Spud Rock Spring
Open year-round for backcountry camping. Permits required through Recreation.gov. Water availability is seasonal; call 520-733-5153 for current conditions. Turkey Creek trailhead access road requires high-clearance 4WD and may be impassable after rain.
Flood Watch issued August 31 at 5:00AM MST until August 31 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
The Flood Watch has expired for a portion of Southeast Arizona, including the following areas, Baboquivari Mountains, Catalina and Rincon Mountains, Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains, South Central Pinal County, Southeast Pinal County, Tucson Metro Area, Upper San Pedro River Valley and Upper Santa Cruz River Valley/Altar Valley. The flash flooding threat has ended. Therefore, the Flood Watch has expired.
Flash Flood Warning issued August 31 at 4:43AM MST until August 31 at 7:00AM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
At 443 AM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. The AZGFD3 and Diamond Bell Ranch alert gauges have recorded 1.5 inches in the last hour and a half. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Three Points, Tucson Estates, Tucson Mountain Park and Ryan AirField. This includes the following highways... Route 86 between mile markers 146 and 160. Route 286 between mile markers 25 and 45. This includes the following streams and drainages... Alambre Wash, Cerro Prieto Wash, Saucito Wash, Altar Wash, Brown Wash, Brawley Wash, Banner Wash, Fresno Wash, Mendoza Wash, South Mendoza Wash and Soto Wash.
Flood Advisory issued August 31 at 5:09AM MST until August 31 at 7:15AM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* WHAT...Urban area and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...North Central Pima County in southeastern Arizona... * WHEN...Until 715 AM MST. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 509 AM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause urban and small stream flooding. Up to 1 inch of rain has fallen. - This includes the following streams and drainages... Guild Wash, Santa Cruz River, Cocio Wash, Blanco Wash, Brawley Wash and Robles Wash, Los. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Marana, Avra Valley, Saguaro National Park West, Picture Rocks and Dove Mountain. - This includes Interstate 10 between mile markers 233 and 246. This includes the following Flash Flood Prone Locations... Manville Rd at Brawley Wash and Twin Peaks Rd between Sanders and Sandario. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Spud Rock Spring offers solitude seekers one of the most remote backcountry camping experiences in Saguaro National Park. Located at 7,400 feet on the eastern slopes of the Rincon Mountains, this small campground features just three designated sites shaded by pines and aspens. The high-elevation setting provides cooler temperatures and a dramatically different environment from the iconic saguaro desert below. Water is available seasonally along the approach trail, though campers should always call ahead to confirm current conditions and carry a minimum of one gallon per person per day. The campground has a composting pit toilet, but facilities are rarely visited by park staff so bringing hand sanitizer is recommended. Campfires are permitted using only dead and downed wood. Reaching Spud Rock requires commitment. Access is generally from the east via Turkey Creek trailhead, which demands a lifted truck or Jeep with four-wheel drive. The road becomes muddy and treacherous after rain. All wilderness camping requires advance permits through Recreation.gov, with a maximum of 6 people per site and stays limited to 5 consecutive nights at this location.
Directions
Access is from the east via Turkey Creek trailhead. The road to the trailhead requires a lifted truck or Jeep with four-wheel drive at minimum. Check road conditions before heading out as it becomes muddy and treacherous after rain. From the trailhead, hike into the wilderness to reach the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $4 - $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 733-5153 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!