Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

Campground · Arizona · 4 bookable sites ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (National Monument) · Open Access

4
Bookable sites
up to 5
People per site
2,285 ft
Elevation
A mountain surrounded by cacti.
Photo: NPS Photo/Cate Blanch · Recreation.gov

Overview

Alamo Canyon Campground sits nestled at the base of the Ajo mountains in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This primitive campground provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Sonoran Desert, along with spectacular night sky viewing and peaceful quiet.

Recreation

Along with photography and birding, hiking is ideal here. There is a 0.9 mile one way trail that leads into Alamo Canyon from the campground. Beyond the campground there are miles of hiking trails laced around Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, some easy, others more strenuous. Always carry water and snacks, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. Stop at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for recommendations.

Facilities

Alamo Canyon Campground has four campsites with charcoal grills, picnic tables, a pit toilet, and trash cans. It is tent camping only; RVs, motorhomes, and trailers are not permitted. Wood fires and ground fires are not allowed. Generators are prohibited.

Natural Features

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument exhibits an extraordinary collection of plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. This is a showcase for creatures who have adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and little rainfall that characterize this Southwest region. Thirty-one species of cacti have mastered the art of living in this place, including the park's namesake and the giant saguaro. Here, the life of the Sonoran Desert is protected and allowed to flourish under nearly ideal wilderness conditions. The monument is an outstanding natural preserve where one of the Earth's major ecosystems survives almost unspoiled.

Nearby Attractions

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument exhibits an extraordinary collection of plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. This is a showcase for creatures who have adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and little rainfall that characterize this Southwest region. Thirty-one species of cacti have mastered the art of living in this place, including the park's namesake and the giant saguaro. Here, the life of the Sonoran Desert is protected and allowed to flourish under nearly ideal wilderness conditions. The monument is an outstanding natural preserve where one of the Earth's major ecosystems survives almost unspoiled.

The facts

  • 4 bookable sites
  • Up to 5 people per site
  • Loops: PRIMITIVE-No water/electric/generators

Site types

  • 4 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Pets allowed
  • Water hookups — not available
  • Campfires allowed — not available
  • Shade — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

4 campsites at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

Check-in 01:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
1PRIMITIVE-No water/electric/generatorsTent Only Nonelectric———5 🐾
2PRIMITIVE-No water/electric/generatorsTent Only Nonelectric———5 🐾
3PRIMITIVE-No water/electric/generatorsTent Only Nonelectric———5 🐾
4PRIMITIVE-No water/electric/generatorsTent Only Nonelectric———5 🐾

Getting there

There is no road sign along the highway for the Alamo Canyon Road

  • Alamo Canyon Road is located at milepost 65.5 on the east side of AZ State Route 85, on the north side of the concrete bridge that crosses Alamo Wash. Alamo Canyon Campground is located at the end of the Alamo Canyon Road. The road is a three-mile graded dirt road suitable for most cars.
  • From the North (Phoenix): take I-10 East to AZ SR 85 south. Or, take I-10 east to AZ SR 347 south, to AZ 238 west, to AZ SR 85 south. 
  • From the East (Tucson): take AZ SR 86 to Why, then turn left on AZ SR 85, heading south.  
  • From the West (Yuma/California): follow I-8 to Gila Bend or I-10 to Buckeye, to AZ SR 85 south.  
  • From the South (Sonoyta, Mexico): travel north towards Lukeville, AZ on Mexico Rt. 2. Once across the border into the United States, continue north onto AZ SR 85.

32.07294, -112.72809 · 32°4'22.6"N 112°43'41.1"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 104°F in Jul, down to 70°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F717379869310210410399907970
Low °F414347525968767570594841
Precip in1.00.90.80.30.20.11.31.80.80.60.41.1

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

$16 per night, $8 per night with an Interagency Senior or Access Pass

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

Can you reserve a site at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground?
Yes, Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground have?
4 sites.
Are pets allowed at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground.
Does Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground have hookups?
No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground?
Campfires are not allowed at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground.

Camping near Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.