The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located along the shores of the Gila River in Arizona is the Shores Recreation Site, a public-use site that is maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This government agency oversees public lands across the country for recreational use, including Bureau of Land Management campgrounds where you can typically stay for up to 14 days at a time. At the Shores Recreation Site, visitors can float the Gila River, fish, picnic, or sightsee. Bird-watching is also popular at this site, and species such as the Mexican duck, Virginia rail, yellow-crowned night-heron, and Chihuahuan raven can be spotted in the area.
The Shores Recreation Site is located about 3.5 miles from the town of Winkelman, Arizona, and it is relatively close to three national parks in Arizona. Saguaro National Park in Pima County is known for its landscape of wild cacti, Petrified Forest National Park is known for being home to over 600 historic archeological sites, and Grand Canyon National Park is known for housing the famous Grand Canyon, a gorge carved over thousands of years by river flows.
The Arizona Trail itself extends for over 800 miles, and the Gila River Canyons passage is a common route explored along the longer trail. This section of the trail is popular with backpackers who don't mind an overnight stay in the hills, and it includes steep inclines for a challenge.
Length: 26.1 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Aravaipa Canyon Trail weaves along and through many scenic streams. It also requires a permit issued by the BLM to use.
Length: 9.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located outside of Tucson, the Painted Hills Trail Loop travels through a wooded area and includes great views of wild cacti.
Length: 3.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
A popular activity at the Shores Recreation Site is floating the Gila River with small watercraft, specifically between this recreation site and the neighboring Christmas Recreation Site. However, river floaters should be aware that floating to Winkelman from this site is not advised as there are multiple hazards in this section of the river, such as fences, tree branches, and blind river bends.
Fishing in the Gila River is permitted at the Shores Recreation Site, and common species include largemouth bass, sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and Gila trout. Anytime you plan on fishing in Arizona, be sure to obtain a valid state-issued fishing license before you head out.
When you want to enjoy a picnic near the Shores Recreation Site, consider stopping by Kearny Lake City Park in Kearny. Here, there are multiple picnic tables for the public to use for free, plus restrooms and access to a large lake. You may also have a picnic at the Shores Recreation Site if you bring your own folding chairs, blankets, or towels to use for your picnic.
At the Shores Recreation Site, you'll find a desert landscape and an area of hills covered in vegetation that is low to the ground, so you can have a non-obstructed view of the night sky. When you want to stargaze in this area, consider bringing a towel or blanket to lay on, and have a jacket on-hand as the nights in the area can get quite cold. You may also want to check the weather forecast beforehand because, though the area is known for being typically dry, pop-up rainstorms are not uncommon.
When you want to go RV camping near the Shores Recreation Site, you can check out Winkleman Flats Park and Campground, which has RV sites with full hookups. Another camping option in Winkleman is the Palo Verde RV Park, a campground with multiple five-star reviews and amenities like patio pads and on-site hiking trails.
When you're looking for BLM camping near me, look no further than the Shores Recreation Site. This site allows dispersed primitive camping year-round, and you may stay here for up to 14 days at a time for free. This Bureau of Land Management campground includes two toilets, and there are paved driveways, so most RVs can navigate the area easily.
Anytime you want to visit the Shores Recreation Site for BLM RV camping, be sure to pack rain gear in case any pop-up rainstorms occur. The Gila River here may flood, too, so be sure to take the proper precautions near the water.
If you plan on taking advantage of the Bureau of Land Management free camping option at Shores Recreation Site, be sure to pack everything you will need for a primitive stay because there are no water, electric, or sewer hookups here. Consider bringing things like water jugs, fire starters, and battery or gas-operated lanterns for your stay. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All visitors to the Shores Recreation Site are required to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles of the Bureau of Land Management. These principles are easy to follow, and they include tasks like picking up your trash and equipment before you leave, keeping your distance from the wildlife, and leaving anything you find in the natural environment where it belongs. By following these rules, you can help preserve the Shores Recreation Site for future visitors to enjoy.
To reach the Shores Recreation Site from Tucson, begin on AZ-77, and travel this highway for approximately 46 miles. From there, you will pass through Winkelman, and you will want to continue on the road until you reach milepost 141.4. There, you will see the entrance to the Shores Recreation Area on the right.
Ready to visit Shores Recreation Site? 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.
