Peppersauce

Star4.13
22 reviews
Mount Lemmon Road, Oracle, AZ 85623, USA

Quick Facts

4,700 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Peppersauce
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peppersauce daily group site fee is $50.00. Fees are subject to seasonal adjustments and do not include reservation service fees or taxes.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
520-749-8700
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What Campers Say

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 22 reviews

119 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews are mixed, with some praising the campground's natural beauty and unique setting, while others have noted logistical issues such as insufficient parking and unclear reservation systems."

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Campground Map

Mount Lemmon Road, Oracle, AZ 85623, USA

Peppersauce

Mount Lemmon Road, Oracle, AZ 85623, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The road going into the group site is impassible for most low clearance passenger cars, trailers, and RVs. Trailers are discouraged, as sites are small and do not have pull-throughs. A two-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle is generally sufficient to ascend the control road to Mt. Lemmon from the campground, except during bad weather when a four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle is needed. Snow can quickly make the control road impassable in winter.
Nearby places
Oracle (8 miles), Tucson (approximately 37 miles)
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Peppersauce

Experience the raw power of nature at Peppersauce, where summer monsoons transform the typically peaceful creek into a rushing torrent, painting the landscape with dramatic flash floods that showcase the desert's volatile beauty. As winter descends, snow blankets the higher elevations, occasionally closing access roads and turning the campground into a serene, isolated wonderland for those lucky enough to be there when the flakes begin to fall.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Shade helps in summer but monsoon flash floods and variable terrain reduce reliability.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn displays 'symphony of gold and amber' in the sycamores and walnuts; excellent season.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mild temps, flowing creek after rains and good hiking conditions make spring appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Snow can make roads impassable and reviews note winter road/terrain issues.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, with reservations available from June 20 to December 31, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Peppersauce

Nestled at the base of majestic Mt. Lemmon in southeastern Arizona, Peppersauce Campground offers an enchanting creekside retreat where towering Arizona sycamores and ancient walnut trees create a natural cathedral of shade. This hidden gem beckons adventurers with its dramatic desert-mountain landscape, inviting visitors to explore winding hiking trails, test their skills on rugged off-road routes, or simply relax with a picnic while soaking in the stunning scenery that defines this unique corner of the Southwest.
Peppersauce Campground provides options for group and tent camping, emphasizing a rustic and natural experience.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Peppersauce Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and camping. The area is renowned for access to the Arizona Trail and off-road vehicle trails. Nearby caves allow for caving and spelunking opportunities.
HikingThe Santa Catalina Mountains are known for exceptional hiking opportunities. The Arizona Trail, which spans from Mexico to Utah, is accessible approximately 5 miles from the campground along Forest Road 38. This proximity provides avid hikers with a unique outdoor experience.
Wildlife viewingThe creekside location and natural features of Peppersauce Campground make it excellent for wildlife viewing. Visitors should be aware of the presence of bears and other wildlife in the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlash flooding during rains or monsoon season, and wildlife such as bears.
Active Alertsnull
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided, essential due to the presence of bears and other wildlife.

Weather at Peppersauce

Reviews

4.1
22 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Peppersauce is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some praising the campground's natural beauty and unique setting, while others have noted logistical issues such as insufficient parking and unclear reservation systems.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the serene environment, large trees, and proximity to outdoor activities like hiking and caving. 'The trees are lovely. I think every spot there is a great spot!' Others have...
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Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns raised by users include unclear reservation systems for the group camping area, insufficient bathroom supplies, and difficult terrain for accessing certain sites. 'The group site...
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Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests are advised to bring their own toilet paper and firewood due to the lack of provisions on-site. It is recommended to use high-clearance vehicles to access the group camping area and avoid...
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Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Several reviews emphasize that the terrain and road conditions can change drastically during the monsoon season or winter months. Snow may make roads impassable, and the creek is prone to flash...
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Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Peppersauce Canyon is a beautiful canyon and campground.' 2. 'The site was very clean and nice, but our friends had to park elsewhere as they could not get into the group site.' 3. 'Able to cross...
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Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The group camping area has received mixed reviews. Some visitors found it challenging to access due to rocky terrain, while others successfully navigated the area using high-clearance vehicles....
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Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews are available discussing the accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences or policies related to pets.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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