and features several boat ramps. If you're looking for other quality spots for fishing and paddling, the San Francisco River is also located very close to the campground and is a great spot for water-based recreation.
There aren't many established climbing areas near the Owl Creek Campground, but adventurous climbers will have several opportunities in the region. One of the best nearby options is the Gila Wilderness Area, which boasts several great spots for canyoneering and bouldering. The area is quite remote, so it's especially important to practice proper safety procedures and use any necessary safety equipment.
If you head to the nearby Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest for some hiking or camping, you'll have an excellent chance of spotting some cool wildlife. Many big game animals are known to inhabit the large forest, including bighorn sheep, elk, antelope, and deer. There are also many types of reptiles and amphibians as well as numerous songbirds and waterfowl. Some of the rarer creatures you might spot in the area are mountain lions, black bears, and Mexican gray wolves.
You'll find the Owl Creek Campground to be a superb spot to enjoy a relaxing picnic. The campground features picnic tables, grills, restroom facilities, and even shade ramadas to help you stay out of the direct sunlight. The campground will provide everything you need for a great picnic other than the food itself, which you can cook up on the grill for an extra-delicious lunch.
You're more than welcome to enjoy BLM RV camping at the Owl Creek Campground. The campground has seven campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis for a nominal fee. There are no RV hookups available at the site, nor are there any other modern Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area. If you're looking for more modern RV camping accommodations, your best bet will be to travel to the Morenci, AZ area. There, you could stay at the Valley View RV Park or the North Clifton RV Park.
Although the majority of the nearby campgrounds require a small fee, you're welcome to partake in Bureau of Land Management free camping in the area around the Owl Creek Campground. The BLM site is located in a very remote part of Arizona, so if you don't mind roughing it a bit and providing for yourself, you should have many quiet spots to choose from for your dispersed campsite.
When you're planning your trip to the Owl Creek Campground, you'll want to make sure you bring plenty of food, drinking water, and supplies. Drinking water is especially important if you visit during the summer months; this part of Arizona can see temperatures reaching triple digits. There aren't any significant towns located within 10 miles of the BLM site, so it will be inconvenient to make a trip to the store. You would also be wise to bring first-aid supplies and anything else that you may need if you were to be stranded in the wilderness. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM needs the help of visitors like you to keep the Owl Creek Campground clean and healthy. During your visit, please be sure to properly dispose of any garbage you produce, even if that means taking it with you when you leave the area.
To reach the Owl Creek Campground from Morenci, follow US-191 S for 7.3 miles, then take a right onto the Black Hills Back Country Byway. Follow the byway for 3.6 miles, and the BLM campground will be on your left.
Ready to visit Owl Creek 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.
