Campground Overview:
Visitors traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. Enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind up the peak and, often in the spring, overlook a sea of wildflowers. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area.
The park offers a visitor center with exhibits and a park store, a playground, historical markers, a campground and picnic areas. Many hiking trails traverse the desert landscape and offer hikers both scenic and challenging hikes. Hike prepared and know your limits. Bring plenty of food and water and wear proper footwear. Enjoy the beauty of the desert and the amazing views.
Campsites:
The campground has a total of 85 electric sites for both tent and RV camping. Sites are suitable for RVs and/or tents. No more than six adults & 12 people total per site. No more than four vehicles per site. Only one motorhome/RV per site. Four sites are handicapped-accessible. No water or sewer hookups are available. Access to all sites is paved. Sites are fairly level and are located in a natural Sonoran Desert setting.
- $30 per night / per vehicle (October – May)
- $25 per night / per vehicle (June – September)
- Additional vehicle $15 per night / per vehicle
- Group Camp Areas: $15 per night / per vehicle + Group Reservation FeeBoth back-ins and pull-throughs are available. No maximum size limit (except no tractor trailers allowed). All sites offer a picnic table and barbeque/fire ring. Many sites also offer ramadas, and some of the sites are handicapped-accessible. Use of the dump station is included in the price for camping.
Potable water is available at the dump station. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generator use is not permitted. There are two modern, handicapped-accessible restroom and shower buildings available at no additional charge for campers.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Developed w/ Shower |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Tucson |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Picacho Peak State Park |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
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Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
Located approx. 1 mile east of the park entrance, this commercial ranch offers an up-close and personal look at the ostriches that are raised here. You have the rare opportunity to hand-feed these critters (feed is for sale.) There is also a gift shop, and a lorikeet enclosure was recently added for the enjoyment of the visitor. The ranch also offers “monster truck” tours that proceed through the ostrich enclosures and into the desert around Picacho Peak. Take I-10 to exit 219 and follow the eastbound frontage road to the ranch. Phone: (520) 466-3658.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
This area is being administered by the National Park Service and protects the ruins of an ancient dwelling of the Hohokam tribe. The visitor center offers excellent exhibits that interpret the history of the area and the people that inhabited it. Ranger-led tours as well as self-guided visits to the “Great House” ruins are available. The monument is located on 1100 West Ruins Drive in Coolidge. Visitor information: (520) 723-3172.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park protects some of the most impressive stands of the Saguaro, a giant columnar cactus found only in a small part of the Sonoran Desert. The park consists of two sections (East and West) that are located 30 miles apart from each other. Both sections offer a visitor center with exhibits, hiking trails, gift shop, and scenic drives (the 8-mile loop in the East section is paved, the loop roads in the West section are dirt roads.) Trails range from a short and easy stroll to an all-day strenuous hike. There are no developed campsites in either section.
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
This unusual, mostly outdoors museum combines natural history exhibits with a zoo and a botanical garden. This is the one place to visit to get answers to all of your questions about the Sonoran Desert. The museum is located on 2021 N. Kinney Rd. in Tucson. Phone (520) 883-1380.
International Wildlife Museum
This natural history museum offers exhibits containing over 400 species of wildlife, including some prehistoric ones. Take a guided tour or explore at your own pace and learn about critters from around the world. Educational programs for grades 2 and 3-5 are available. The museum is located at 4800 W Gates Pass Road in Tucson. Phone: (520) 629-0100.
Ironwood Forest National Monument
The whitish-pink blooming, long-living ironwood tree is the namesake for this remote area that is being administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Explore one of the few remaining dense stands of Ironwood trees in the Sonoran Desert, but come prepared for travel on sandy roads that will lead you deep into the backcountry. Dry washes can turn into raging rivers here on a moment’s notice after a monsoon storm. Four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle recommended. This area is remote, undeveloped, and offers no facilities of any kind. For more information, contact the Tucson Field Office of the BLM at 12661 East Broadway in Tucson. Phone: (520) 258-7200.