Riverview Campground Host Gila Box Riparian NCA

Riverview Campground sits on a northern bench above the Gila River within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, offering broad desert vistas, an active riparian corridor, and the soft sound of the river below. Over time, the Gila River has carved steep canyon walls and supported stands of cottonwoods and riparian shrubs. In fall, cottonwoods often turn muted gold and brown, and wildlife activity remains steady year‑round. Cell service is spotty and becomes less reliable farther from the campground.

Located about five miles east of Safford, Riverview is reached by driving east on AZ‑70, turning onto Sanchez Road, and continuing until the pavement ends. The final mile is a gravel road with rough patches and a steep hill leading into the river corridor, requiring careful driving. Numerous recreation sites and day‑use areas surround the campground, including the Flying W Group Day Use Area, offering additional hiking, wildlife viewing, river access, and canyon exploration opportunities.

Riverview Campground includes thirteen first‑come, first‑served campsites ten pull‑in and three pull‑through. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, grill, and shade structure. Potable water and vault toilets are available, and the spacious layout accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs. Many visitors use Riverview as a base for fishing and boating along the Gila River and for birdwatching in the diverse riparian habitat. The campground host site was recently renovated to better support on‑site staff. Upgrades include an RV ramada, picnic table, grill, full RV hookups, and a washer and dryer at the host pad. These amenities help maintain year‑round operations and ensure consistent visitor assistance. The nearby town of Safford provides essential services such as stores, fuel, restaurants, and emergency support.

More information can be found: https://www.blm.gov/visit/riverview-campground

Start Date: October 1, 2026 – May 1, 2027

Preference: Individuals or couples

Location: Please see 32.88752-109.47995

Duties include:

• Visitor Services: Greet and assist visitors; answer questions; explain area regulations; distribute maps, rules, and brochures for the 13‑site campground, reservable group site, and day‑use area.
• Maintenance: Perform litter pickup, clean and stock restrooms, report potential issues to recreation staff, and share information with campers.
• Cleaning: Rake campsite pads, wash tables, clean fire rings and grills, pick up litter, and report damage. Ideally, each site is cleaned after every checkout and before the next arrival.
• Reporting: Report incidents, accidents, disturbances, or issues. Law enforcement actions are handled only by certified rangers.
• Other Duties: Straighten barrier posts; sweep cobwebs; trim or weed vegetation; track occupied/vacant sites; direct campers; remind visitors to pay fees; clean bathrooms; maintain the Flying W Group Site; and perform additional assigned tasks.
• Working Conditions: Work occurs outdoors in hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather. Walking is required, along with lifting trash bags up to 50 lbs. Hosts must reside on‑site and will receive a BLM volunteer uniform shirt (and optional hat). Hosts may be trained to operate a government vehicle or may use their personal vehicle(s), requiring completion of BLM Form 1112‑11 for authorization.

Volunteers must provide an RV or trailer, personal vehicle, optional UTV, work clothing, and personal camping amenities such as chairs, canopies, rugs, and coolers.

Required Skills: Ability to work well with the public; remain calm and friendly with upset visitors; perform routine physical tasks; adapt to changing conditions; demonstrate knowledge of the site and surrounding area; and lift 50 lbs.

Time Commitment: 24 hours per week for at least six months, including most weekends and holidays. Due to the remote location and limited supervision, volunteers are considered on duty every day, though routine maintenance generally requires 2–4 hours per day. Trips to town for errands are not considered duty time. Days off should be scheduled mid‑week (Tuesday–Thursday) due to peak visitation Friday–Monday. Alternative days off may be arranged with the BLM supervisor.

Background Check: Required. Volunteers must submit background documentation and complete fingerprinting before beginning service.

Supervision and Training: Volunteers are supervised by an Outdoor Recreation Planner or designee and trained in campground rules, responsibilities, First Aid/CPR, and related topics.

Additional Training: Basic First Aid/CPR, Hazardous Materials, Bloodborne Pathogens Awareness, Defensive Driving, Safety and Injury Reporting, OHV/UTV operation, Leave No Trace, and Tread Lightly.

Conduct: Hosts must follow established behavior guidelines. On‑duty or excessive alcohol consumption, drugs, and use of firearms are prohibited.