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BLM Camping

San Pedro House

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

A BLM site refers to any site specifically operated and maintained by the Bureau of land Management and includes campgrounds, interpretive trails, caves, scenic drives and other sites not owned or managed by the National Park Service. The State of Arizona prohibits camping within a quarter-mile of a water body. Bureau of Land Management camping regulations require you to obtain a permit before dumping wastewater onto the ground and you are allowed to only kill wildlife in self-defense. All camping is restricted to developed campgrounds and you can have campfires only on a designated campsite.

San Pedro House is one of the oldest continuously occupied dwellings in Tucson and dates back to 1884. You can learn about the history of the house, its last owners and the architectural features of this place. Moreover, you can search for “BLM camping near me” while staying at this historic place. There are trails for you to explore with a guide or on your own. You can take a guided tour to learn about its construction and how it reflects the life of its original owners. San Pedro House also serves as a birding spot. Some national parks near San Pedro House are Chiricahua National Monument, Coronado National Memorial, Chiricahua Wilderness and Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Brown Canyon Trail

Whether a biker, a trail runner or a hiker, you will love the Brown Canyon trail located in Miller Peak Wilderness Area and considered a moderately challenging trail.

Length: 8.52 km

Intensity: Moderate

San Pedro River Trail

This trail is considered an easy route. It is rocky and great for hiking and wildlife viewing, and you also find wildflowers on your way.

Length: 12.9 km

Intensity: Easy

Miller Canyon Trail

It is found in Coronado National Forest and is suitable for day hiking. You will enjoy views of peaks and valleys.

Length: 11.4 km

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

You can check out Pato Blanco Lakes Adult RV Resort, a beautiful park with a lake. You will enjoy fishing here with your friends. A swimming pool is also available. There is also the Parker Canyon Lake Outfitters, where you can fish and experience boating. You can also enjoy swimming, hiking, biking and picnicking around the lake.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is a fun activity you can do at this place that brings out the best in you. San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is a home for various species of birds including the endangered Canada Goose. You can view them from a distance at several places like the trailhead along the San Pedro Mountain or limit yourself to big game viewing at various trailheads such as the ones in Parker Canyon Park. You can see animals like Mexican Free-tailed Bats, Jackrabbits, Coyotes, Black Bears and more. You might see American Kestrels here, usually coming in the morning to start hunting.

Picnicking

Your stay at San Pedro House will not be complete without eating some grub. This area has several picnic sites including Park Place Neighborhood Park and a wide range of picnicking and grilling opportunities. The park has lovely gardens and an exciting lake you can fish in. It will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is possible near this BLM site. Hatch RV Park is a beautiful park where you can enjoy your stay. While you are here, you can enjoy swimming, boating, hiking and picnicking. Near Concho Street is Blue Hole RV Park, another best place to visit in Tucson. You can swim in the lake, have fun fishing, or enjoy a picnic here. The lake is surrounded by fine scenery that is a joy to behold. You can consider staying at Puerto Del Sol RV Park. Form here can see high mountains and the scenery is just breathtaking. This park has dump stations, picnic tables, showers and more.

Free Camping

There are Bureau of Land Management free camping sites at the house including the foothills designated campground which comes with about twenty campsites suitable for tent pitching. You can also find the Montezuma campground, Miller Backcountry campsite and Ramsey Vista Campground.

RV Rentals Near San Pedro House Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your San Pedro House BLM trip

While camping in San Pedro House, it is important to abide by the bureau of land management campgrounds rules such as using biodegradable supplies for cleaning and cooking and remember to pack out all trash you have brought along with you, including toilet paper. You should also camp in areas that are not fragile or get damaged easily more than a quarter-mile away from water bodies. Where allowed, you can gather firewood away from the campsite or use dead wood that you find lying on the ground.

There are several things that you should not do while in the campgrounds such as building a fire in a place that is prohibited without having a valid permit. In order to enhance conservation efforts, it is important not to cut down any trees within the campground.

Consider carrying an Insect Repellent because the area is known for mosquito bites. You will also need warm clothes so you don't get cold while hiking or sleeping. Food and Water medicine are a necessity as the area has a wide variety of insects, snakes and related critters that can cause injury to your body. It is fun to carry your binoculars as you will need them to watch wildlife such as birds and the peaks and valleys while hiking.

Camping in Arizona can give you many benefits. You will create memorable experiences while hiking, biking, fishing and watching wildlife in this area. Sleeping under the stars is something entirely different from what you usually do in your life. You can learn about the area’s history by exploring San Pedro House and other historical areas near your campsite.

Leave No Trace

The importance of cleaning afterward when camping on a public BLM land includes following some basic tips. Dispose of waste properly in trash bins provided by the local land management agency. Pack out all recyclables such as aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles. If you want to recycle while camping, please bring boxes to pack recyclables safely. Do not bury your waste. To dispose of garbage or human waste, dig a hole 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from any water source or campsite. Protect the plants and animals by cleaning up your site. Have an appropriate means to start a fire if you wish to cook. Use a broom to remove leaves and grass from your campsite so animals do not have a place to hide and burn during the day.

San Pedro House Location

ADDRESS: Bureau of Land Management

Project Office 4070 S.

Avenida Saracino Hereford, AZ 85615

LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 33.736061, -118.292244

DIRECTIONS: From Tucson, travel east on I-10 for about 10 miles and exit at Gila Bend. Turn left onto AZ-83 and go about 20 miles to the town of Why. Once in Why, continue traveling east on AZ-83 for about 10 miles until you come to a T intersection with County Road 80. Turn right on 80 and follow this road for about 5 miles to the junction with FR 73. Turn right on 73 and follow it for over a mile to its end.

You should see San Pedro House on the right side of the road at the beginning of the campground.

Ready to visit San Pedro House? 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 will 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.

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