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Established Camping

Shores Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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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
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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3.5

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4 Reviews

Reviewed May. 9, 2025

Nice river spots.

Quiet, very few campers. Prob fewer as it gets warmer. This will be a scorcher in the middle of summer but the sites do have tree cover for shade.

Sitefirst
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Shores Recreation Area by mark F., May 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Shores Recreation Area by mark F., May 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Shores Recreation Area by mark F., May 9, 2025
  • (5) View All
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
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the max vehicle length at Shores Recreation Area?

Shores Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 16 feet.

Are fires allowed at Shores Recreation Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Shores Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Shores Recreation Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Shores Recreation Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Shores Recreation Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.