The best camping near Picacho Peak State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Picacho Peak State Park adventure.

100% (4 reviews)
100% (4 reviews)

Challenging hikes by day, wifi to relax to when you're done—what's not to love?  

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Community favorites near Picacho Peak State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Picacho Peak State Park

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Camp Saguaro

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Tucson, AZ
Camp Saguaro is nestled in a unique and rural area on the west side of Tucson, Arizona. With the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center, Tucson Mountain Park, and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum all within four miles, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors. Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park boast hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and non-motorized mountain bikes are permitted on the trails in Tucson Mountain Park. Let us be your base camp for desert exploration whether it's hiking, riding, birdwatching, and learning. Come to Camp Saguaro and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. What to expect: We are in a rural neighborhood where most parcels are 1-3 acres, we have seven acres. It's quiet around here but along with the natural sounds of the desert like yipping coyotes, and woodpeckers pecking, you may hear a horse, dog, or chicken. While we are on the outskirts of Tucson, we are not completely remote. We have carved our sites out of the natural layout of the desert. There are many kinds of cactus in our area in addition to the magnificent Saguaro, and uneven areas when walking. We keep it as natural as possible. We have a small "Mercantile" on property. This is our office, but we also have items you may have forgotten, and souvenirs made by local artists. Also available is firewood, and ice is for sale for your convenience. We have a small Laundry Shack (two washers, two dryers). You'll need cash for these things, we do not take any other form of payment at this time. Camp Saguaro is tobacco-free. Local attractions: Saguaro National Park- 2.3 miles or 2.6 miles to an entrance, 3.7 miles to the visitor center Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum-3.9 miles Tucson Mountain Park-2.5 miles Old Tucson Studios (over 400 movies have been filmed here)-7.1 miles King's Canyon Trailhead-3.8 miles Necessities: Gasoline-Speedway 5.7 miles Propane-Wagon Wheel 5.8 miles, West Ajo Feeds 12 miles Hardware-Picture Rocks Hardware 5.6 miles Groceries-Fry's Cortaro Road 14 miles
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$30
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(81)

Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Avra Valley, AZ
This serene beautiful space was a portion of a property owned by a dear friend of ours who lost his battle with cancer in early 2021. As were his wishes, we have created various rental spaces in which we donate the proceeds to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and several local animal shelters. Learn more about this land: Welcome to Avra Valley, a well-kept secret escape just west of Tucson, Arizona. “The Henry” campsite is surrounded by natural desert plantings as well as gorgeous Eucalyptus trees which are on a drip watering system. The private designated acre offers electrical, water and sewer hookup for a single RV. This is a beautiful desert getaway convenient located close to the Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain Park, Gates Pass, and the Ironwood National Forest. Some local amenities include a Speedway Gas Station, Dollar General, restaurant/bar and a general store all within a 5 minute drive. Come disconnect and enjoy!
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$24
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(77)

