The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge camping rules published below were gathered from information published by Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and from laws and regulations adopted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service…
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Camping Rules
Passes and Permits – are not required for camping inside Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Special Use Permits are available for commercial activities like guided tours, hunts, filming, or group events.
Areas Off-Limits to Camping – Camping is restricted to designated, numbered sites. The Refuge has identified 83 sites where camping is allowed. Each site is marked by a small brown sign with a triangle tent icon. There are no rules limiting how many people or vehicles may camp within one site.
Maximum Length of Stay – The maximum length of stay for camping at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is 14 days within any 30-day period. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR Rules & Regulations)
Campfire Restrictions – Campfires are restricted to just fire rings at each numbered campsite. You’re free to gather dead and down firewood to build a campfire. You are not allowed to transport wood outside of the refuge. You cannot cut down standing trees, dead or alive. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR Rules & Regulations)
Camping Setbacks – Because camping is restricted to designated, numbered sites, there are no camping setback requirements.
Weapons – Firearms are allowed into the Refuge. Shooting firearms is prohibited with the exception of hunting or self-defense. Shooting under any other use, including target shooting, is prohibited. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR Rules & Regulations)
- Air guns, bows and arrows, crossbows, spears, gigs, or other weapons are not allowed into the Refuge, except for use with hunting. (Reference, § 27-43 Weapons Other Than Firearms)
- Use of fireworks and other explosives is not specifically addressed by Buenos Aires NWR, but we assume it to be prohibited.
Vehicle Rules – All vehicles are restricted to designated or numbered roads. All vehicles must be street-legal, including being registered with current license plates. All vehicles with modified exhaust systems are prohibited. (Reference, § 27-31 General Provisions Regarding Vehicles)
Bicycles – Bicycles are also restricted to designated or numbered roads. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR Rules & Regulations)
Removing Objects
- You are prohibited from removing plants and animals from the refuge. (Reference, § 27-21 Taking Violations)
- You are prohibited from removing any other objects of antiquity (arrowheads, old mining tools) from the refuge. (Reference, § 27-62 Search for and Removal of Objects of Antiquity)
- You are prohibited from removing any precious rocks, gems, metals, buried treasure or treasure troves. (Reference, § 27-63 Search for and Removal of Other Valued Objects)
- You are prohibited from removing any bones from the Refuge. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR Rules & Regulations)
Disorderly Conduct
- Being under the influence of alcohol to the extent that one endangers himself or others, or annoy others nearby, is prohibited. (Reference, § 27-81 Alcoholic Beverages)
- A controlled substance that was not prescribed by a physician is prohibited inside the Refuge. Being under the influence of a controlled substance, even if it was prescribed by a physician, to the extent that it poses a threat to oneself or others, is prohibited. (Reference, § 27-82 Possession and Delivery of Controlled Substances)
- Any act of indecency or disorderly conduct that is already prohibited by state or local laws, is prohibited within the Refuge. (Reference, § 27-83 Indecency and Disorderly Conduct)
- Interfering with other visitors or Refuge staff is prohibited. (Reference, § 27-84 Interference with Persons Engaged in Authorized Activities)
- Any form of gambling, or operating any kind of gambling device, is prohibited. (Reference, § 27-85 Gambling)
- Asking for money or begging is prohibited. Soliciting support for a cause is prohibited. (Reference, § 27-86 Begging)
Disposal of Waste – Dumping sewage holding tanks (gray tank, black tank) on Refuge grounds is prohibited unless dumped into a container designed for that purpose. (Reference, § 27-94 Disposal of Waste)
- Pooping into a hole that you dug is still permitted. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR Rules & Regulations)
- Disposing both poop and plastic bag together into a hole is prohibited. You must dispose of the bag in a container designed for trash disposal. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR Rules & Regulations)
- Geocaching is prohibited. Leaving behind any man-made objects or personal property is considered to be littering. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR Rules & Regulations)
Pets
- Buenos Aires NWR does not specifically state that pets must be leashed or contained; they only require that pets be under control of the owner at all times. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR Rules & Regulations)
- The operation of field trials for dogs is prohibited. (Reference, § 27-91 Field Trials)
Flying Drones – Drones may not be flown within the Refuge. (Reference, Buenos Aires NWR, Regulation of Drones) also (Reference, § 27-34 Aircraft)
Hiking, Climbing, and Exploration
- Entering into caves or mines has not been addressed by Buenos Aires NWR.
- Rock climbing has not been addressed by Buenos Aires NWR.
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Camping Map
Additional Information
- Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Official Website, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, Code of Federal Regulations, Boondocker’s Bible Legal Database
- All Articles About Camping in Arizona, Boondocker’s Bible Knowledgebase
Downloads
- Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Camping Map
- Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Public Use Regulations
Phone Numbers
- Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Main Office, (520) 823-4251