Tent camping near Picacho, Arizona features several dispersed sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and established campgrounds in the Sonoran Desert where summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, placing campers among saguaro cacti and desert scrub vegetation. Winter months bring mild daytime temperatures with overnight lows that can drop below 40°F between November and February.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Peralta Regional Park Primitive Remote Campsites provides access to desert habitats where visitors can observe native wildlife. "Amazing stay! Came across a rattle snake when hiking. Very quiet and peaceful. Clean dark sky for star watching," reports camper Chevis L.
Water recreation: The Gila River offers swimming and riverside camping at Shores Recreation Area. "We came in and stayed at a spot towards the south/downstream where a high clearance would be wise. We also went upstream initially. Great spots on the river," notes Carolyn.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution at several dispersed camping areas creates ideal stargazing conditions. At Peralta Regional Park, one camper mentioned "Clean dark sky for star watching," while others note the peaceful nighttime environment at several BLM sites.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Shores Recreation Area offers waterfront sites along the Gila River. "Great river access," states Matt M. in his review. The riverside sites provide shade during hot months, with another camper noting "the sites do have tree cover for shade."
Group facilities: Showers Point Group Site accommodates larger camping parties with specialized amenities. According to Kevin S., "Shower Point group site is a wonderfully maintained camping area that can support up to three large groups at a time. The toilets were spotlessly maintained and running potable water was easily available."
Desert solitude: Many campers value the quiet environment at dispersed sites. One camper at Peralta noted, "Each campsite has plenty of space in between. Literally no complaints at all." The distance between sites enhances privacy for tent campers seeking isolation.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation and appropriate vehicles. At Pipeline Road BLM Camping, Greg L. advises: "Entrance to pipeline road is not marked and difficult to enter and exit safely, about .6 tens mile in from cattleguard on Avra Valley road. Sites are about 1/2 mile in till a big dip wash that restricts most TTs and RVs."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat significantly impacts the camping experience. Mark F. observed at Shores Recreation Area: "Quiet, very few campers. Prob fewer as it gets warmer. This will be a scorcher in the middle of summer."
Target shooting noise: Some BLM areas permit shooting on adjacent lands, affecting the noise level. Greg L. noted at Pipeline Road BLM Camping: "Cell is good but adjacent target shooting on State Land is a constant issue."
Tips for camping with families
Water quality awareness: When camping near the Gila River, be prepared for variable water conditions. Haley B. from Shores Recreation Area cautions: "Murky water and not a pleasant smell in the air made the water not enticing at all. If I wouldn't have seen people swimming in the water I would have never thought people actually swim in it."
Wildlife precautions: Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp and similar desert sites require vigilance for native wildlife. Campers report encounters with various desert creatures including toads that may be hazardous to pets. One camper warned: "Lots of toads at night, not for sure if they are the ones that are poisonous to dogs but good to keep in mind just in case."
Site selection for coverage: Choose sites with natural shade features when possible. At Shores Recreation Area, campers note the presence of "beautiful trees" and that "sites do have tree cover for shade," which becomes crucial during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp accommodates some smaller RVs despite being primarily for tent camping. Ian T. reports: "Several spots off a dirt road that parallels the main road here. Accessed relatively easily (slowly) in my 23 Ft Class C. Some road noise."
High clearance vehicles recommended: Many desert camping areas require appropriate vehicles. For sites like Pipeline Road BLM Camping, campers advise: "Dispersed BLM camping folks the main road in has a pretty good little drop-down I wouldn't take a big rig past the first area on the right."
Weather monitoring essential: Flash floods can impact desert roads and wash crossings. After rainfall events, approach dips and washes with caution. Campers note that many access roads become impassable when wet, particularly at Pipeline Road where there's "a big dip wash that restricts most TTs and RVs."