GLAMP CAMP STAY at INFINITY RANCH

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Tucson, AZ
🌵 Escape to a 300 acre Private Nature Preserve: Exclusive Private Camping in Tucson, Arizona 🌄 Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Sonoran Desert with our exclusive Private Nature Camping Sites at Infinity Ranch. Rediscovered after 34 years this gated wonderland stood untouched for 3 decades now open for you to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Sierrta Mountain Chain, where rugged landscapes meet starlit skies, and the serenity of nature becomes your personal sanctuary. 🏕️ Secluded Oasis Hidden Yet Close To City Life Discover the magic of our carefully curated private camping sites, nestled behind 7000 acres of Arizona State Trust Land in the outskirts of Tucson . Yet, just 30 to 50 minutes from major tourist venues like: Old Tucson Studios, Pima Air and Space Museum, Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Casino Del Sol, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and many others. This hidden gem offers an intimate escape for those seeking solace in nature's embrace without trekking to far from access to modern amenities. Settle into your campsite surrounded by the enchanting saguaros and mesquite trees that paint the landscape. 🌅 Sunrise Serenity, Sunset Spectacle Awaken to the gentle hues of the sunrise as the desert comes alive with a symphony of colors. Your private camping experience allows you to savor the tranquility of the morning, sipping a steaming cup of coffee or tea while the desert flora welcomes a new day. As the sun begins its descent, witness the breathtaking transformation of the horizon and create in harmony your own personal exclusive sunset ceremony, painting the sky in hues of pink, orange, and gold. Get your camera ready for that Insta Pic. Oh and no worries High Speed Data Cellular Service is available from your preferred carrier.... YEP IN THE MIDDLE OF A SECLUDED PRIVATE NATURE PRESERVE YOUR PHONE WORKS! 🔥 Campfire Tales and Stargazing Delight As the evening unfolds, gather around a your crackling campfire to share stories under the vast desert sky, lose yourself in a mesmerizing stargazing experience. With minimal light pollution, Infinity Ranch's night sky becomes a canvas of celestial wonders, inviting you to marvel at the cosmos like never before. Rated between a Class 2 Truly Dark Sky and a Class 3 Rual Dark Sky on the Bortle Scale 🚀 Tailored Adventures and Guided Exploration Customize your camping adventure with a range of outdoor activities, from hiking through saguaro-studded trails, challenging mountain biking, small off-road ATVs allowed, birdwatching, desert survival skills, history and mining tours, nature photography and STAR GAZING. Our experienced guides are on hand to ensure you make the most of your desert expedition, providing insights into the unique flora, fauna, geological and massive mineral diversity (Fluorite, 3 Types Of Quartz and more) that call Infinity Ranch home. 🌟 Unplug and Reconnect Escape the demands of modern life and embrace the simplicity of nature. Our private camping sites at Infinity Ranch provide you a unique private opportunity to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the desert, where each moment is a precious gift waiting to be discovered. 🌿 Book Your Private Nature Camping Experience Today Launch on your adventure with our exclusive private camping sites in Tucson, Arizona at Infinity Ranch. Limited 4 slots available for Tent, Primative or Self Contained Camper/RV (Up To 24 Ft) Power can be provided for an extra fee of $ 25.00 per day. Potable Water Can Be Provided for a $10 fee. Reserve your spot now and create memories that will last a lifetime. Nature is calling – will you answer?
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$35
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Dark Sky Camping and Glamping

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents763 acres · Tucson, AZ
We moved to this property after a year of searching for the perfect piece of land. We wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. The more we fell in love with the peace and quiet of the desert, the fresh air, and the breathtaking view of the stars at night, the more we wanted to share our oasis with others. We love camping and wanted to be surrounded by others who love it as much as we do! We know some people prefer pitching a tent and complete solitude while others prefer a getaway with a really comfy bed and all the comforts of home! Whether you prefer to camp and would like hundreds of acres to yourselves or you would prefer to glamp in our private 80-acre tiny house village, we are here for you! Choose your adventure! Learn more about this land: Our land is surrounded by gorgeous mountain views and natural desert landscape. With plenty of surrounding vacant land and walking paths to explore, you will never get bored of the scenery.  Get away from neighbors and stretch out as you'll have acres all to yourself. As if the daytime views aren't breathtaking enough, the sunsets light up the sky in cotton candy to bright tangerine hues and magnify the beauty of the mountains. The night sky sparkles with stars and constellations as we are a dark sky community with very minimal light pollution for miles. The sounds of the desert and wildlife help you to get the deepest sleep as there is very little man made noise in our area. You can hike, dirt bike, bring your off-road vehicles, explore our property and rock hound for as many quartz as you can carry! You may even catch a glimpse of some wild horses, cows, bulls, birds, hawks, jackrabbits, and roadrunners! Nearby attractions include Keeylocko Cowtown (self proclaimed historic town just acres away with a old western vibe and bar), Kitt Peak Observatory, Saguaro National Park, Old Tucson, and Downtown Tucson. If you are new to camping, we can also help provide you with some of the necessities you may have forgotten for a small additional fee (chairs, water, tents, blankets etc). We encourage you to ditch your phone and enjoy nature while you are here. You wont want to miss these views! ** Please let us know if you do not have 4-wheel drive and will be towing a trailer, if you have large RV, or a car that doesn’t manage well on dirt roads. We have multiple campsites with different accessibility and want to help you find the perfect spot for your vehicle!
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$29.75
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Booked 7 times

