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.
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.
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.
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
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