Established Camping
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
Location
Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located in Arizona
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TFair
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 42 min from Phoenix
- 4 hrs 54 min from Tucson
- 5 hrs 7 min from Yuma
- 5 hrs 51 min from Sierra Vista