Rosco’s Ranch Mini Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Tucson Estates, AZ
We are nestled in the Tucson Mountains just outside of the Tucson valley, in a quiet, dark skies suburban neighborhood, on 5 partially fenced acres. We live here with our three horses and friendly dog Rosco. We conduct horse classes on the property. If you are interested in a class contact your hostess CIndy. If you are afraid of, or alergic to horses please select a different Hipcamp location. We provide flat gravel pads with desert, mountain, dark sky, and horse turnout views. - 3 level gravelled RV pads 16 x 40 and bigger, with utilities - 3 level gravelled camping pads 16 x 35 We set up a common area with a propane grill, picnic tables, a fire pit, games, and access to our vintage Airstream Gertie, so you can make meals and beverages. This means if you are camping you hardly need to bring any gear to stay with us! We are in a super duper location in West Tucson: Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum: 5.4 miles Casino Del Sol: 4 miles Downtown Tucson: 8 miles Fourth Avenue: 8 miles Gas - 2 miles Groceries, hardware store, pet bath, laundry - 1 mile Kitt Peak National Observatory: 33 miles Mission Garden: 9.6 miles Nogales Mexico: 40 miles Old Tucson: 2.6 miles Pima Air and Space Museum: 17 miles Titan Missile Museum: 27 miles Tohono O’odham San Xavier Del Bac Mission: 7.8 miles Tucson Montain Park and pistol/rifle range: 1.8 miles Tucson Rod and Gun Club: 4 miles Saguaro National Park West: 7 miles Sentinal Peak Park: 6.7 miles U of A Campus: 9.3. miles Come soak up some Sonoran desert vibes there is no place else like it on earth.
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$31.50
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Weary Traveler Haven

4 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Marana, AZ
All weary travelers welcome to our quiet desert haven! With 360 degrees of beautiful views! Our tent site includes a deck platform with securement hooks to assemble your tent on and stay safely elevated off the ground. RVs welcome! We can currently accommodate up to a 36ft travel trailer or horse trailer with living quarters. This is a dry camp area. There is a portable toilet with sink for campers to utilize. We also have an Inverter as a rental option to provide power for an RVer if so desired. We can also fill Fresh Water Tanks for use while camping. We are currently working on a dump station. Also to ensure that we keep our little slice of heaven beautiful, please pack out what you pack in. Please do not leave trash or food at the campsites or leave food unsecured this will attract wildlife which will surely make your camping trip interesting. Our property is surrounded with views of Mount Lemmon, the Tortolita Mountain Park, Black Mountain, Newman Peak, and Picacho Peak. Come enjoy the prolific wildflowers of the desert bloom this spring! Campers can enjoy a warm beautiful sunset and star gazing in the evening, with views of the hazy band of the Milky Way and shooting stars next to the fire pit provided at each site. This is a safe place to get off the road for a bit, or to take a break from the busy/noisy city life, to relax and unwind in nature! Dogs are welcome, but please pick up after your pet! There is also a Round Pen provided for travelers with up to 2 horses with a fill station for water. Feed will be intermittently available to purchase for those in need. Nearby attractions: -Catalina State Park. -Tucson Mountain Park -Saguaro National Park -Oracle State Park -Picacho Peak State Park -Restaurants and groceries within a 25 min radius: -Cadillac Chaparral -The Patio Cafe -River Bottom Grill -Ore House -Lupes -Bub's Grub -Access to state land 1 mile from property for endless desert fun with Miles and Miles of ATV/UTV, Dirt Bike, and Mountain Bike trails! -And Much more......
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$20
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(15)

Freedom in the Catalinas

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Tucson, AZ
Escape to the days when you are with your favorite people and pets, free from everyday obligations and surrounded by beautiful desert, open spaces and fresh air! This Acre has a ramada w/table & chairs, fire pit, lots of privacy, septic & water hookup. Great for solar power enthusiasts! (No electric) Excellent hiking, biking, riding, etc. near Catalina State Park, State Trust land, Zipline in Oracle, Baby Jesus Trail, Rail X Ranch Rd., Willow Springs Rd, Park Links Rd, Charouleau Gap, Pima Pistol Club, and about 3 miles to shopping and restaurants. It’s perfect for an RV that's 30' or less, bumper tow trailers that are 24' max and 5th wheels that are 26' and under. …Avoid crowds and take time to get away … …Life’s better when you add fresh air, warm campfire, bright stars and s’mores …RV spot on 1 acre near Catalina, Oro Valley & Saddlebrook and 20-30 min to Tucson. …Easy access to shopping, dining, hiking & biking and Catalina State Park We are happy to answer any questions you may have and send additional pictures. We will also consider nightly stays depending on season.
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$28
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(52)

