Is Riverview Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Riverview Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Riverview Campground?

Riverview Campground is open No specific open/closed seasons are mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Riverview Campground?

Riverview Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Riverview Campground have?

Riverview Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Riverview Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Riverview Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Riverview Campground?

Riverview Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Riverview Campground?

Popular activities at Riverview Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Riverview Campground

4.03

25 reviews

Featured in:Boating Camping Arizona

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,199 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

No specific open/clo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,199 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

No specific open/clo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Riverview Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$5.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(928)348-4400blm_az_sfoweb@blm.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Riverview Campground

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Campground Map

Riverview Campground

32.8875, -109.4800

Nearby places

Safford, Arizona (approximately 5 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Safford, travel five miles east on AZ 70 to Soloman, then turn left onto Sanchez Road. Follow Sanchez Road to the end of the pavement and follow the signs to the campground. The last mile to the campground is a gravel road. It is rocky in sections and the hill leading down into the campground is the roughest spot. The turn off from Sanchez Road is Bonita Creek Road, which is narrow, winding, and has steep grades. Visitors should exercise caution, as there are numerous curves and blind corners. Within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, passenger cars can access major points, but some roads require a four-wheel-drive vehicle due to infrequent maintenance. Check with Safford Field Office for up-to-date road conditions.

Weather at Riverview Campground

Best Time to Camp at Riverview Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 70–85°F) and cool, clear nights (45–60°F), making hiking the canyon rims and long wildlife-watching sessions far more pleasant than the hot summer months. Cottonwoods and riparian shrubs often show muted fall color along the Gila River, bird activity remains high, and river-based recreation is enjoyable without the peak summer heat. Crowds are moderate—weekends can fill the small 13-site campground, but weekdays are very Peak months: October, November, September, March Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely pleasant (typical desert shoulder season); riparian blooms possible though not detailed.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: No specific open/closed seasons are mentioned.

About Riverview Campground

Riverview Campground sits along the Gila River in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Arizona's foothills near Safford. Spacious, private sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables serve tent and RV campers who come for riverside access, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Fall brings comfortable temperatures and muted cottonwood color along the water, though wind can pick up and staffing may be limited during peak weekends.

Riverview Campground offers 13 first-come, first-served campsites suitable for tent, trailer, and RV camping. It caters to a variety of campers, including those requiring accessible features.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 70–85°F) and cool, clear nights (45–60°F), making hiking the canyon rims and long wildlife-watching sessions far more pleasant than the hot summer months. Cottonwoods and riparian shrubs often show muted fall color along the Gila River, bird activity remains high, and river-based recreation is enjoyable without the peak summer heat. Crowds are moderate—weekends can fill the small 13-site campground, but weekdays are very Peak months: October, November, September, March Avoid: July, August

Elevation3199 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks the Gila River from an elevated bench at 3,199 feet, where desert canyon walls rise above a ribbon of riparian vegetation. Cottonwoods and willows line the river below, creating a green corridor through the Sonoran Desert landscape. The contrast between water-loving plants and surrounding desert terrain supports diverse birdlife, including vermillion flycatchers and great blue herons. Javelinas and deer are common sightings. The canyon geology frames views that shift with the light throughout the day.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging beyond the campsites (such as cabins or lodges) is not indicated in the provided materials.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Unknown

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unknown

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not allowed.

AccessibilitySite 1 is designated as accessible, with features such as a wheelchair-accessible table, a taller fire ring, and level grading on an aggregate surface.

Site SizeThe sites have been recently enlarged to better accommodate trailers and RVs.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as spacious and private. User reviews highlight this: 'Very large and private campsites' (Jim Reed) and 'Beautiful, spacious, and well-maintained' (Dee Arm).

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors seeking accessibility should consider Site 1 for its ABA/ADA-compliant features.

Best CampsitesSite 1 has ADA-accessible features, including a wheelchair-accessible table, taller fire ring, and level aggregate surface. Reviews mention the sites are very large and private, but no other specific site numbers are called out.

Amenities available

Riverview Campground is located in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area and offers 13 campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and shade structures. Potable drinking water and a toilet are available. The campground features 10 pull-in sites and 3 pull-through sites, and recent enlargements have improved accessibility for trailers and RVs. Site 1 is designated as accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible table, a taller fire ring, and level grading.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Riverview Campground offers a range of outdoor activities in the surrounding Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for river-based recreation like kayaking.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

25 reviews

Satisfactory

Riverview Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is generally well-reviewed, with an average sentiment of 4.75 out of 5 and campers appreciating its spaciousness, natural beauty, and accessibility to the Gila River.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors commonly praise the campground for its spacious and private campsites, its proximity to the Gila River, and its well-maintained facilities. Comments include: 'Very large and private...

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews mention challenges with access roads, including steep grades and blind curves on Bonita Creek Road. For example, Bev Mueller notes, 'The road in is mostly paved with steep and blind...

Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is highlighted for its accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible table and level grading.

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest preparing for hot weather during the day in summer months, although nights tend to cool down. Jim Reed states, 'Still pretty hot in mid-September, nights cool down, needing a thin...

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Hot daytime temperatures are noted in mid-September, while nights cool considerably, making it more comfortable for camping.

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very large and private campsites.' (Jim Reed) 2. 'Beautiful, spacious, and well-maintained campground and at the bargain rate of $5 a night.' (Dee Arm) 3. 'Great launch point for first-time river...

Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

Positive feedback highlights Site 1's accessibility features, including a taller fire ring, a wheelchair-accessible table, and an aggregate surface with level grading for ease of use.

Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or experiences involving pets are not discussed in the source materials.

Based on 25 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want private campsites near the Gila River with good hiking and wildlife viewing in a quiet BLM setting.

Skip if

You need consistent staffing during holidays or want protection from wind.

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Campgrounds

Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Riverview Campground

About Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Context for the broader area surrounding Riverview Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Hot springs, river rafting, birdwatching, and miles of trails make this National Conservation Area popular among those in the know. <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/bonita-creek-watchable-wildlife-viewing-area" rel="nofollow">Bonita Creek wildlife viewing area</a> is accessible and has numerous interpretive displays and shade shelters.

Directions

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.

Download area map (PDF)