About this campground
Bonita Creek offers some of the most outstanding birding opportunities in southeastern Arizona. There are over 200 species of birds within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. Optimum viewing season is spring and summer. This viewing deck offers a unique view at treetop levels on the rim of Bonita Creek. The deck is the only fully accessible year-round viewing area in southeast Arizona and Riverview Campground is within walking distance. Visit recreation sites within or nearby the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area: Riverview Campground Owl Creek Campground Dry Canyon Picnic Area Spring Canyon Picnic Area Lee Trail Picnic Area Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site Safford-Morenci Trail Flying W Group Day Use Area Canyon Overlook Picnic Area Gila River Boat Put-In Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area
Getting there
The Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area is located 20 miles northeast of Safford in Graham and Greenlee counties. From Safford to reach the west side, travel five miles east on U.S. Highway 70 to Solomon, AZ. At Solomon, turn left on the Sanchez Road and follow the road to the end of the pavement. From there, follow the signs to Bonita Creek and the lower end of the Gila Box. To reach the east side from Safford, take Highway 70 east 10 miles to its junction with U.S. Highway 191. Turn left and follow Highway 191 about 29 miles to milepost 160, which is four miles south of Clifton, AZ. Turn left onto the signed Black Hills Back Country Byway, and follow the road four miles to the conservation area.
Activities
- BIRD WATCHING
- BIRDING
- DAY USE AREA
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Lee Trailhead/Picnic AreaBureau of Land Management0 mi
- Dry Canyon Boat Take-Out and Picnic AreaBureau of Land Management1 mi
- Spring Canyon Picnic AreaBureau of Land Management1 mi
- Flying W Group Day Use AreaBureau of Land Management2 mi
- Riverview CampgroundGila Box Riparian National Conservation Area2 mi
- Serna Cabin Picnic Area and Historical SiteBureau of Land Management2 mi
Explore more Arizona camping
Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing 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.