Iron Quail Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Marana, AZ
Iron Quail Ranch is a modern off-grid homestead and meat goat ranch. The ranch lies in the center of Avra Valley, Arizona on historic farm and ranch land which has gradually been managed to return to its natural state of mesquites, ironwoods, cacti, and natural grasses. The ranch sits beautifully positioned between Saguaro National Park and Ironwood Forest National Monument. At Iron Quail Ranch we offer you a private and secure RV or tent campsite on 15 acres adjoining over 200,000 acres of public lands. No tent or RV? You can add our "truckwagon" rental as an extra or primary sleeping space to your reservation. There are unobstructed views of Saguaro National Park (West) and a private entrance into Ironwood Forest National Monument. There is abundant wildlife thriving in the riparian watershed on the property. There is easy access to both National parks from the property via ATV/UTV, car/truck, or even horseback. Don't own an off road 4x4 or horse? You can rent our 4x4 ATV as an extra to your campsite reservation. The level campsites can fit everyone from a tent camper up to 40-foot RVs. There is good cell phone reception on all major carriers at the property. Potable water, a sewer dump station, an outdoor kitchen, and a modern outhouse are available on the property. 120v electric charging stations are also available to recharge your small portable electronic devices.
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$30
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Wind Spirit Ecovillage Retreat

13 sites · Lodging, Tents16 acres · Winkelman, AZ
We put the Hippie into Hip Camp! Welcome to Wind Spirit Community – A Desert Oasis and Intentional Community where we are living in harmony with the land and Mother Earth. Do you want to get outside of the matrix? To experience what it's like to live in an eco-conscious and holistic way? Well, you've found the right place! Discover Wind Spirit Community, a 30-year-old intentional community and food forest nestled in the serene Dripping Springs Valley. Wind Spirit is an eclectic desert oasis where abundant wildlife, pristine night skies, and a deep connection to the earth create a magical, transformative experience for all who visit. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time camper, this is a place to unplug, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the harmony of communal living. A Unique Community Experience: Wind Spirit Community is not just a place to stay – it’s a way of life. Over the past three decades, this land has been nurtured into a lush sanctuary filled with mature fruit, nut, and native trees. Wind Spirit has been home to hippies, artists, musicians, bohemian travelers, and free spirits, creating a laid-back atmosphere that invites visitors to unwind, connect, and explore. A Spirit of Sacred Service and Integration: At Wind Spirit, guests are invited to join in communal activities—whether it's sharing a meal at the Wednesday potluck, jamming around the fire pit, getting your hands dirty in the garden, creating art, or offering other talents. There's a place for everyone, and you can choose how involved you'd like to be. Just ask, and our resident members will guide you in contributing something magical! Stay Options: Glamping Tent: Our spacious 16-ft wide octagon bell tent, 9 ft tall at the center, sleeps up to 4 guests. It features a queen-size bed, a full-size futon, a Mr. Buddy propane heater for chilly nights, and several cozy blankets. Guests have access to a nearby shower house and compost eco-toilets for a comfortable stay that blends luxury with nature. Shaded Campsites: Our two campsites offer a peaceful retreat under the shade of native trees. Located just a minute’s walk to the bathrooms and five minutes to the showers, these sites are perfect for guests who prefer a more traditional camping experience. Activities: Yoga Deck: Practice yoga, meditate, or simply relax in one of the hammocks on our outdoor yoga deck surrounded with lush vegetation and decorated with romantic vibacious lights. Communal Fire Circle: We have a beautiful communal fire circle that is big enough to accommodate up to 100 people! We don't allow private fires due to fire safety concerns but all are welcome to come together and gather around the communal fire. You might hear songs or stories or make a lifelong friend! Drum circle and open jam: We have several resident musicians here at Wind Spirit. You'll often hear a tune being played near the yoga deck or at the fire circle. Feel free to bring your instruments to join in or simply enjoy the vibes if that's more your style. Hiking and Climbing: Explore the many hiking trails or check out a nearby climbing spot for some adventure. We've included a list of hiking and climbing spots down below VVV Workshops and Community Events: Guests are welcome to participate in workshops and community events happening throughout the year. Some of the workshops we offer: Yoga Classes, Chi Gong, Meditation, Sharing Circle, Authentic Relating, Angel Walk, Improve Song Circle, Permaculture Classes, Wildcrafting and more! Stargazing: With our low light pollution, higher elevation and dry desert air, Wind Spirit boasts some of the best stargazing in the country. Most nights the milky way is visible and shooting stars are abounding! Bird and Animal Watching: Wind Spirit is a true haven for wildlife, where it's possible to see over 100 wild animals each day! From rabbits and birds to bobcats, javelinas, and badgers, the property teems with life. You'll also find road runners, hawks nesting nearby, owls, bats, and occasionally even a mountain lion or bear. We've cultivated a harmonious relationship with these creatures, many of whom have grown so comfortable with us that they might even take food from our hands. Wednesday Potluck: Every Wednesday all the residents of the community gather to have a communal feast and guests are welcome to join too! We only ask that you also bring a dish to share! Community Guidelines: - Quiet hours start at 10:00 PM to preserve the peaceful atmosphere. - Cell phone service is limited on the property but there is cell service at the top of a 10 minute hike or within a 2 minute drive away from the property. - Guests are asked to put their cellphones on airplane mode to minimize disruption to wildlife (they are affected by the signal). - Please avoid using strong fragrances or burning incense. - No cigarettes are allowed on the property; smokers may walk down to the road (about a 5 min walk from each of the campsites). - We are 420-friendly, but ask that you smoke in a private place away from communal areas and also do not smoke inside our glamping tent or any other community buildings. - This is an alcohol-free property: please refrain from bringing any alcohol. - Respect for the land and its residents is paramount – seek to exist in harmony with nature while you’re here. Please leave the land the same or better than you found it! - Come as You Are: Wind Spirit is more than a getaway – it's a journey into a sustainable, earth-conscious way of life. We welcome you to experience the healing energy of this desert sanctuary and be a part of our community, even if just for a little while. Nearby Hikes and Climbing: Coyote Head - On the property Dripping Spring - 6 Minutes Homestead Climbing Area - 10 Minutes Badger Ranch - 18 Minutes Aravaipa Canyon (really special hike, requires a hiking permit) - 42 Minutes Pinal County Regional Trail - 43 Minutes White Canyon Wilderness - 50 Minutes Tiger Mine Trailhead - 58 Minutes Magma Ave Trailhead - 59 Minutes Devil's Canyon - 1 Hour 3 Minutes Legends of Superior Trails - 1 Hour 7 Min Haunted Canyon - 1 Hour 9 Min 5 Pools - 1 Hour 20 Minutes
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$33.33
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(68)

