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BLM Camping

Round Mountain Rockhound Area

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

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Round Mountain Rockhound Area

The Round Mountain Rockhound Area is a quiet location near Duncan, Arizona in the state's southeastern corner. The location offers spectacular views, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and the ability to collect gorgeous rocks, including fire agate. The area is also located near the Gila River, the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, and the Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness.

BLM locations are ideal for visitors who enjoy a peaceful, wild adventure away from cities and crowds. These public lands are set aside to educate and entertain visitors and to protect the wild plant and animal species that call them home. To find BLM sites that offer camping options, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Webb Peak Trail Loop

This trail crosses several streams and offers views of the scenery. The trail can be a bit overgrown in some areas, making it tricky to follow.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Heliograph Peak Trail

This trail in the Coronado National Forest provides stunning views and is an excellent option for viewing birds and other wildlife.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Noon Creek Trail

This trail offers a few uphill, challenging areas but provides incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Arcadia Trail

Located in the Coronado National Forest, this rugged trail is popular with hikers and backpackers.

Length: 9.4 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Grant Goudy Ridge Trail

This trail can be steep in some places, but it provides incredible views, and it's particularly lovely during the fall when the foliage is bright.

Length: 10.6 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

The nearby Gila River is ideal for fishing, and anglers can often catch catfish. The river is also popular for rafting or tubing in the late spring, summer, and early fall. There are also several areas for swimming.

Wildlife Viewing

Thanks to its quiet, remote location, the Round Mountain Rockhound Area is ideal for spotting wildlife, including javelina, mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, squirrels, and rabbits. The area is also home to bull, king, and rattlesnakes, as well as several types of lizards. The nearby Coronado National Forest and the Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness are also excellent for wildlife viewing and photography.

Picnicking

The Dry Canyon Picnic Area in the nearby Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area is a great spot to enjoy lunch and take in the scenery. The area is open year-round. Shaded picnic tables and restrooms are available.

Horseback Riding

Many of the trails near the Round Mountain Rockhound Area are ideal for horseback riding. Riding is also popular within the area itself. Always check each trail to gauge its suitability for horses before heading out.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The Riverview Campground offers fantastic BLM RV camping. The campground is located in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, and although it has limited amenities, it provides a peaceful location and easy access to wilderness areas. The Safford RV Resort is also a good option. This resort offers hookups, large RV sites, restrooms, showers, and a laundry area. Roper Lake State Park also offers a beautiful camping location in a wild area. The park is a good compromise between wilderness camping and comfortable amenities since many of the campgrounds throughout the park offer hookups, restrooms, and trash facilities.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in the Round Mountain Rockhound Area itself. Visitors can set up a dispersed camp nearly anywhere, but be aware that there are no amenities. Free camping is also available at the nearby Owl Creek Campground. The campground features seven sites, each with a grill and a picnic table. Restrooms are also available.

RV Rentals Near Round Mountain Rockhound Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Round Mountain Rockhound Area BLM trip

The Round Mountain Rockhound Area is very remote, so be cautious and plan ahead by telling someone where you're going and when you will be back. Pack plenty of water, food, and first aid supplies. Ensure that your gas tank is full. Use caution when driving because some of the roads are very rugged and may require all-terrain or four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Summers in the rockhound area can be extremely hot. Storms can also happen suddenly in the afternoons and evenings, so keep a close eye on the weather, and reschedule your adventure if inclement weather is in the forecast. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, loose clothing, and sunscreen as you enjoy the area.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

It's crucial that Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, trails, and other natural areas are protected using Leave No Trace and tread lightly principles. Try to only camp in areas that have little vegetation or that are already established, and stay on trails as much as possible. Do not take any plants home with you. If you see a wild animal, keep a safe distance, and try not to startle it. Fires are extremely dangerous in dry areas such as the Round Mountain Rockhound Area, so only start one when necessary. Check the fire danger rating, and stay up to date about any bans. Keep fires controlled in rings or pits, and ensure they're completely cool before leaving. Pack out all trash, and dispose of it properly.

Round Mountain Rockhound Area Location

From Safford, Arizona, take Highway 70 east for about 50 miles. Enter New Mexico, and continue to just beyond milepost 5. Turn right onto the dirt access road, and continue for about 12 miles, following the signs to the rockhound area.

Ready to visit Round Mountain Rockhound Area? 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.