The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Turkey Creek is near a graded county road that allows you to access parts of the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Visitors often enjoy camping, auto touring, hiking, and viewing wildlife. The best way to travel this path is with an off-road vehicle that can tackle the creek crossings and potential seasonal conditions. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal organization that manages more than 12 million acres in Arizona, maintains this site for future generations.
Saguaro National Park is only about three hours south near Tucson while Petrified Forest National Park is 258 miles north. The communities of Mammoth and Dudleyville are to the west. Both of them are situated on the banks of the lively San Pedro River. The largest city in the area is Tucson, which is about 78 miles away.
While this trail is open all year long, it's most popular in the fall due to its beautiful foliage. Prepare to spend most of your afternoon bushwhacking or wading through the refreshing creek.
Intensity: Moderate
Length: 9.6 miles
You're sure to love the gorgeous views and technical challenges of this trail. The first few miles start easy until the path narrows and drops into the canyon. You'll find many backpacking trails leading off the main path.
Intensity: Moderate
Length: 20.5 miles
San Carlos Lake, to the north of Turkey Creek, is one of the largest lakes in the state. It has a constant supply of sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie. Boating, camping, water skiing, and jet skiing are popular here. Visitors must contact the San Carlos Apache tribe for public access. More fishing opportunities can be found on Aravaipa Creek and San Pedro River.
While you can do some basic climbing in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, you'll find the best cliffs and ridges in the Superstition Mountains to the north. This range is popular with Phoenix natives and has a maximum elevation of 6,266 feet. Weavers Needle, a peak that towers 1,000 feet into the sky, is often climbed as a four-pitch route. Experienced climbers may also rappel from the established anchors or free solo.
Arizona is home to many diverse ecosystems full of thriving wildlife of every size. Keep an eye out for Gila monsters, cactus mice, striped skunks, bighorn sheep, black-footed ferrets, and mule deer. This state also has more than 10 different species of rattlesnakes. While large mammals like cougars and coyotes can be fearsome, it's also important to watch the ground for any dangerous invertebrates like bark scorpions.
Apart from formal campgrounds, you won't find many established picnicking areas near Turkey Creek or the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Feel free to picnic as you hike, climb, and explore the beautiful natural landscape. Consider planning your meals when you first park or near trailheads. No matter where you stop and rest, be sure to fully remove any lingering debris and pack out your trash.
The weather in Arizona can be uncomfortably warm, requiring you to take breaks more often than you'd like. Rather than miss out on vital sights and experiences, bring your off-roading vehicle along. ATVs are a convenient way to traverse rivers, trails, and wilderness without exhausting yourself. They can also cart more vital supplies like water and food that would otherwise weigh down your backpack.
Nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds include Fourmile Canyon Campground and the Shores Recreation Site. Fourmile Canyon Campground is a developed site that has about 19 spots with picnic tables, fire rings, and bathrooms. This campground seasonally offers potable water and charges $5 a night. The Shores Recreation Site sits on the Gila River, where you can fish and float. There are two toilets and several unimproved campsites here.
Consider staying at Palo Verde RV Park if you're interested in a more modern RV camping experience. They offer full hookups and access to a variety of hiking and ATV trails. The campground is only a short distance away from a prominent casino. Wishing Well RV Park is 57 miles south on the outskirts of Tucson. This facility offers shaded campsites that can accommodate rigs up to 45 feet. They have full hookups, a public dump station, and offer storage options.
Don't forget to consider dispersed BLM RV camping options as you search for "BLM camping near me." Dispersed or primitive camping is any camping outside of an established campground. This is the best way to take advantage of local Bureau of Land Management free camping spots. You're welcome to camp out in the wilderness or near the banks of a creek. There are a few Turkey Creek campsites not far from the Aravaipa Trail East. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on all BLM lands in Arizona unless otherwise designated.
Stay as comfortable as possible during your trip by layering your clothing. As the temperature warms up, remove layers as necessary until you're optimally protected. Be sure to pack extra water, sunscreen, and bug repellant if you plan to be near any water sources. Make sure your socks or shoes fully cover your ankles to provide extra protection against snake bites. Every night, search your skin for any ticks or pests. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Dispersed campers should always strive to find good camping spots rather than make them. Keep all of your campfires small and contained. The cleaning solutions you use for your dishes and clothes should be eco-friendly. If you plan to bring your pets along, keep them away from local wildlife and environmentally sensitive areas.
From Safford, head northwest on Highway 70 for 15 miles. You'll then turn west onto Aravaipa-Klondyke Road and drive for another 45 miles past Klondyke. After you reach the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness boundary, keep following the road left until you reach Turkey Creek.
Ready to visit Turkey Creek? 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.