Wild Burro Desert Retreat

1 site · RV5 acres · Marana, AZ
We are empty-nesters enjoying our retirement years on our 5 beautiful acres in Marana, AZ. We are conveniently located just 7.7 miles (15 minutes) east of I-10.' *Please note: We do not allow tent, truck, or car camping. All guests must have a self contained, trailer, RV, or camper van with a working toilet. We have full hook ups with a 30 amp electrical service. We enjoy traveling in our trailer and have recently determined that we would love to provide a convenient, beautiful and peaceful camping experience for others! We have beautiful mountain views and are adjacent to the Tortolita Preserve. (2,400 acres) The reserve offers trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. We have cleared a portion of our land, far enough away from our home, in order for our guests to experience a taste of desert beauty and privacy. If you enjoy wildlife, know that it is very likely you will see cottontail rabbits, jack rabbits, javelina, and more. You may wish to visit the Ritz Carlton - Dove Mountain which is just a short 6.3 miles up the hill. There, you can enjoy a delicious meal and/or the best of golfing. Dove Mountain Brewing is 2.7 miles down the hill and offers locally handcrafted beer! Enjoy the best beer and grilled food while playing darts or watching your favorite sports team on TV. The best thing about our property is the feeling of being secluded yet having everything else nearby. There is certainly no shortage of things to do and no shortage of desert beauty here at the Wild Burro Desert Retreat! PLEASE NOTE: We do not allow tent camping nor camping in trucks or cars. All guests must have a self contained trailer or RV. Thank you!
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$45
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The best camping near Picacho Peak State Park guide

Overview

About

Challenge yourself big time when you climb to the top and enjoy the prominent 1,500-foot peak of this state park. It's a tough climb, but you're tough, too, and there are cables to help you make it to the top.

As you wind up the peak, snapshots of the sea of wildflowers below and stopping to enjoy the view (and catch your breath!). Visitors traveling along I-10 have easy access to this outstanding desert park that has unique geological significance.

Stop at the visitor center to learn about the growth and historical importance of this region. Make sure you take plenty of water on your hike, as it's easy to become dehydrated in the desert. (And bring gloves for those cables.)

This park has 85 campsites available, all with electricity and available to RVs or tents. No water or sewer hookups, but here's a touch of luxury: High-speed Wi-Fi is available!

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book well in advance to secure your spot amid the popular camping seasons.
  • Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan.

When to go

The best time to visit Picacho Peak State Park is from fall to spring, when the weather is cooler and the desert landscape is in full bloom. Summer visits are less ideal due to the extreme heat, which can exceed 100°F, making outdoor activities challenging.

Know before you go

  • Check weather conditions before your visit, as the park is subject to extreme temperatures.
  • Wear appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy shoes and sun protection.
  • Bring plenty of water, as hydration is crucial in the desert environment.
  • Be aware of wildlife and keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter.
  • Review the park's trail maps and plan your route in advance to maximize your visit.

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