Peppersauce
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.
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.
Need to Know
- Peppersauce daily group site fee is $50.00.
The road going into the group site is impassible for most low clearance passenger cars, trailers, and RVs.
- Trailers are discouraged; sites are small and do not have pull-throughs
- No hookups
- No cell phone service
- Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground
- Build fires only in fire rings, stoves, grills or fireplaces provided; you are responsible for keeping fires under control; be sure fire is completely extinguished before leaving
- Please bring your own firewood, as none is provided
- No off-road vehicle riding in the campground or group area
- To ascend the control road up Mt. Lemmon from the campground, a two-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle is sufficient; in bad weather, a four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle is needed; in winter, snow can quickly make the control road impassable by any vehicle
- Bears and other animals live in the area; all food must be secured in the food storage lockers provided or in a hard-sided vehicle; dispose of trash in trash cans
- Click here to learn more about Coronado National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
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.
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.
Contact Information
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Mount Lemmon Road Oracle AZ 85623
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 520-749-8700
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
