Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Cactus Ramada 1
This is a day-use group picnic site only; overnight camping is not permitted. Day-use hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The site is currently closed. A closure order (03-05-03-25-002) is in effect for Sabino and Bear Canyon through January 21, 2028, affecting this area. When operational, reservations are available through Recreation.gov at $75 per day.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 22 at 10:48AM MST until July 25 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 105 to 112 degrees expected with Major HeatRisk. * WHERE...Southeast Pinal County, Tohono O'odham Nation, Tucson Metro Area, Upper Gila River Valley, and Western Pima County. * WHEN...From 10 AM Friday to 8 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Warm overnight low temperatures of 82-88 degrees will provide little to no relief from heat overnight. Warmest overnight low temperatures expected in the Western Deserts.
Marshall Gulch Area Closure
Marshall Gulch area closed during reconstruction of picnic area and trailhead
Ski Run Road Closure
PURPOSETo protect public health and safety from potential hazards. This closure is necessary to remove hazard trees and snags overhanging the road.
About
Cactus Ramada 1 is a reservable group picnic site located within Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Coronado National Forest, at the edge of Tucson, Arizona. This facility is strictly day-use only with no overnight camping permitted. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The site can accommodate up to 45 people and features a covered picnic shelter (ramada) with four ADA-accessible picnic tables, additional stone tables, a serving table, two grills, and a campfire circle with a stone fire pit. The site shares a vault restroom with Cactus Ramada 2, and potable water is available via a spigot at the Ramada 2 entrance. Bear-proof trash cans are provided. The entire facility is ADA accessible via paved paths. Access to Cactus Ramada 1 requires either the Sabino Canyon shuttle service (additional fee) or foot travel approximately 1/3-mile from the parking area. Only one vehicle is allowed inside for supply transport. The recreation area sits along Sabino Creek at 2,800 feet elevation in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the Sonoran Desert landscape with its flowering cacti and desert wildflowers. Pets are not allowed anywhere in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.
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. From the parking area, access the ramada via shuttle or 1/3-mile walk.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 749-8700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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