Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Cactus Ramada 2
Open — Open year-round for day use from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Parking area is open 24 hours. Contact required at 520-749-8700 within 12 hours before reservation.
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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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).
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure
No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area
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.
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.
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.
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.
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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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.
About
Cactus Ramada 2 is a reservable group picnic site located within the popular Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, a desert oasis at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona. The facility sits at 2,800 feet elevation along Sabino Creek and can accommodate up to 25 people for day-use gatherings. The site features a covered ramada shelter, three accessible picnic tables, one serving table, one large grill, and a bear-proof trash can. A vault restroom is available on-site. Access to Cactus Ramada 2 requires either a 1/3-mile walk from the parking area or a ride on the Sabino Canyon shuttle service (additional fee applies). Only one vehicle is permitted inside the group site for loading and unloading supplies. The recreation area provides an excellent introduction to the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, with saguaro cacti, desert wildflowers in spring, and diverse wildlife including deer, javelina, and numerous bird species. From the ramada, groups have access to three popular hiking trails that explore the dramatic canyons and ridges of the Santa Catalina Front Range. The self-guided Desert Nature Trail near the visitor center offers education about desert plant adaptations. Several trails accommodate mountain biking and horseback riding, though bicycles are prohibited on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The recreation area also features a visitor center, bookstore, and numerous first-come, first-served individual picnic sites.
Directions
From I-10, take exit 250 for Orange Grove Road. Go east on Orange Grove Road and proceed 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Cactus Ramada 1 0.0mi
- Gordon Hirabayashi Campground 6.0mi
- Spencer Canyon Campground 8.1mi
- Whitetail Campground 8.1mi
- Molino Basin Campground 7.4mi
- Showers Point Group Site 8.3mi
- Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin 8.6mi
- Sollers Cabin 8.9mi
- General Hitchcock Campground 8.7mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 749-8700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!