Peppersauce
4.3217 reviewsMount Lemmon Road, Oracle, AZ 85623, USA
Peppersauce
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peppersauce daily group site fee is $50.00. Fees are subject to seasonal adjustments and do not include reservation service fees or taxes.
About this campground
Nestled at the base of majestic Mt. Lemmon in southeastern Arizona, Peppersauce Campground offers an enchanting creekside retreat where towering Arizona sycamores and ancient walnut trees create a natural cathedral of shade. This hidden gem beckons adventurers with its dramatic desert-mountain landscape, inviting visitors to explore winding hiking trails, test their skills on rugged off-road routes, or simply relax with a picnic while soaking in the stunning scenery that defines this unique corner of the Southwest.
Peppersauce Campground provides options for group and tent camping, emphasizing a rustic and natural experience.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp at Peppersauce opens doors to some of Arizona's most fascinating destinations. Journey to the futuristic Biosphere 2, where science meets imagination, or explore the vibrant culture of nearby Tucson. Stand among the iconic giants at Saguaro National Park, hike through the stunning rock formations of Sabino Canyon, or descend into the mysterious depths of Colossal Cave, where centuries of geological and human history await discovery.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the raw power of nature at Peppersauce, where summer monsoons transform the typically peaceful creek into a rushing torrent, painting the landscape with dramatic flash floods that showcase the desert's volatile beauty. As winter descends, snow blankets the higher elevations, occasionally closing access roads and turning the campground into a serene, isolated wonderland for those lucky enough to be there when the flakes begin to fall.
ElevationPerched at 4,700 feet above sea level, Peppersauce Campground provides a refreshing escape from the desert heat below. This elevated sanctuary delivers crisp morning air, comfortable summer temperatures, and a front-row seat to nature's seasonal transformations, from the golden hues of autumn to the occasional winter snowfall that dusts the surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryFollow the gentle curves of Peppersauce Creek as it winds through the campground, creating intimate camping spots beneath a living canopy of sycamore and walnut trees. In autumn, these gentle giants burst into a symphony of gold and amber, while summer finds them offering blessed shade to weary travelers. Though the creek bed often runs dry, revealing smooth stones and sandy patches perfect for exploration, monsoon rains can quickly transform it into a powerful waterway, reminding visitors of the dynamic forces that shape this remarkable landscape.
Geological RegionThe Santa Catalina Mountains cradle Peppersauce Campground in their rugged embrace, showcasing southeastern Arizona's dramatic geological story. Here, where ancient rock formations meet the serpentine path of Peppersauce Creek, visitors witness the ongoing dance between stone and water. During monsoon season, the usually placid creek demonstrates its sculptural power, carving deeper into the mountain's flanks and creating an ever-changing canvas of erosion and renewal that has shaped this landscape for millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources.
Sites SizeGroup campsites accommodate up to 35 people and 10 vehicles. Individual sites' dimensions are not specified.
Sites PrivacySites are located in a creekside setting with large Arizona sycamore and walnut trees offering privacy and natural shading.
Total Campsites35 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group site accommodates 35 people.
Groups
The group camping area accommodates up to 35 people and 10 vehicles. It requires crossing a dry wash, which may be passable only by SUVs or trucks due to rocky terrain and steep approach angles. Trailers are discouraged.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spread along Peppersauce Creek and include individual and one group site. Group site parking accommodates up to 10 vehicles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with reservations available from June 20 to December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual campsites are first-come, first-served. Group sites have no clear enforcement for reservations, according to some user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before the arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's use fee. For group sites, late cancellations apply starting 14 days or fewer before check-in.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Peppersauce Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and camping. The area is renowned for access to the Arizona Trail and off-road vehicle trails. Nearby caves allow for caving and spelunking opportunities.
Hiking
The Santa Catalina Mountains are known for exceptional hiking opportunities. The Arizona Trail, which spans from Mexico to Utah, is accessible approximately 5 miles from the campground along Forest Road 38. This proximity provides avid hikers with a unique outdoor experience.Wildlife viewing
The creekside location and natural features of Peppersauce Campground make it excellent for wildlife viewing. Visitors should be aware of the presence of bears and other wildlife in the area.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but it is noted that snow can make roads impassable for vehicles during bad weather.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are not applicable due to the typically dry creek.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted only in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsFlash flooding during rains or monsoon season, and wildlife such as bears.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 17.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available for waste disposal on-site. Food storage lockers are provided to secure items and deter wildlife such as bears.
Proximity to water featuresNext to Peppersauce Creek, which is usually dry but flows during heavy rains.
Common complaintsSome reviewers reported issues with reservation enforcement for group sites and restroom maintenance.
HostA campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.
Campground Map
Mount Lemmon Road, Oracle, AZ 85623, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The road going into the group site is impassible for most low clearance passenger cars, trailers, and RVs. Trailers are discouraged, as sites are small and do not have pull-throughs. A two-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle is generally sufficient to ascend the control road to Mt. Lemmon from the campground, except during bad weather when a four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle is needed. Snow can quickly make the control road impassable in winter.Nearby places
Oracle (8 miles), Tucson (approximately 37 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
17 reviews
Peppersauce is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some praising the campground's natural beauty and unique setting, while others have noted logistical issues such as insufficient parking and unclear reservation systems.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the serene environment, large trees, and proximity to outdoor activities like hiking and caving. 'The trees are lovely. I think every spot there is a great spot!' Others have...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common concerns raised by users include unclear reservation systems for the group camping area, insufficient bathroom supplies, and difficult terrain for accessing certain sites. 'The group site...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests are advised to bring their own toilet paper and firewood due to the lack of provisions on-site. It is recommended to use high-clearance vehicles to access the group camping area and avoid...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Several reviews emphasize that the terrain and road conditions can change drastically during the monsoon season or winter months. Snow may make roads impassable, and the creek is prone to flash...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Peppersauce Canyon is a beautiful canyon and campground.'
2. 'The site was very clean and nice, but our friends had to park elsewhere as they could not get into the group site.'
3. 'Able to cross...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The group camping area has received mixed reviews. Some visitors found it challenging to access due to rocky terrain, while others successfully navigated the area using high-clearance vehicles....
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews are available discussing the accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention experiences or policies related to pets.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025