Arizona / Pima County / Saguaro National Park - Rincon Mountain District / Saguaro National Park / Saguaro Wilderness

Douglas Spring

Open — Open year-round for wilderness camping. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Maximum stay of 10 days total with no more than 5 consecutive nights at this campground.

About

Douglas Spring campground sits at 4,800 feet elevation in the Saguaro Wilderness within the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. This backcountry campground is the lowest elevation wilderness campground in the park, making it ideal during winter storms when higher elevations receive snow. The campground offers 3 primitive campsites, each accommodating up to 6 people, nestled among mesquites and junipers that provide partial shade during warmer months. Reaching the campground requires a minimum 6.5-mile hike from the Douglas Spring Trailhead (located at the east end of Speedway Boulevard) with approximately 1,800 feet of elevation gain. The trail offers scenic views toward Tanque Verde Falls and multiple drainages including Tina Larga tank. A drainage sits about 50 feet east of the campsite, but water is seasonal and often unreliable, so hikers should start with at least one gallon of water per person per day and check current water reports before departure. The campground features a vault toilet and bear-proof food storage containers. Campfires are prohibited due to lack of firewood and the fire-prone grasslands in the area; gas stoves are recommended. Cell service is not guaranteed. The terrain ranges from desert cactus at lower elevations through grasslands to juniper woodlands, offering diverse plant and wildlife viewing opportunities in this roadless sky island mountain range.

Directions

Access via Douglas Spring Trailhead at the east end of Speedway Boulevard in Tucson, accessible 24 hours daily. Hike 6.5 miles with 1,800 feet of elevation gain to reach the campground. This is hike-in only; no vehicle access.

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