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

Grass Shack

Open — Open year-round. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 10 days total with no more than 5 consecutive days at this campground.

About

Grass Shack campground sits at 5,300 feet elevation in the Saguaro Wilderness within Saguaro National Park's Rincon Mountain District. This primitive backcountry campground offers 3 campsites nestled under the shade of large oak trees in a fragile riparian ecosystem along Chimenea Creek, the largest watershed in the Rincon Mountains. The creek provides water most of the year, though all water must be treated before consumption. Each campsite accommodates a maximum of 6 people. Access to Grass Shack requires a minimum 4.4-mile hike from the nearest trailhead, making this a true wilderness experience. The campground is located in the transition zone between desert and oak woodland, surrounded by thick grasslands. Due to the sensitive riparian environment, campfires are prohibited at this location; campers must use gas stoves for cooking. The site features a vault toilet but no other amenities. Backpackers should be prepared for challenging desert mountain conditions. The hike from lower elevation trailheads involves significant elevation gain through desert terrain. Summer temperatures at trailheads regularly exceed 100°F, so early morning starts are essential. Winter conditions bring milder temperatures but occasional rainfall. Water availability varies seasonally, so hikers should start with at least one gallon per person per day and be prepared to treat all water sources. The campground is part of the Saguaro Wilderness, a 57,930-acre designated wilderness area protecting the last roadless sky island range in southern Arizona.

Directions

Grass Shack is a hike-in only campground requiring a minimum 4.4-mile hike from the nearest trailhead. Primary access is via Douglas Spring Trailhead (at east end of Speedway Boulevard, accessible 24/7) or Tanque Verde Ridge Trailhead (in Javelina Picnic Area on the park loop drive, accessible 7 a.m. to sunset). Other access points include Miller Creek, Turkey Creek, and Italian Spring Trailheads via Coronado National Forest roads, though these require higher clearance vehicles and longer approaches. The campground sits along Chimenea Creek in oak woodland at 5,300 feet elevation.

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