Campground Overview:
Alamo Canyon Campground sits nestled at the base of the Ajo mountains in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This primitive campground provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Sonoran Desert, along with spectacular night sky viewing and peaceful quiet.
The sights and sounds of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, an International Biosphere Reserve, reveal a thriving community of plants and animals. Human stories echo throughout this desert preserve, chronicling thousands of years of desert living. A scenic drive, wilderness hike or a night of camping will expose you to a living desert that thrives. Twin Peaks Campground and Alamo Canyon Campground are available for camping on the monument.
Campsites:
Alamo Canyon Campground is established for primitive tent camping only. Motorhomes and trailers are not permitted. Facilities include four campsites with charcoal grills, tables, pit toilets, and trash cans. Wood fires and ground fires are not allowed. Camping is by permit only and is limited to the four established sites.
Alamo Canyon Campground is located at the end of the Alamo Canyon Road. The road is a three mile graded dirt road, suitable for all cars. Alamo Canyon Road is located at milepost 65.5 on the east side of Highway 85. There is no road sign. The road begins on the north side of the concrete bridge that crosses the wash.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Gila Bend |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Alamo Canyon Campground- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
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Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was created in 1937 as a way to preserve a representative area of the Sonoran Desert. The new monument was part of a movement in the National Parks to protect not just scenic wonders but also the ecological wonders of the country. Over 75 years later, Organ Pipe Cactus is now one of the best preserved examples of the Sonoran Desert wilderness.
Within the monument, signs of human use are also preserved and protected. The monument is the site of culture and history that reflect long, widespread and diverse use by American Indian, Mexican, and European groups. The intersection of these of these three cultures is significant archeologically, geographically, and internationally.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument exhibits an extraordinary collection of plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. This is a showcase for creatures who have adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and little rainfall that characterize this Southwest region. Thirty-one species of cacti have mastered the art of living in this place, including the park’s namesake and the giant saguaro. Here, the life of the Sonoran Desert is protected and allowed to flourish under nearly ideal wilderness conditions. The monument is an outstanding natural preserve where one of the Earth’s major ecosystems survives almost unspoiled.
Along with photography and birding, hiking is ideal here. There is a .9 mile perimeter trail around Twin Peaks Campground, and the 1.2 mile Desert View Trail located near the Group camping area. Beyond the campground area there are miles of trails laced around Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, some easy, others more strenuous. Some of the best hiking is off the beaten trails out in the canyons with a map and compass to guide you. Always carry water and snacks, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. More detailed trail information is available in the park newspaper and in person at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center.