Paved paths make both Cactus Ramada 1 and 2 wheelchair and handicap accessible.
Lots of shade under the large ramada.
Additional picnic tables outside of the ramada

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Cactus Ramada 1

Open — Open year-round for day use from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Contact the Santa Catalina Ranger District at least 12 hours before your reservation.

Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.

Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…

Mount Graham Inclement Weather Road Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads within the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, (“Described…

Fuelwood Sales

The minimum charge for a firewood permit is $20. Depending on the location and availability, for $20 you can select up to 10 cords of softwood or hardwood ($2/cord).  The dates listed in the table below are subject to change depending on conditions and availability of wood.  We recommend you…

Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure

No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area

Target Shooting Refuse Restriction

Possessing or storing any refuse for the purpose of target shooting with a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc).

No Fire Restrictions

There are currently no fire restrictions within the Coronado National Forest.

Jacobson Fire

In response to the Jacobson Fire that started on 5/26, areas are closed to visitor access. Inciweb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azcnf-jacobson-fire

Stronghold Fire

Stronghold Fire information is available at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-stronghold-fire.

Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-005 (Phase 2)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-004 (Phase 1)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

Bighorn Sheep Closure Order

Renewal of the previous Bighorn Sheep closure.

Sabino and Bear Canyon Closure Order 03-05-03-25-002

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources from environmental degradation.Effective January 22, 2025, through January 21, 2028, the Santa Catalina Ranger District has implemented a closure order in the area of Bear Canyon Trail and the Wilderness boundary…

14 Day Camping Closure 03-05-00-24-005

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to mitigate impacts on sensitive plant and wildlife species.

Alcohol Closure

The purpose of this Order is to comply with the Arizona and New Mexico state law and to restrict underage consumption of alcoholic beverages to provide for public health and safety.

Tanque Verde Falls Camping Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources in the Described Area.

Barfoot Snake Closure Order 03-05-01-24-004

The twin-spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) is a Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species and a State of Arizona protected reptile. Due to this species’ extremely limited habitat and population numbers, this Order provides for the protection of this species by precluding entry into the…

Rose Canyon Lake Closure Order 03-05-05-23-022

The Coronado National Forest is renewing the closure of the surface of Rose Canyon Lake. The overall recreation area remains open and fishing from the shore is allowed.

Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure Order 03-05-05-23-019

The purpose of this Order is to protect riparian ecosystem and water quality from the impacts of heavy recreation use in the Described Area. Recreation activities such as camping or offroad motor vehicle use can cause soil compactions and erosion, which is difficult to repair and can lead to…

SVRD Rec Shooting Closure Order 03-05-03-23-010

Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.

Olson Cabin Closure 03-05-05-22-030

Olson Cabin Permit Area is located on the west side of Forest System Road 4458 and approximately 1,500 feet northwest of the junction of Forest System Road 4458 and Forest System Road 639.There are many problems associated with the Olson Cabin Permit Area. The permit area and improvements were…

About

Cactus Ramada 1 is a reservable group picnic site located within the extremely popular Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Coronado National Forest at the edge of Tucson. Situated at 2,800 feet elevation along Sabino Creek in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this accessible facility provides an excellent base for groups to experience the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. The ramada can accommodate up to 45 people and includes a picnic shelter, four accessible picnic tables, one serving table, two grills, a campfire circle, two bear-proof trash cans, and a vault restroom. Access to the site requires using the Sabino Canyon shuttle service or walking approximately 1/3 mile from the parking area. The facility operates as day use only from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with no overnight camping permitted. The recreation area offers exceptional hiking opportunities with three popular trails providing access to the dramatic landscape of the Santa Catalina Front Range. The self-guided Desert Nature Trail near the visitor center introduces visitors to the unique plants adapted to this demanding desert environment. Mountain biking and horseback riding are available on select trails. The area is known for its pleasant winter temperatures and spectacular springtime wildflower displays when the desert comes alive with flowering cacti and colorful blooms.

Directions

From I-10, take exit 250 for Orange Grove Road. Go east on Orange Grove Road for about 6.5 miles. Turn right on Skyline Drive. After about 1 mile, continue right onto Sunrise Drive. Follow for 6.3 miles and turn onto Sabino Canyon Road. Continue to the entrance just north of Sunrise Drive. Park at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area parking lot. Access the ramada via shuttle or 1/3-mile walk.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (520) 749-8700

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Paved paths make both Cactus Ramada 1 and 2 wheelchair and handicap accessible.
Lots of shade under the large ramada.
Additional picnic tables outside of the ramada
The paved path from the gravel lot to ramada 1.
Stone fire pit adjacent to Ramada 1
Water is available at the entrance of Ramada 2.
Signage at the picnic area.
Another covered area in the surrounding area.
Pit toilet facilities shared with ramada 1 and 2
Beautiful views of the desert from the ramada.
Cactus Ramada 1 in Sabino Canyon with a stone fire pit ring.
Additional picnic tables around the ramada.

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