About this campground
This rockhound area makes a great day adventure for rock collectors. The principal attraction for rock collectors here is fire agate. Fire agate is a relatively new gemstone, only identified and formally recognized in the 1930s. It has the color play of precious opal with gem quality reds, greens, and blues. The desert regions of Arizona, southern California, and central Mexico are the only areas of the world where fire agate is known to occur. Although its origin is unknown, it is always associated with volcanic deposits. The site is open for digging by the public without fees or permits. Camping throughout the area is allowed for up to two weeks. Black Hills Rockhound Area is open year-round, but the summers can be hot and dry with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Getting there
Black Hills rockhound area is located on the north side of Arizona route 191, between Safford and Clifton, about 18 miles north of Safford. Access is easiest from U.S. Highway 191, just east of milepost 141.
Activities
- Rockhounding
- Dispersed Camping
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Flying W Group Day Use AreaBureau of Land Management5 mi
- Riverview CampgroundGila Box Riparian National Conservation Area5 mi
- Serna Cabin Picnic Area and Historical SiteBureau of Land Management5 mi
- Dry Canyon Boat Take-Out and Picnic AreaBureau of Land Management6 mi
- Spring Canyon Picnic AreaBureau of Land Management6 mi
- Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing AreaBureau of Land Management7 mi
Explore more Arizona camping
Black Hills Rockhound Area doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Arizona campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Arizona camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.