Peppersauce

Campground · Arizona · 1 bookable site ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Coronado National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1
Bookable site
22 ft
Max rig length
up to 35
People per site
4,623 ft
Elevation
Peppersauce Campground near Oracle, Az
Photo: Coronado National Forest · Recreation.gov

Overview

With its picturesque vegetation and dramatic setting at the foot of 9,157' Mt. Lemmon in southeastern Arizona, Peppersauce Campground is an outstanding area for enjoying an afternoon picnic or a weekend campout. This year-round facility is a popular stop among off-road vehicle enthusiasts and families. Hunting, hiking and scenic driving opportunities are nearby. It is located 8 miles from the town of Oracle.

Recreation

The Santa Catalina Mountains are known for their exceptional hiking. Hikers can find access to the Arizona Trail, which runs from Mexico to Utah, about 5 miles from the campground along Forest Road 38. Off-road vehicle trails are also available in the area.

A few nearby caves afford visitors the opportunity for caving and spelunking.

Facilities

Peppersauce Campground has one reservable group camping area for up to 35 people at a time. The facility is equipped with vault toilets, several tables and benches, a grill, campfire rings and lantern posts. The parking area can hold up to 10 vehicles. First-come, first-served individual campsites are also available.

A campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.

Natural Features

Campsites at Peppersauce are spread throughout a creekside oasis of enormous Arizona sycamore and walnut trees that provide shade in summer and color in autumn. The campground sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet alongside Peppersauce Creek. The creek is normally dry except during heavy rains or the area's summer monsoon season. Campers should be aware that the creek is prone to flash flooding during rain events.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore several historic, cultural and natural attractions within a day trip, including the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2, the city of Tucson, Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.

The facts

  • Season: Year-round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 1 bookable site
  • Vehicles up to 22 ft
  • Up to 35 people per site
  • Loops: PEPPERSAUCE

Site types

  • 1 Group Standard Area Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Peppersauce

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
Group AreaPEPPERSAUCEGroup Standard Area Nonelectric——22 ft35 🐾

Getting there

From 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.

32.53833, -110.71639 · 32°32'18.0"N 110°42'59.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 92°F in Jun, down to 55°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F565864718292919086776455
Low °F353742465666696763524236
Precip in2.32.11.70.60.50.34.33.81.81.11.32.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Peppersauce

Can you reserve a site at Peppersauce?
Yes, Peppersauce is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Peppersauce have?
1 site.
What is the maximum RV length at Peppersauce?
22 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Peppersauce?
Yes, pets are allowed at Peppersauce.

Also listed by

Peppersauce also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Peppersauce's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Single site: $15. With Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access pass $7.50. Group site: $50 plus $10 per vehicle. Payable with cash or check.

Restrictions:

  • RV Camping is 22 feet and less. No RV hook-ups. Trailers are discouraged as the sites are small and there are no pull-throughs. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground or picnic area. Pets must leashed at all times. Please Pack it in, pack it out. Limit of 2 vehicles and 10 persons per

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Peppersauce

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

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