Campground Overview:
Shores Recreation Site is located along the Gila River upstream from the town of Winkelman, Arizona. The Shores recreation site is minimally developed to provide access to the river for river-related recreation opportunities.
Primitive dispersed camping is available. Facilities include parking, fire pits, and vault toilets. The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Access across private land requires the land owner’s permission. Please respect private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department before driving across state lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for hunting or fishing.
The Gila River recreation area is located along the Gila River and SR 77 north of Winkelman in Gila County, AZ, approximately 70 miles north of Tucson and 100 miles southeast of Phoenix. From Winkelman, take SR77 east to milepost 144.6 to the Christmas Recreation Site.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Tucson |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Shores Recreation Site- Gila River |
Campground Map: |
N/A |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Needle’s Eye Wilderness encompasses over 8,760 acres in Southern Arizona and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Needle’s Eye Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Needle’s Eye Wilderness visitors can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities. How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains).
The Mescal Mountains cut across the middle of this Wilderness, their southwestern flank forming a spectacular striped slope of Paleozoic limestone that looms more than 2,500 feet high. The Gila River flows through this country and forms the Wilderness’s southern border. The river threads through a marvelous section of steep-walled canyon so narrow it’s earned the name Needle’s Eye. Several small slickrock side canyons wind down to the Gila, bisecting the area. The narrow river channel lies tangled in dense riparian growth, often making travel difficult. The San Carlos Apache Nation lies north and south, rugged roadless BLM lands lie to the west and small parcels of private land dot the boundary of this Wilderness, eliminating open public access; you must obtain permission to enter here. If you enjoy hardy adventures, you’ll discover a great deal of solitude in Needle’s Eye.
Before highways and railways, before pioneers…..the land we know as the United States was truly a vast wilderness. To protect these last remaining areas, Congress created the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Aravaipa’s outstanding scenery, desert fish and wildlife, rich history, and opportunities for primitive recreation will remain free from the influence of man and are protected in this condition for future generations. Its 19,410 acres beckon adventurers who yearn for solitude and scenic splendor.
With towering cliffs, flowing water and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness remains as one of Arizona’s truly unique areas. Its 19,410 acres of designated Wilderness beckons adventurers who yearn for solitude and scenic splendor. Located in southeast Arizona, roughly between Tucson and Phoenix, the Wilderness and surrounding public and private land conserve a vital ecosystem for future generations.
Expect the wild! There are no designated trails, campsites, signs, or facilities within the wilderness boundaries. The land is rugged and hikers should be in good condition to pass through dense riparian vegetation (a sign of a healthy ecosystem). All visitors should wear sturdy footwear suitable for hiking in sand, gravel, and cobble with potential for numerous stream crossings in knee-deep water.
Pictures courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona -Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.
There are multiple side canyons, caves, outcrops, chimneys, and “windows” to explore along your way. Strong or destination hikers can traverse from end to end in 8 to 10 hours, while nature watchers, photographers and those wanting to explore side canyons may take one or two nights.
Aravaipa Creek flows year-round, an unusual phenomenon in the Arizona desert. Nurtured by this abundant water, large sycamore, ash, cottonwood, and willow trees flourish along the stream, flanked by other riparian vegetation. In the fall, a kaleidoscope of brilliant red and golden leaves contrasts dramatically with the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape.
Things you should know before starting your hike:
- A permit is required for recreational use of the canyon. All permits are secured through Recreation.gov.
- Pets are not allowed in the wilderness.
- Access to each wilderness boundary is courtesy of The Nature Conservancy. Please respect their private property.
- The maximum length of stay is 3 days (2 nights).
- Your party size cannot exceed 10 people.
- Equestrians can have only 5 stock animals per party and stock cannot remain overnight in the canyon bottom.
- Hunters need a permit. The flood plain of Aravaipa Creek and the first 50 vertical feet above the streambed are closed to shooting but are open to bow and arrow hunting in season.
- Use of public land for business or financial gain requires a special permit.
- Wilderness is closed to motor vehicles, mechanical transport, and motorized equipment.
- Hikers from the east end trailhead should be aware of the parking situation. The wilderness boundary is located 1.5 miles west of the Information Kiosk and restroom (new trailhead). It is recommended that visitors park there and hike through The Nature Conservancy property the remaining distance due to road conditions and possible flooding. Open space at the junction of Turkey Creek and Aravaipa Creek provide additional parking options depending on flood danger