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Established Camping

Shores Recreation Area

Shores Recreation Area near Winkelman, AZ, offers a camping experience surrounded by desert terrain and rugged landscapes. Temperatures can range from 40°F in winter to 100°F in summer, providing varied conditions for campers. Nearby attractions include the Gila River and the scenic views of the Pinal Mountains, offering opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

The 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. River flows during the spring and summer are suitable for river floating activities through outstanding canyon scenery with diverse desert wildlife habitat. Generally, stream flows over 300 cubic feet per second provide small craft floating opportunities, including inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubing. Floating hazards include a fence across the river upstream from the Shores site with an opening for small floating crafts to pass. A permit is not required for private, non-commercial use of the sites. Use of the sites in connection with commercial recreational use requires a BLM Special Recreation Permit. Target shooting is not allowed in developed sites. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not necessary to access the site or to maneuver into driveways and parking turnouts at the recreation site. However, due to the narrow passages, motor homes and trailer RVs are not suitable in the area. The restrooms are wheelchair accessible; however, access to other recreation opportunities is limited because of uneven ground surfaces, loose soils, steep slopes, and dense vegetation. Primitive camp sites are available at the site. Facilities include parking, fire pits, and vault toilets. The camp site is not suitable for motor homes bigger than a small pickup camper. Lodging is available at hotels and campgrounds in the nearby communities of Winkelman, Kearny, Superior, Mammoth, and Globe. Winkelman has a river park with camping, water, toilets and other facilities available for public use. Restaurants, grocery, fuel and convenience stores are available in the Towns of Winkelman and Mammoth. The nearest medical facilities are in Globe at the Cobre Valley Community Hospital, and in Oro Valley at the Oro Valley Hospital. 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.

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Location

Shores Recreation Area is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

The Gila River recreation area is located along the Gila River and Arizona Route 77 north of Winkelman in Gila County, AZ, approximately 70 miles north of Tucson and 100 miles southeast of Phoenix. From Winkelman, take Route 77 east to milepost 141.4 to the Shores Recreation Site entrance road.

Coordinates

33.02177712 N
110.73895467 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
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  • AT&T
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  • T-Mobile
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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 27, 2020

Just Right BLM River Spot

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. We spent the night there and had the place to ourselves. Theirs a little highway noise but with the river sounds and a fire it was just what we needed. Theirs sunshine and shade, a bathroom, and garbage. You can buy firewood at the gas station in Winkleman just a couple miles up the road.

  • Review photo of Shores Recreation Area by Carolyn , December 27, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2020

Free waterfront camping but not the best

This is a fine spot for a night/passing through but was not my favorite. Pro: camping at the edge of the Gila River, beautiful trees, free, trash containers and toilets, lots of birds - seeing my first cardinal was the highlight of the stay. Cons: 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 and we chose not to. No beachy area, just mud and then the water is instantly a couple feet deep. So so much trash, we cleaned up other people’s alcohol bottles, clothes, and just garbage everywhere. Seems like a spot people come to party for the night and don’t care about the land. At night, the bugs were overwhelming. I expect bugs camping but we were getting pelted with cicadas to the face, maybe don’t come during cicada season. 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. I came here after seeing someone’s review about how great it was on another site, I wouldn’t come again but it could have been worse.

  • Review photo of Shores Recreation Area by Haley B., July 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Shores Recreation Area by Haley B., July 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Shores Recreation Area by Haley B., July 19, 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Shores Recreation Area?

    Shores Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 16 feet.