Campsite Review: Gila Bend Campground is a military-only campground located on the Gila Bend Air Force Auxilary Field three miles south of Gila Bend on US Highway 85.
After going through the gate (on 4th street) stay on 4th street by making the first right turn. The campground will be on your right.
If you miss the turn to stay on 4th street, the name changes to 1st street. Proceed southeast on 1st street and make a right turn on I street. This will also lead to the campground.
There are 44 sites full hookup sites and unlimited dry camping locations. Camping in the dry area is only available when full hook-up sites are already full.
Except for a couple of vending machines, there are no services at the Gila Bend Auxilary Field. Not even a gas station.
Gila Bend Campground is a nice enough place but really it is just a gravel parking place, with full hookups, at a very low price.
Details
Website: Gila Bend FAMCAMP none
Address: 4th Street, Gila Bend AZ 85027
Link to Google Map for the area: Gila Bend
Phone Number: (623) 856-5211 Reservations not accepted, First come- First Serve
Here is the link to an article on authorized patrons: Who can stay at military campgrounds?
If all hookup sites are filled then ample dry camping area to the east.
Dates stayed: November 15-17, 2020, we have also stayed here three other times in 2018 – 2020
Comfort: Temperatures were nice. Warm in the morning, hot by afternoon, seasonal.
Elevation: 860′
Season: Year-Round, extremely hot in the summer.
Price Paid: $12/ night
Our Site: #23
Hook-ups: Electric / Water/ Sewer – 50 amp (also reverse osmosis water for drinking)
Dump station: No
Restrooms: Not at the campground. There is a restroom in the lodging facility to the northeast.
Shower: None
Laundry: Yes, free
Potable Water: Yes
Water to fill your RV storage tank: Yes
Cell service: Verizon – Average Signal / AT&T – Average Signal
Observations
Campsite Review: Gila Bend Campground insider info:
The campground has huge sites, all on gravel. There is a new section with sites 35-44 which are large, but not nearly the size of #1 – 34 but still roomy.
I would say that nearly everyone parks their RV in a site prior to checking in. This is a practice that is tolerated but is in fact a broken rule. After choosing your spot go to the reception area at the lodge and pay for your site. If the reception is closed, place your payment in the envelope and deposit it in the slot.
Camping in the dry area is not free. After paying the fee, find the waitlist and put your name on it, assuming you want to stay. As I have said we always found a spot in the full hookup area and thus have not used the waiting list.
Caution
This part of the desert can be very hot in the summer. Nearly as hot as Phoenix. Unlike some places, it usually will cool down at night. At least down to 90 degrees or so. The campground is rumored to be busy after Thanksgiving until about Easter. During this period the temperatures can be expected to be warm in the daytime and about 50-60 degrees at night.
This region abounds with both coyotes and rattlesnakes. Pets are in constant danger from both. Rattlesnakes are a danger to pets and humans. Make sure you watch your step. I wouldn’t call them abundant, just dangerous.
The name of the loop is Centepede. (Spelled this way.) This should be a hint to some of the residents. I think it could have been called Scorpion as well. I didn’t see either one.
When going for a walk, stay on the sidewalks or roads. This area has been used in the past for ordnance training.
Bonus
Fishing is allowed without a license. That was a joke, there is no water for miles.
Gila Bend is remote and quiet.
You are allowed to stay here for up to 180 days in a row — no fanfare, just pay in advance. However, one document states that if the campground is full they may limit full hookup sites to 30 days in a row to create a rotation.
We have been there in the middle of winter and have not found it full.
Our campsite had a feature that we have never seen before. It was the only campsite we have ever been to that has reverse osmosis water for drinking at each campsite.
From Gila Bend we drove way too far, to go see Organ Pipe National Monument. This cactus only grows at this location, in the entire world. A better plan would be to camp at Ajo or Why, or even at Organ Pipe and then return to Gila Bend on a return leg.
Layout and Satellite views
That is our campsite review of the Gila Bend Campground. Here is our link to our interactive map. Campsite Reviews
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