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Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground, near Ajo, Arizona, is a cozy spot for those seeking a quiet escape in the heart of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. With just a handful of sites, it offers a more intimate camping experience surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and towering cacti.

This campground is perfect for tent campers and van enthusiasts, featuring vault toilets and trash bins, but be prepared—there's no drinking water or cell service here. Visitors have noted the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper describing it as “almost a backcountry experience,” making it ideal for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

The area is a great launching point for exploring the park's trails, including the scenic Alamo Canyon trail, which winds through beautiful desert flora. While the sites are close together, the surrounding shrubs provide a bit of privacy, and many appreciate the serene vibe. Just remember to snag a reservation ahead of time, as spots can fill up quickly. If you're after solitude and a taste of the wild, Alamo Canyon is a solid choice for your next camping adventure.

Description

National Park Service

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

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 .9 mile point to point 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

Along with photography and birding, hiking is ideal here. There is a .9 mile point to point 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.

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

Lukeville Port of Entry to Mexico - approximately 18 miles (29 km) south of Alamo Canyon Campground following SR 85. Gas is available.__ Historic Ajo, AZ - approximately 26 miles (42 km) north of Alamo Canyon Campground following SR 85. Gas, restaurants, shops, an art gallery, and groceries are available.__

Fee Info

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

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Location

Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Coordinates

32.072943 N
112.728093 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 21, 2024

Quiet and peaceful

I love how out of the way this campground is and how small. The sites are kind of close together but there are shrubs so it’s mostly private.

I have SOS service on my phone.

Make your reservations before you get to the park. Unlike me. I was lucky to snag my spot.

Site2
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2023

Small CG for the tenters and vans

Small CG, only 4 sites. No RVs, TTs allowed. Vault toilet, trash bins, but no water and no cell signal. 3 miles of graded gravel road from hwy. $16/$8 senior. Need to pay at visitor center or online but with no cell signal... Guess a good spot for a Starlink neighbor! Sites are close together in a tight circle... Limited privacy.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument by Greg L., December 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument by Greg L., December 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument by Greg L., December 6, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 4, 2021

Border Patrol parking lot

We were unable to camp due to high volume Border Patrol activity. Not sure if this is the norm but there were at least 15 border patrol vehicles parked throughout the small camping area. It took away the serenity of the place. We elected to camp at the Twin Peaks Campground for just $6/night more, which was uncrowded , offered ramada shade covering and showers.

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2020

almost a backcountry experience

Fair warning that I didnt actually get to stay at this campground, it was full already.  It has a very small amount of campsites, so not a place to count on without a reservation.  But if you are lucky enough to get a reservation, the campground looks great!  

When we checked out the campground, for future plans, (yet to be realized ;) ) it was a super quiet, almost secluded setting.  I think the noise level varies with who else is camping nearby, but I would imagine it is usually people looking for a more backcountry experience than they would get at a normal campground. We did not see water or fire pits. 

If you want a backcountry camping experience that is a little less daunting this is the place for you!  Lots to see in the park and then you can retreat back to your spot in nature! 

This campground is on my list of places to camp in Arizona on a future visit :)

Siten/a
Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has water hookups.

  • What is the elevation of Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?

    Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located at 2263 feet.

  • Does Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?

    There are 4 campsites at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts