Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

Star4.56
101 reviews
10 Organ Pipe Drive, Ajo, AZ, 85321
Stargazing

Quick Facts

2,283 ft

Price

$8 - $16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground
$8.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$16 per night per site; $8 per night with an Interagency Senior or Access Pass. A separate $10 cancellation fee applies, plus penalties for late...
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Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
520-387-6849orpi_information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 101 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanlocation

"User reviews overwhelmingly praise the campground for its serene and remote setting, breathtaking views, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Common themes include the quiet environment, the beauty of the surrounding Sonoran Desert, and the proximity to hiking trails. Some reviewers noted issues such as the vault toilet being out of toilet paper and encounters with border patrol. Seasonal challenges like high summer temperatures were also mentioned."

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Campground Map

10 Organ Pipe Drive, Ajo, AZ, 85321

Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

10 Organ Pipe Drive, Ajo, AZ, 85321

Driving directionsAlamo 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 crossing Alamo Wash. The campground is at the end of the three-mile graded dirt road, which is suitable for most cars. From Phoenix: Use I-10 East to AZ SR 85 south. Alternatively, use I-10 east to AZ SR 347 south, to AZ 238 west, to AZ SR 85 south. From Tucson: Use AZ SR 86 to Why, then turn left on AZ SR 85 south. From Yuma/California: Follow I-8 to Gila Bend or I-10 to Buckeye to AZ SR 85 south. From Sonoyta, Mexico: Travel north on Mexico Rt. 2. After crossing into the United States, continue north onto AZ SR 85.
The road is a three-mile graded dirt road suitable for most cars but lacks signage at the junction with Highway 85. No turning lane is available, making it challenging to access. The dirt road has washboard areas but is manageable at slow speeds.
Nearby places
Lukeville Port of Entry (approximately 18 miles south), Historic Ajo, AZ (approximately 26 miles north).
Nearby supplies
Gas is available at Lukeville Port of Entry, 18 miles south. Historic Ajo (26 miles north) offers gas, restaurants, shops, groceries, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

Experience the desert's dramatic seasonal personality throughout the year. Winter brings perfect camping weather with comfortable days in the 60s°F and crisp, star-filled nights dipping into the 40s°F. Summer transforms the landscape into a fierce furnace, with temperatures soaring above 110°F—a testament to the desert's untamed nature. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, offering mild temperatures ideal for hiking and exploration, when wildflowers may dot the landscape and wildlife becomes more active.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Reviewers note summer can be uncomfortable due to high heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Desert shoulder season likely comfortable; fewer explicit notes but implied.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is generally favorable desert season; cooler than summer and popular.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in AZ

Winter described as 'perfect camping weather' with mild days and clear nights.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 through December 31 (all year peak season pricing).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Camping reservations operate on a rolling 6-month booking window.
  • Current Alerts: Stage Two fire restrictions prohibit wood and charcoal burning from May 12, 2025. Border roads closed to public vehicle and pedestrian traffic due to safety concerns.

About Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

Escape to the raw beauty of Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground, where four intimate campsites await at the foot of the majestic Ajo Mountains. This hidden desert sanctuary invites you to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in the profound silence of the Sonoran Desert. As darkness falls, the unpolluted night sky transforms into a celestial masterpiece, offering some of the most spectacular stargazing opportunities in the Southwest.
Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground is a strictly primitive camping facility, ideal for tent campers seeking a quiet and natural environment. It is not suited for RVs, trailers, or motorhomes.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights per visit, and up to 7 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Alamo Canyon Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, emphasizing hiking, birding, photography, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. A 0.9-mile trail starting at the campground leads into Alamo Canyon, and day hikers can explore further trails within the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Reviewers highlight the serenity and beauty of the natural surroundings, with opportunities for observing desert wildlife and enjoying spectacular sunsets and star-filled night skies.
HikingHiking is a major draw, with a 0.9-mile trail leading into Alamo Canyon directly from the campground. Beyond this, the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument offers a network of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Hikers are advised to carry water and snacks and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with reviewers noting sightings of desert wildlife such as coyotes. Binoculars are recommended to spot mountain sheep on the cliffs.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include extreme daytime temperatures, wildlife like coyotes, and lack of water or electricity at the campground.
Active AlertsStage Two fire restrictions prohibit wood and charcoal burning from May 12, 2025. Border roads closed to public vehicle and pedestrian traffic due to safety concerns.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

Reviews

4.6
101 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews overwhelmingly praise the campground for its serene and remote setting, breathtaking views, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Common themes include the quiet environment, the beauty of the surrounding Sonoran Desert, and the proximity to hiking trails. Some reviewers noted issues such as the vault toilet being out of toilet paper and encounters with border patrol. Seasonal challenges like high summer temperatures were also mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 101 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the campsite's quiet, remote location, beautiful views, and opportunities to observe wildlife. "The sunsets are amazing," and "the night sky is full of stars." Several reviews...
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Based on 101 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of water, limited privacy between campsites, and occasional disturbances from border patrol vehicles. One reviewer also noted that the vault toilet was out of...
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Based on 101 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend booking in advance due to the limited number of sites. "Bring plenty of water," "avoid hiking during the heat of the day," and "be prepared for bugs." Visitors also advise...
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Based on 101 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is highly recommended due to mild temperatures, while summer camping can be uncomfortable due to high heat. Reviewers noted that the campground is more crowded in winter months, making advance...
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Based on 101 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Spectacular views of the canyon," "Primitive camping at its best," and "The hike near the campground is amazing."
Based on 101 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight campsite 3 as a favorite for its privacy and location near the trailhead. Campsite 2 is noted for being close to the pit toilet.
Based on 101 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited to a vault toilet and parking; no campsites are deemed ADA-accessible, though the flat terrain is manageable.
Based on 101 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or issues were raised about bringing pets.
Based on 101 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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