Can you reserve a site at Badger Springs Recreation Area and Trailhead?

No. Badger Springs Recreation Area and Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Badger Springs Recreation Area and Trailhead — sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Badger Springs Trailhead leads to a short, non-motorized trail through Badger Springs Wash into the Agua Fria River canyon. The trail features desert terrain, seasonal water flow, and a mix of sandy washes and rocky areas.

The trail leads to a well-preserved panel of petroglyphs where the Badger Springs Wash meets the Agua Fria River. Along the way, visitors can enjoy birding, wildlife viewing, and peaceful riverside terrain. Wildlife such as mule deer, javelina, and coyotes may be seen along the trail.

Hours and Seasons

Open year-round, 24 hours a day. The Agua Fria River typically flows through early summer; the wash may be wet or muddy during that season

Features and Services

Access and Parking: The trailhead is adjacent to a gravel parking lot located off maintained dirt road.
Cell Service: Limited; reception is spotty in this remote area.
Toilets: Accessible vault toilet near the trailhead
Drinking Water: None.
Pets: Permitted on leash; please remove pet waste.
Camping: Primitive, dispersed camping is permitted on nearby BLM lands; check local regulations for fire and camping guidelines.
Nearby Amenities: Black Canyon City and Cordes Lakes offer food, fuel, lodging, and basic medical services.

Respect and Protect

Historic and archaeological sites are protected by law. Please leave cultural artifacts and petroglyphs untouched. By practicing responsible outdoor ethics, you help ensure future visitors can enjoy this remarkable site.

Getting there

From I‑17 at the Badger Springs exit (Exit 256), drive east on Badger Springs Road (dirt) for about 0.8 miles to a gravel parking lot.

34.23141, -112.10013 · 34°13'53.1"N 112°6'0.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 96°F in Jul, down to 58°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	59	61	67	74	83	93	96	94	89	79	67	58
Low °F	34	35	38	42	50	58	66	66	60	49	39	33
Precip in	1.7	1.9	1.4	0.4	0.4	0.1	2.0	2.1	1.6	1.1	1.0	1.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

The Badger Springs Trail is free (no fee required) for general visits by the public. However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Hassayampa Field Office for more information about special recreation permits.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Badger Springs Recreation Area and Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Badger Springs Recreation Area and Trailhead?: No. Badger Springs Recreation Area and Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Badger Springs Recreation Area and Trailhead

Sycamore Cabin 11.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Turney Gulch Group 11.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Horsethief Cabin 12 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pueblo La Plata Cultural Site 4.3 mi · Facility
Teskey Home Site 5.8 mi · Facility
Riverbend Recreation Area and 1891 Schoolhouse 6.1 mi · Facility
Big Bug Trailhead 10.1 mi · Facility
Castle Creek Wilderness 11.4 mi · Facility
Hazlett Hollow Campground 11.4 mi · Campground
Dugas - Tule Mesa 11.8 mi · Facility
Black Canyon City Trailhead 12.7 mi · Facility
Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin) 13.6 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-23.

Badger Springs Recreation Area and Trailhead