Douglas Spring
Open year-round for permitted backcountry camping. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. Water is seasonal; check current conditions before departing. Maximum stay is 5 consecutive nights at this campground, 10 nights total in the wilderness.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 4:49PM MST until August 31 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Tucson Metro Area, Southeast Pinal County, Tohono O'odham Nation, Upper San Pedro River Valley Upper Santa Cruz River Valley/Altar Valley, Baboquivari Mountains, Catalina and Rincon Mountains, Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains. * WHEN...Through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - An increase in moisture will bring scattered thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday. Rainfall rates in excess of 1 inch per hour are expected with the stronger storms with isolated areas having the potential of 1-3 inches. Additional rainfall from the previous day and overnight activity will result in faster responses in normally dry washes, creeks and roadway dips. - Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Advisory issued August 29 at 9:38PM MST until August 30 at 9:30AM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* WHAT...Small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Central Pima County in southeastern Arizona... * WHEN...Until 930 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Rises in small streams and normally dry washes. Overflowing poor drainage areas. Some low-water crossings may become impassable. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 934 PM MST, gauge reports indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms fell in the middle and upper reaches of the Vamori Wash this evening. This will cause small stream flooding. Rises in the Vamori Wash could be sudden, but the flood wave will slowly travel downstream. - This includes the following streams and drainages... San Simon Wash, Hali Murk Wash, Chukut Kuk Wash, San Luis Wash and Vamori Wash. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Santa Cruz and Kupk. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Douglas Spring is a remote wilderness campground nestled at 4,800 feet in the Saguaro Wilderness of Saguaro National Park's Rincon Mountain District. As the lowest-elevation backcountry campground in the park, it offers a more accessible option during winter months when higher camps may see snow. The 6.5-mile hike from the Douglas Spring trailhead gains approximately 1,800 feet of elevation, passing through classic Sonoran Desert terrain with rewarding views down toward Tanque Verde Falls. The campground has three designated sites, each limited to six people. A vault toilet serves the area, but water availability is strictly seasonal from a drainage about 50 feet east of the campsites. Hikers should check current water reports and plan to carry at least one gallon per person per day. Mesquite and juniper trees provide some shade during warmer months. Campfires are prohibited due to the fire-prone grasslands and lack of firewood; bring a backpacking stove for cooking. Pets are not allowed on any park trails. Permits are required and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. Cell service is unreliable. Vehicle break-ins have been reported at the trailhead, so secure valuables or arrange alternative transportation.
Directions
From Tucson, head east on Speedway Boulevard, which becomes the Douglas Spring Trail access road. The Douglas Spring trailhead is located at the eastern end of Speedway within the Rincon Mountain District. From the trailhead, hike 6.5 miles on the Douglas Spring Trail, gaining approximately 1,800 feet of elevation to reach the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 733-5153 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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