The best camping near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Marvel at the abundant wildlife and beauty in the only place in the United States where the organ pipe cactus grows wild. This National Monument and UNESCO biosphere reserve is in southern Arizona. The park spans 517 square miles and offers tons of hiking trails of all difficulty levels. Bring your map, compass, camera, hat, and lots of water. It can be scorching hot here, even in September.

Some of the best hiking is off the beaten trails and out in the canyons. If you favor something tamer, try the easy 1-mile loop around Twin Peaks Campground. If you're headed out at dawn or sunset, take the Desert View Trail: an easy 1.2-mile loop to beautiful vistas with benches. Need a challenge? The 3-mile Bull Pasture trail is a difficult one with steep grades, exposed cliffs and spectacular views of Mexico.

Give your legs a rest and take the very popular 21-mile Ajo Mountain Drive. This scenic route with expansive views is on mostly gravel roads that twist and turn. It's a popular biking road too, so share the road safely. Bikes are allowed on all roads open to vehicle traffic in the monument but are not allowed on the hiking trails.

Organ Pipe Cactus has two campgrounds that let visitors choose between modern comforts and a more primitive wilderness setting. There are also multiple zones designated for backcountry camping. Visitors are often surprised at how uncrowded, peaceful and green this remote park is. If you're seeking serenity, solitude and spectacular hiking, this national monument is a no-brainer.

Pro tip: Camping at the monument's campgrounds booked up? See all of your nearby public campground options and search for camping on private land with Hipcamp.