The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Spring Canyon Picnic Area allows you to picnic and relax near the stunning Gila River. This developed picnicking area is within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (RNCA), which spans about 23,000 acres in southeastern Arizona. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency that administers hundreds of millions of acres of the country's land, is responsible for protecting and maintaining this picnic area. In addition to hiking and wildlife viewing, you also have access to fishing and rafting opportunities on the Gila River.
Saguaro National Park in Pima County is only 136 miles southwest while Petrified Forest National Park is 255 miles north. With a population of around 10,129, Safford is the largest city in the area. Pima and Thatcher are other local towns on the Gila River where you can shop and sightsee.
Venture to Roper Lake State Park for beautiful scenery and an amazing vantage point. This short trail is well-maintained and easy for kids and pets. It's also right next to a modern campground with a dog park, natural hot tub, and boat ramp.
Intensity: Easy
Length: 0.6 miles
Visitors are welcome to tackle this trail by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Certain sections contain a lot of brush while others are rocky and rough. The beginning of the trail is often used by off-roading vehicles.
Intensity: Moderate
Length: 6.6 miles
The 649-mile Gila River is home to 39 different fish species. The river is known to have three distinct forks, which can vary in depth and viable fishing conditions. Some of the most common catches include smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, sunfish, catfish, and brown trout. Whitewater rafting is popular in the river’s deeper areas in the summer and fall.
The Pinaleño Mountains have seven distinct peaks ranging from just over 7,000 feet to more than 10,700 feet. You can access this mountain range by traversing Arizona State Route 366. The Mount Graham International Observatory sits atop the highest peak in the area. It's important when climbing this sky island range to respect the natural environment and do your part to avoid disturbing the local flora and fauna.
Southeastern Arizona is home to Gila monsters, bullfrogs, foxes, black-footed ferrets, bighorn sheep, striped skunks, scaled quail, and cactus mice. You'll likely also spot a few reptiles like the Sonoran gopher snake or desert night snake. Common predators include bobcats, scorpions, coyotes, and mountain lions.
Feel free to grab a convenient table at the Spring Canyon Picnic Area. This spot is near the Dry Canyon Boat Take Out as well as the Riverview Campground. Other developed picnicking sites nearby include the Canyon Overlook Picnic Area and the Lee Trail Picnic Area. If you're not interested in organized picnicking, you're welcome to stop and eat near any of the local trails, boat launches, or fishing piers.
After you've spent your day floating in the river or hiking the trails, don't forget to sit back and enjoy the stars. This picnic area is about 17 miles from the nearest city, giving you stunning views of the stars and distant galaxies. Consider setting up your telescope on one of the canyons for a breathtaking look at planets you may have never seen before.
Stay at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for direct access to the best sites and experiences. Riverview Campground has 13 campsites and offers shade structures, picnic tables, bathrooms, grills, and potable water. Many wildlife enthusiasts camp here to see the local birds and mammals. The Owl Creek Campground has seven camping spots and is on the far eastern edge of the Gila Box RNCA. This campground also has grills, tables, and restrooms and is popular with climbers and hikers. Both of these BLM RV camping options charge campers a small fee.
For a more modern RV camping experience, consider staying at Safford RV Resort. This site provides full hookups, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. There's also a small pool and plenty of pet stations with waste bags. The nearby Roper Lake State Park has three campgrounds with a combined 45 campsites. Many of these spots can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet and come with water and electric hookups.
As you search for BLM camping near me, don't forget to consider the many Bureau of Land Management free camping options. You're permitted to camp both in the Gila Box RNCA and the adjacent public lands. Dispersed camping in the wilderness is allowed as long as you're not in a designated picnicking site or riparian area.
Venturing out into Arizona during the summer can be a sweltering experience. Bring plenty of sunscreen, water, bug repellant, and lightweight clothes. Once the sun sets, the temperature can become mild or even chilly. If you plan to camp in a tent, be sure to bring an inflatable mattress or pad that will keep you off the ground. Take some time ahead of your trip to learn how to identify hazardous snakes and other potentially dangerous fauna. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
It's the responsibility of every BLM camper to fully clean up any trash or waste before moving on. Try to camp in places that have already been used. It's always better to find a good camping spot rather than attempt to make one. Leave all historical artifacts where you find them. Strive to be as respectful as possible to local animals and fellow campers.
From Safford, head east on U.S. Highway 70 for five miles. Once you reach Solomon, turn left onto Sanchez Road. After driving for about eight miles and crossing the Gila River bridge, turn left onto the dirt road indicated by a Gila Box RNCA sign. The picnic area is about three miles down this road.
Address: 711 14th Avenue, Safford, AZ 85546
Ready to visit the Spring Canyon Picnic 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 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.
