Fishing spot: Shores 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. However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit . Contact the local managing field office for more information about special recreation permits. Recreational activities on any nearby state trust land require a permit from the State of Arizona.

Accessibility information

View images of accessibility features in a new window. At this camping area located in the Gila River Recreation Area, an accessible double vault toilet sits on concrete several hundred yards east of the entrance. A concrete path connects this toilet to a concrete pad in the parking area. The pad provides accessible parking for 2-3 vehicles. A second double vault toilet, sitting on natural surface close to the entrance, may present challenges for some visitors. Signs with site and safety information sit on gravel near the entrance to the site. At the entrance a compacted-gravel road slopes east and west from a T intersection, at a grade of 7-8 percent. At the bottom of the hill in each direction the road flattens out and serves as a there-and-back connector to about 18 individual campsites. Many of the campsites should be usable for visitors who use mobility devices, although none of them are designated as accessible. Each campsite has a parking spur, and 4 of the sites have metal picnic tables with extended ends to accommodate wheelchair users. Trash cans, angled toward the user sit on a concrete slab on a flat packed dirt surface, should be accessible to people using mobility devices. Cell phone service is spotty. 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 are uneven and present accessibility barriers.

Source directions

The Gila River recreation area is located along the 9 mile section of the Gila River and Arizona Route 77 between the town of Winkelman and Globe in Gila County, Arizona, 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.

Phone

(520) 258-7200

Reservable

No

Source last updated

2026-03-18

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