Peppersauce Campground
Open — Open year-round with reservation and first-come, first-served sites. Currently in maintained season with full services and $15 per night fee. From April 1 to November 1, the campground is unmaintained with no fee, trash service, or toilets.
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).
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).
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
Located in a dramatic setting at the foot of Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Peppersauce Campground offers a unique camping experience in a creekside oasis of enormous Arizona sycamore and walnut trees. At 4,700 feet elevation, the campground provides welcome shade in summer and striking autumn color. The facility sits alongside Peppersauce Creek, which remains dry most of the year except during heavy rains and summer monsoon season, when it can quickly become a raging torrent. The campground features 17 sites spread throughout the canyon and serves as a popular basecamp for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, hikers, and families. The Arizona Trail, running from Mexico to Utah, is accessible about 5 miles away along Forest Road 38. Several caves in the area offer spelunking opportunities. The campground is named after prospector Alex McKay, who camped here around 1880 and reported his hot sauce went missing. Sites are small and best suited for tents and smaller RVs (22 feet or less). The access road is unpaved Forest Road 38 but typically passable by sedan in dry conditions. Visitors can explore nearby attractions including Biosphere 2, Tucson, Saguaro National Park, and Sabino Canyon within a day trip.
Directions
From Tucson, drive north on Oracle Road (U.S. Highway 89) for 27 miles to State Highway 77. Turn right and drive 10 miles to Oracle. Take the first Oracle exit and travel 4 miles through town to Forest Road 38. Follow FR 38 for 8 miles to Peppersauce Canyon. The unpaved road is typically passable by sedan in dry conditions.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 749-8700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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