Sycamore Campground
4.6913 reviewsSycamore Campground
$7.50 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single Site: $15 per night, discounted to $7.50 with Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass. Double Site: $30 per night. Payment methods accepted include cash or checks on-site.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Chiricahua Mountains at 6,200 feet, Sycamore Campground beckons adventurers with its symphony of cascading waterfalls and the gentle murmur of Turkey Creek. This tranquil mountain retreat wraps visitors in a canopy of shade while offering modern conveniences at each campsite, complete with picnic tables and grills for memorable outdoor meals. Here, where wildflowers dance in the breeze and the creek sings its ancient song, you'll discover the perfect balance between wilderness adventure and comfortable camping.
The campground offers traditional camping options with a focus on a primitive, rugged experience.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where millennia of stories are written in stone and tradition. The Chiricahua Mountains stand as monuments to both geological wonder and human heritage, bearing witness to countless generations of Native American culture. These sacred peaks have shaped the lives and legends of the indigenous peoples who first called this region home, creating a tapestry of history that enriches every visit to this remarkable mountain sanctuary.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of mountain seasons at Sycamore, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer days warm to a comfortable 85°F, perfect for creek-side relaxation and shaded hikes, while winter nights dip to a crisp 32°F, transforming the campground into a serene wonderland. The year-round flowing creek and protective tree canopy create natural climate control, making this destination a four-season paradise for those who appreciate nature's changing moods.
ElevationPerched at 6,200 feet in the sky-reaching Chiricahua Mountains, Sycamore Campground offers the crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures that only high-altitude camping can provide. This elevated paradise places you above the desert heat while keeping you perfectly positioned to explore the diverse ecosystems that thrive at this mountain elevation, where the air is thin but the experiences are rich.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living gallery where towering Ponderosa pines mingle with stately Gambel oaks and vibrant maples along the banks of crystal-clear Turkey Creek. This rare riparian oasis flows year-round, creating a ribbon of life through the mountain landscape. Come spring and summer, nature adds brushstrokes of color as wildflowers burst into bloom, transforming the forest floor into a botanical wonderland that delights photographers and nature lovers alike.
Geological RegionThe Chiricahua Mountains rise like ancient sentinels from the desert floor, their rugged peaks and hidden valleys telling a story millions of years in the making. This geological masterpiece features dramatic rocky clefts, perennial streams that have carved their paths through stone, and spectacular waterfalls that tumble through time-worn channels. During the warmer months, these rocky galleries become nature's display cases for stunning wildflower exhibitions, creating a landscape that seems almost too beautiful to be real.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets may provide basic accessibility, but no specific information is available regarding detailed ADA-compliant features.
Sites SizeSites are described as small; trailers are limited to 16 feet or less.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is minimal, as indicated by some user reviews.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors seeking privacy and quiet should aim for weekday visits. Early arrivals on Friday are recommended for securing a spot during weekends.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit per 60-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit 10 persons per site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites or details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations available. Payment can be made via cash or checks on-site.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews indicate that the campground fills up quickly on weekends as early as Friday afternoon. Walk-ups may find better availability during weekdays.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A variety of activities are supported here, focusing on nature and outdoor exploration. Available options include hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding.
Hiking
The campground provides access to several hiking trails, specifically day hikes and backpacking routes, which are well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts.Biking
The campground allows for mountain biking, though no specific trails or difficulty levels are outlined.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlighted activity, with the creekside and mountainous surroundings providing a natural habitat for various species.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are common in the area, requiring the use of bear-proof containers. User reviews also report scorpions and rattlesnakes as potential hazards.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency services are closest in Douglas. Hospitals and police stations are accessible within a 30-minute drive.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash cans available on-site. Campers are required to pack out all trash, emphasizing a 'leave no trace' policy.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated along Turkey Creek, a perennial stream. Cascading waterfalls and a clear creek run through the area.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention difficulties accessing the campground due to the unpaved road. Some describe noise from neighboring campsites as a concern during weekends. Scorpions and rattlesnakes have also been reported.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Tucson, take I-10 east for 72 miles to US 191. Turn south on US 191 and follow it for 21 miles to AZ 181. Drive 12 miles east to the Turkey Creek turnoff (Forest Road 41). From Douglas, take US 80 two miles west to US 191. Go north on US 191 for 13.5 miles to Sunizona. Take AZ 181 east approximately 14 miles to where it makes a sharp left turn. Continue east on Forest Road 41. Follow FR 41 approximately 9 miles east to the campground.
Accessibility is challenging due to unpaved roads. As stated by user reviews, 'The unpaved road is not for the weak of heart or RVs. A truck, or other vehicle, with a high ground clearance is your best bet.' Some have described the road as a 'long washboarded road,' requiring careful navigation. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.Nearby places
Tucson: 72 miles (approximately 1.5 hours), Douglas: 13.5 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Douglas has grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel within a 30-minute drive. Limited supplies may be available to visitors traveling from Tucson or other nearby towns.
Camper Reviews
4.7
13 reviews
Sycamore Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate a general appreciation for the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the campground but highlight significant challenges such as rough access roads, limited facilities, and high weekend crowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently mention the tranquility, scenic location by Turkey Creek, and the surrounding wilderness. "Perfect for small children! Camping by a stream, waterfall after a short hike," says one...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of water and modern amenities, rough unpaved roads making access difficult for some vehicles, and close proximity of sites resulting in reduced privacy. Several users also...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowding. Use a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the access road safely. Bring sufficient water and supplies due to the absence of potable water and a camp store.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and summer are considered the best seasons, with wildflowers and running water enhancing the scenery. Fall reviews praise the cooler weather, though access may remain challenging year-round.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The unpaved road is not for the weak of heart or RVs," "Quiet and scenery is great," "Campground is small, only 7 sites. No water but clean pit toilets."
Based on 13 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific numbers are not provided in user reviews; however, the campground has only 7 sites, and weekend visits often lead to full occupancy by Friday afternoon.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Few comments address accessibility. Vault toilets may provide some accessibility, but the rugged terrain and lack of modern facilities may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews discuss pet policies or experiences.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025