Fishing spot: Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Verified source data

Fishing feature type

Federal recreation area with fishing

Managing agency

Bureau of Land Management

Address

Safford Field Office, 711 S. 14th Ave., Safford, 85546, AZ

State

85546

City

Safford

Fee details

The conservation area is open year-round. Fees are charged at Riverview Campground and Owl Creek Campground . Use of the Flying W Group Day Use Picnic Area is free of charge, but you can reserve it for a fee. Those floating the river also pay a permit fee. A large color brochure with map is available free from the Safford Field Office .

Source directions

You can usually get to major access points by passenger car, but other roads may be rough at times because of infrequent maintenance. You will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle on many roads. Check with the Safford Field Office for up-to-date road conditions. WEST SIDE: From Safford, travel 5 miles east on State Highway 70 to Solomon. Turn left on the Sanchez Road and follow that to the end of the pavement. Follow signs to Bonita Creek. EAST SIDE: From Safford take US 70 east 10 miles to AZ 191. Follow 191 north 29 miles to milepost 160. Turn left on Black Hills Back Country Byway and follow signs four miles.

Phone

(928) 348-4400

Official map

Open official link

Reservable

No

Stay limit

Camping at developed sites — and primitive camping elsewhere — is limited to 14 consecutive days. You do not a permit or to pay a fee for primitive camping. Camping is prohibited in riparian areas or designated picnic sites.

Source keywords

Riverview Campground, Owl Creek Campground, Dry Canyon Picnic Area, Spring Canyon Picnic Area, Lee Trail Picnic Area, Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site, Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area, Safford-Morenci Trail, Flying W Group Day Use Area, Canyon Overlook Picnic Area, Gila River Boat Put-In, Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area, Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Source last updated

2026-02-25

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