Fishing spot: Christmas Recreation Site

Verified source data

Fishing feature type

Federal fishing facility

Facility type

Facility

Address

Tucson Field Office, 3201 E. Universal Way, Tucson, AZ, 85756

State

AZ

City

Tucson

Fee details

The Shores and Christmas recreation sites are available at no cost on a first come, first served basis. A permit is not required for private, non-commercial use of the sites. Use of public lands in connection with commercial recreational use requires a BLM Special Recreation Permit. A valid Arizona fishing license is required for Arizona resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any publicly accessible water in Arizona. Youth under the age of 10 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. More information, including about how to purchase a license, can be found on the Arizona Game and Fish Department website .

Accessibility information

View images of accessibility features in a new window. At this camping area located in the Gila River Recreation Area, there is an accessible double vault toilet next to several undesignated accessible parking spaces on a large concrete pad. Signs near the entrance provide site and safety information. Cell phone service is not available. A flat loop road of compacted gravel connects 13 individual campsites, split between the northern and southern parts of the site. Some of the campsites may be appropriate for visitors who use mobility devices, although none of them are designated as accessible. Each campsite has a parking spur and a fire ring with a grill attachment that is safe to use from a seated position. In addition, 2 sites have metal picnic tables with extended ends to accommodate wheelchair users. Descriptions and photos uploaded March 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.

ADA access

The toilets are accessible, but the paths on the grounds are uneven and present barriers.

Source directions

The Gila River recreation area is located along the 9 mile section of the Gila River and SR 77 between the Town of Winkelman and Globe 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.

Phone

(520) 258-7200

Reservable

No

Source keywords

Christmas Recreation Site, Gila River, Gila River Recreation Area

Source last updated

2026-02-25

Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB · Use terms · Source snapshot: 2026-10-03