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Map showing campground location near Oracle, Arizona
Camper submitted image from Peppersauce CampgroundView 34 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Oracle, Arizona

Peppersauce Campground

7 ReviewsAdd Review

Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to observe at Peppersauce Campground, where wild turkeys, deer, javelina, and coatimundi regularly move through the sites. This Forest Service campground sits along a dirt access road that becomes challenging after rain, with RVs limited to 22 feet due to the terrain.

The campground operates year-round at elevation, providing cooler temperatures during Arizona's summer months. Vault toilets serve the sites, though some lack functioning locks. Well water is available when the system operates properly. Most sites offer shade from the surrounding trees, and seasonal creek flow adds to the forest atmosphere during winter and spring months.

Traffic passes through regularly heading to a youth academy at the road's end, creating steady vehicle movement from early morning until late evening. Cell service is nonexistent, making this a true disconnect from digital life. "Perfect area for kids to explore and see wildlife," notes Brianna W.. The $15 nightly fee goes into a self-service box at the entrance.

Campers exploring the area can find [campgrounds around Coronado National Forest] for additional options. Dispersed camping is available further up the forest road for those seeking more solitude away from the through traffic.

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Location

Public Campground

Peppersauce Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Address

Mount Lemmon Road
Oracle, AZ 85623

Coordinates

32.5383333 N
110.7163889 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the spacious, shaded sites and wildlife viewing opportunities as highlights. Many mentioned traffic from a nearby academy creates noise throughout the day, though reactions varied from manageable to disruptive.

Brianna W.
Reviewed May. 2, 2022

Nice Little Escape

Great place to escape! Only about 1 hour outside of Tucson but completely in the country. Perfect area for kids to explore and see wildlife. We spotted both turkeys and deer and were visited by some cotamundi as well. Unplug and relax as there is no cell service but easy access to toilets and water when needed. There can be a lot of traffic at the camp ground due to a boys camp in the area and UTV/Razor rentals near by but drive farther past the camp ground and there is dispersed camping as well. We visit here often and always enjoy our stay.

SiteSite #4
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Brianna W., May 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Brianna W., May 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Brianna W., May 2, 2022
Robert G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2021

Well shaded campground near Mt Lemon

Affordable campground for mostly tent and "car camping". Vault toilets we lacking locks. At the time of this writing, the water was not working because the previous years fire melted the water supply line to the camp but the ranger indicated that it was being fixed in the next couple of months. No cell service whatsoever. Get there early, it fills up!

Sitegroup
Month of VisitApril
Emma J.
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2021

Lots of wildlife

This campground is located about 12 minutes outside of Oracle, AZ and is a great place to go to disconnect (no cell reception). We spent two nights here and had a great time! The campground had bathrooms, running well water and bear safes, as well as campfire rings and picnic tables. There are some lovely hikes very close to the campsite, but we were unable to check them out since we have a dog with a hurt paw :( There’s abundant wildlife, and both mornings we woke up to the sound of wild turkeys checking out our setup. The fee is $15 per night, which you drop in a box at the entrance to the campground. We didn’t ever see a host, but it could be because of the season, considering we were basically alone the entire time. There is however a lot of traffic going through the campsite because of a school at the end, but the cars didn’t bother us (in fact they made us feel a little safer knowing there were other people around). The road going in is a dirt road and I would definitely not recommend trying it after a rain. P.S. Biosphere 2 is about 30 minutes from the campground and is definitely worth the visit!

  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Emma J., February 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Emma J., February 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Emma J., February 5, 2021
  • (4) View All
Bradley B.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Nice little campground

We showed up on a Wednesday in November and we were the only ones there. There is a lot of traffic going through camp heading to an academy on the west end of the campground but not a lot after 8 pm. We saw lots of wildlife in just one night. Very fun little campground.

  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Bradley B., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Bradley B., November 6, 2020
Kathleen M.
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2019

Camping at Pepper Sauce Campground.

