
Campsites & amenities
Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.
- Campsites
- 1
- Max rig length
- 22 ft
About this campground
Overview With its picturesque vegetation and dramatic setting at the foot of 9,157' Mt. Lemmon in southeastern Arizona, Peppersauce Campground is an outstanding area for enjoying an afternoon picnic or a weekend campout. This year-round facility is a popular stop among off-road vehicle enthusiasts and families. Hunting, hiking and scenic driving opportunities are nearby. It is located 8 miles from the town of Oracle.Recreation The Santa Catalina Mountains are known for their exceptional hiking. Hikers can find access to the Arizona Trail, which runs from Mexico to Utah, about 5 miles from the campground along Forest Road 38. Off-road vehicle trails are also available in the area. A few nearby caves afford visitors the opportunity for caving and spelunking.Facilities Peppersauce Campground has one reservable group camping area for up to 35 people at a time. The facility is equipped with vault toilets, several tables and benches, a grill, campfire rings and lantern posts. The parking area can hold up to 10 vehicles. First-come, first-served individual campsites are also available. A campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.Natural Features Campsites at Peppersauce are spread throughout a creekside oasis of enormous Arizona sycamore and walnut trees that provide shade in summer and color in autumn. The campground sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet alongside Peppersauce Creek. The creek is normally dry except during heavy rains or the area's summer monsoon season. Campers should be aware that the creek is prone to flash flooding during rain events. Nearby Attractions Visitors can explore several historic, cultural and natural attractions within a day trip, including the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2, the city of Tucson, Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.
Getting there
From Tucson, drive north on Oracle Road (U.S. Highway 89). Continue for 27 miles to State Highway 77. Turn right (east) and drive 10 miles to the town of Oracle. Take the first Oracle exit and travel 4 miles through the town to Forest Road 38. Follow 38 to Peppersauce Canyon. Please note: the speed limit is 5 mph inside the campground and 35 mph outside the campground on Forest Road 38.
Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
- VISITOR CENTER
- PICNICKING
- HUNTING
- HIKING
- CAMPING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- PALISADES RANGER RESIDENCE CABINCoronado National Forest9 mi
- SHOWERS POINT GROUP SITECoronado National Forest9 mi
- WHITETAIL CAMPGROUNDCoronado National Forest9 mi
- ROSE CANYONCoronado National Forest10 mi
- MOLINOCoronado National Forest14 mi
- SABINO CANYON RECREATION AREA CACTUS RAMADA 1Coronado National Forest16 mi
Chasing a California trip?
We watch every California State Park around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out campsite opens up. Recreation.gov alerts are on the roadmap.
Browse California State Parks →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.