Saguaro National Park Wilderness Permits
Open
— Open year-round for backcountry camping with advance reservations through Recreation.gov. Winter (December-February) can bring snow at higher elevations. Extreme summer heat at lower elevations often exceeds 100°F; early morning starts before sunrise are essential for summer trips.
About
The Saguaro Wilderness in the Rincon Mountain District contains the only campgrounds in Saguaro National Park. Six designated backcountry campgrounds are scattered throughout this 57,930-acre wilderness, ranging from Douglas Spring at 6 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain to Manning Camp at 8,000 feet in a ponderosa pine forest. These sky island mountains rise dramatically from saguaro-studded desert through grasslands and oak woodlands to mixed conifer forests. Permits are required for all overnight stays and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov at $8 per campsite per night.
Water availability is the critical concern in this wilderness. All campgrounds are located near intermittent streams or springs that may be dry for much of the year. Manning Camp typically has the most reliable water, though all sources require treatment. Surface water scarcity demands careful trip planning and carrying sufficient water. The wilderness offers exceptional solitude and biodiversity, with trails accessing five different trailheads of varying difficulty. Spring and fall provide ideal conditions, while summer temperatures can exceed 110°F at lower elevations and winter brings snow to higher camps.
Directions
Six wilderness campgrounds are accessed via five trailheads of varying difficulty. Easy access: Douglas Spring Trailhead (east end of Speedway Blvd, 24-hour access) and Tanque Verde Ridge Trailhead (inside park scenic loop, accessible 7am-sunset). Moderate access: Miller Creek and Turkey Creek Trailheads via I-10 exit 297, then 16 miles north on USFS Route 35 (graded gravel); Loma Alta Trailhead north of Old Spanish Trail. Difficult access: Italian Spring Trailhead via Redington Road, requiring high-clearance vehicle for final miles. Minimum hike distances range from 4.4 to 15+ miles to reach campgrounds.
Nearby Campgrounds
