The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness is a Bureau of Land Management camping land on the southeastern side of Arizona. The mountains were pushed by violent volcanic upheavals that created a veritable maze of canyons that extend in every direction. You will notice that most of the canyons are lined with scenic cliffs. Some have Arizona white oak groves along the drainage bottoms. The area is approximately 19,000 acres extending into three counties, including parts of the craggy Peloncillo Mountains Range peaks.
The Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness is located southwest of the Gila National Forest and north of the Chiricahua National Monument. You may need to park all vehicles, including RVs, away from this wilderness. All motorized equipment, including motorboats, hang gliders or bicycles, are prohibited from entering this region.
It is a popular route in the Coronado National Forest going through Mt. Lemon. You will experience nature's beauty through butterflies, wildflowers, and other plants and animals.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
It is a short but challenging and exciting trail through the desert and the canyon. As you hike, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery with a view of the surrounding mountains and Tucson.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
If you want to fish, you may need to get to the Coronado National Forest. Here, you have options like the Pena Blanca Lake, Rose Canyon Lake, Parker Canyon Lake, and Arivaca Lake. These are home to crappie, trout, bass, bluegill, and catfish. There are also rivers and creeks where you can catch crappie, trout, and bass.
The vast wilderness area has many options for trails, lakes, rivers, and creeks, which are home to wildlife. You can watch the big-horned sheep, peregrine falcons, and deer in their natural habitat.
Hunting is allowed in this area, but you need a permit. However, the minimal ground coverage could make it difficult for you to hunt deer or bighorn sheep.
The Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness has many gems available for experienced or novice rockhounds. If you make it to the Round Mountain Rockhound Area, there will be more geodes, chalcedony, and fire agates.
You can find BLM RV camping around Round Mountain Rockhound Area. You may also check other options like Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, which is among the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near Safford, Arizona. It charges $3 for every motor vehicle entering the area. The annual charge for a permit is $30. You will not find utility hookups. The only amenities are a block of vault toilets and hot spring tubs.
Rose Canyon Campground is 17 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona, and its parking charges are $10 for a day pass and $60 for an annual pass. Available amenities include drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits with grills. Also, there is enough space to park RVs up to 22 feet long. Chiricahua National Monument is 120 miles to the east of Tucson. It has no entry fees, but you must pay $20 for a night's stay. If you take a group site, there is a $3 fee per person each night. The maximum allowed RV length is 29 feet, and available amenities include food lockers, grills, and picnic tables. There are no utility hookups.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible in some areas around the Coronado National Forest. These are first-come, first-served, so you may need to get there early enough. Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping is about 14 miles from Chiricahua National Monument. It has no entry or overnight fees. It is ideal for RV and tent camping whether as an individual or as a group. There are no water, tables, or restrooms. You might only find a few sites with fire rings. You can check the BLM camping near me map and guide for more information about BLM RV camping on public land.
Before leaving for your trip, ensure that you pack a small flashlight, hiking clothes—athletic shorts and shirts are great as they are light and dry quickly—several pairs of hiking socks, toiletries, canned food and snacks, clean undergarments, and some insect repellent. Bring a Ziploc bag that you can use to carry food, water, and other supplies when you go for a hike. If you suspect that it will rain, pack a waterproof rain jacket. Also, pack a sleeping bag for outdoor use in areas where motor vehicles are prohibited. Check out our blog if you want to learn more about BLM camping.
If you are camping on public land, you must collect and pack trash during camping and before leaving. Also, it is expected that you avoid camping too close to water sources like creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes. The closest you should camp to a water source is approximately 200 feet.
You can reach the Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness via San Simson or Duncan. San Simson is a two-hour drive west of Tucson using the I-10. When you get there, you can drive to the wilderness boundary that is along the N. Indian Spring Road. Duncan is on the AZ 70 where you can drive to the south to a turn-off for the A 021. It should lead you straight to the wilderness.
Ready to visit Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness Location? 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.
