Owl Creek Campground

Accessible via dirt road from US-191, this small Apache National Forest campground overlooks the Gila River with approximately six sites charging $5 per night. The facility provides gravel tent pads, concrete picnic tables, large awnings, fire rings, and clean vault restrooms, though no hookups or water are available. Several sites offer views into Owl Creek Canyon, where the Gila River flows year-round.

A quarter-mile trail leads to a kayak launch and riverside picnic area along the water. The remote location keeps usage light, with campers often finding themselves alone at the site. T-Mobile provides decent cell coverage, and Forest Service rangers make regular check-ins. Note that pets are not permitted, and occasional mine blasting from nearby operations may be audible in the mornings. Campers exploring the region can find places to camp around Blue for additional options.

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Location

Public Campground

Owl Creek Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

Owl Creek Campground is located 10 miles south of Clifton within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. The campground is located at the east end of the Black Hills Back Country Byway perched on a cliff overlooking the historic Old Safford Bridge.

Coordinates

33.4758 N
109.1889 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the clean facilities, well-separated sites, and peaceful atmosphere at this remote BLM campground. The $5 fee and light usage make it ideal for those seeking solitude near the Gila River.

Reviewed Mar. 4, 2024

Nice, quiet stop along 191

A small campground overlooking the Gila River. Only about a half dozen sites but very lightly used and isolated. $5 fee. Closest stores are in Clifton, and the little station in Three Way. The road to the campground from US-191 is dirt, but easily passable by any vehicle that isn't a lowrider. Good condition. 

Gravel tent pads, awnings, grills, firepits, and clean restrooms. No hook-ups or water/sewer. Decent T-Mobile service, nice BLM Ranger checked on us both mornings. Woke up to the mine blasting one of those mornings, but that wasn't entirely unexpected. 

Overall a great place to stay, would recommend.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Owl Creek Campground by Jorge G., March 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Owl Creek Campground by Jorge G., March 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Owl Creek Campground by Jorge G., March 4, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2022

A lot to offer

Small, but very lightly used. Camp sites are well separated with concrete picnic table and large awning at each site. No water but a clean restroom facility. Several of the campsites overlook Owl Creek Canyon. The Gila River flows through the canyon and has water almost all year. A kayak launch point and a picnic ground next to the river are about a quarter mile from the campground. the picnic ground is a great place to relax next to the river. Because of its remote location, it doesn't get much use. Been there four times, and was the only one there every time.

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2021

Solitude + Stars

A few miles off 191 south of Morceni. 2 pull thru sites and 5 others. Clean. Fire rings. Trash. Vault facilities. $5 night. Quiet. Only one here in fact.

Site2
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Owl Creek Campground by Dee W., September 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Owl Creek Campground by Dee W., September 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Owl Creek Campground by Dee W., September 16, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for camping at Owl Creek Campground?

The camping fee at Owl Creek Campground is $5 per night. This affordable rate provides access to the campground's basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables with awnings, and fire rings. Payment is likely collected through a self-pay station, so bring exact change. Always check with the managing agency for any fee changes before your trip.

What amenities are available at Owl Creek Campground?

Owl Creek Campground offers concrete picnic tables with large awnings at each site, fire rings, and trash disposal. The campground has clean vault toilet facilities. There's no water available at the campground, so be sure to bring your own supply. Several campsites provide beautiful views overlooking Owl Creek Canyon and the Gila River. There's also a kayak launch point nearby for those interested in water activities on the Gila River, which flows through the canyon and has water most of the year.

How do I make reservations for Owl Creek Campground?

Reservations are not required at Owl Creek Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is very lightly used and often has availability, with visitors frequently reporting having the entire campground to themselves. There are only about a half dozen sites total, including two pull-through spots. For the most current information about the reservation policy, contact the managing agency or check their official website.