We went there to camp for 2 nights but because of the constant traffic we only stayed one night. The campgrounds is full of trees. There are several bathrooms. The one closest to us didn’t lock so I used a stick to keep the door closed. There is water to draw and take to your camp. There are mosquitoes and lots of flies so be sure to take some mosquito spray. The camp was lovely with lots of trees and we saw deer and javelina and birds. The only drawback…and it is a big one is there is non-stop traffic. The cars drive in and to the end of the campground where there is a big sign that says RITE OF PASSAGE SICAMORE CANYON ACADEMY which we found out is for troubled teens so it is either the help or the parents constantly driving to and from the academy. Starting just after 6 am until after midnight, even the Pinal County Sheriff drove up there for an hour or so. We won’t go back but I hear if you take the road#29 on google maps right across from the campground you can camp for free. There is just no water, toilets, garbage… and also not all that traffic.

I would rate the campground a 5 if all that traffic was diverted onto their own road.

Site8
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Kathleen M., September 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Kathleen M., September 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Kathleen M., September 12, 2019
  • (10) View All
Michael L.
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2019

Peaceful & Serene!!!!!

We got there early Friday morning, there were Wild Turkeys passing through the area. Way cool!!! Most spots are roomy and Shaded, temps were really nice for Arizona in June, due to the elevation. Met a few campers that had been staying there since Wednesday, and they were really nice people. Highly recommend going here..

  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Michael L., June 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Michael L., June 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Michael L., June 23, 2019
  • (11) View All
Travis D.
Reviewed May. 9, 2017

Great Sycamore trees!

We have camped here multiple times and never seen the actual campground full - bonus! The campground itself is nice but there is some really nice spots just up the Forest Road to the west. There is water flowing in the creeks in the winter and spring. On Friday and and Saturday nights you can expect at least one truck full of high school partners to drive by looking for a bone fire spot, but they move on quickly.

  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Travis D., May 9, 2017
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Travis D., May 9, 2017
  • Review photo of Peppersauce Campground by Travis D., May 9, 2017
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Peppersauce Campground?

Peppersauce Campground offers basic facilities including vault toilets (though some may lack locks), campfire rings, and picnic tables at each site. The campground typically has running well water available for campers to collect and take to their sites, though water systems may occasionally be under maintenance. Each camping area is equipped with bear safes for proper food storage. The campground is primarily designed for tent and car camping, with spacious sites distributed among the trees. There are no electrical hookups or shower facilities available.

Is Peppersauce Cave worth visiting while camping at Peppersauce?

Yes, Peppersauce Cave makes for a worthwhile adventure while camping in the area. The cave system provides an exciting exploration opportunity that complements the outdoor experience. The campground's location, about an hour outside Tucson, makes it an ideal base for visiting this natural attraction. The cave adds an element of adventure to your camping trip, especially for families with children looking to explore beyond the campground. For the best experience, bring appropriate lighting equipment, wear sturdy shoes, and clothing you don't mind getting dirty, as cave exploration can be muddy and challenging.

How do I get to Peppersauce Cave from Peppersauce Campground?

Peppersauce Cave is located near the campground in the same general area. From Peppersauce Campground, you can take the nearby Forest Road that runs to the west. The cave is a relatively short distance from the camping area, making it easily accessible for a day exploration during your camping trip. Since specific trail conditions can change, it's advisable to ask other campers or check for posted information at the campground kiosk for the most current directions to the cave entrance.

What does Peppersauce Campground look like?

Peppersauce Campground is a tree-filled oasis nestled about 12 minutes outside of Oracle, AZ. The camping area features numerous shady sites beneath a mature forest canopy, providing welcome relief from the Arizona sun. Most spots are roomy and well-spaced, with natural surroundings that make it feel secluded. The campground sits at a higher elevation, offering pleasant temperatures even during warmer months. The area is rich with wildlife – visitors commonly spot wild turkeys, deer, and even coatimundi wandering through the campground. Creeks in the vicinity flow seasonally, typically during winter and spring.

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