About Shores Recreation Site
The Shores Recreation Site is along the Gila River approximately 3½ miles upstream from the Town of Winkelman, and 3½ miles downstream from the Christmas Recreation Site. The site has gravel-surfaced driveways, unimproved campsites, and two toilets. The Shores Recreation Site is minimally developed to provide access for river-related recreation opportunities such as sightseeing, wildlife viewing, picnicking, camping, fishing and small craft floating. Warm water fish (channel catfish and carp, as well as some large flathead catfish and largemouth bass) may be found in this section of the Gila River.The site is in the riparian area in mesquite-willow and cottonwood woodland, in a Sonoran Desert canyon with saguaro, mesquite and palo verde-covered hills.The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Please respect private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department for use of State Trust lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for hunting or fishing.CAUTION RIVER FLOATERS: The river channel has many navigation hazards that make it unsafe and practically impossible to float downstream to the Shores or Winkelman and river floating is not recommended. Hazards may include a fence across the river trees and branches overhanging the river or blocking passage, steep riverbanks and dense vegetation preventing portage, swift current at high flows, blind river bends.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Shores Recreation Site
Heading to Shores Recreation Site? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Shores Recreation Site?
No central reservation system listed for Shores Recreation Site. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/262591) for the latest entry policy and availability.
Is Shores Recreation Site accessible?
The toilets are accessible but the paths are uneven and present accessibility barriers.
How do I get to Shores Recreation Site?
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.
How do I contact Shores Recreation Site?
You can reach the park at phone: (520) 258-7200 or email: blm_az_tfoweb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
