Saguaro National Park Wilderness Permits

4.45

299 reviews

3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Spring Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Saguaro National Park Wilderness Permits

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping use fee is $8 per site per night. Reservation fees vary depending on booking method: $8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person.

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

520-733-5153SAGU_Information.nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 299 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanwater

"User reviews highlight the unique and challenging backcountry experience offered at Saguaro Wilderness campgrounds. While most appreciate the beauty and seclusion, some report issues with trail maintenance and water availability."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730

Saguaro National Park Wilderness Permits

3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730

Driving directionsFive trailheads lead into the Saguaro Wilderness: Douglas Spring, Tanque Verde Ridge, Miller Creek, Turkey Creek, and Italian Spring. The Douglas Spring Trailhead is accessible 24 hours a day at the east end of Speedway Boulevard. Tanque Verde Ridge Trailhead is located within the Javelina Picnic Area, accessible daily from 7:00 AM to sunset. Miller Creek and Turkey Creek Trailheads require access via USFS Route #35, with the Turkey Creek Trailhead needing high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicles for the last 1.6 miles. Italian Spring Trailhead is the most challenging to access, involving unmaintained gravel roads requiring high clearance and 4-wheel-drive for the additional 2.6 miles beyond USFS Route #37.

Access varies from paved roads to challenging gravel or unmaintained routes. Italian Spring Trailhead is particularly difficult, requiring high clearance and 4-wheel-drive.

Nearby places

Tucson (approx. 15 miles, 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Tucson.

Best Time to Camp at Saguaro National Park Wilderness Permits

The park's dramatic elevation changes create a symphony of microclimates throughout the year. Summer transforms lower elevations into a sun-baked landscape where temperatures soar past 100°F, while mountain campgrounds offer refreshing relief. Winter dusts the higher reaches with snow, creating a magical contrast to the desert below. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, painting the landscape with perfect temperatures and wildflower blooms. From July through September, afternoon monsoons roll across the mountains, bringing dramatic lightning shows and the sweet scent of desert rain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Lower elevations exceed 100°F; summer is extremely hot and water is limited—challenging season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in AZ

Fall offers milder temps and excellent hiking conditions; reviewers cite spring/fall as best times.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in AZ

Spring is cited as a best season with milder weather and excellent hiking/wildlife viewing opportunities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; higher elevations see snow and cold—rewarding but more challenging and variable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Year-round peak pricing of $8 per night.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations are block-released monthly.
Current Alerts: No public access to Madrona Trailhead. Seasonal advisories for water availability and monsoon storms.

About Saguaro National Park Wilderness Permits

Deep in the Sonoran Desert, Saguaro National Park beckons adventurous souls to six secluded wilderness campgrounds accessible only by foot. These remote sanctuaries await those willing to trek between 4.4 and 10 miles through stunning desert landscapes. Each primitive campground rewards hikers with essential amenities including vault or composting toilets, protective bear boxes, and seasonal water sources—everything needed for an authentic backcountry experience beneath Arizona's starlit skies.

Saguaro Wilderness campgrounds are primitive with minimal amenities. They cater to backpackers seeking remote and natural settings.

Historical SignificanceSince its designation as the Saguaro Wilderness in 1976, this protected landscape has served as a living museum of the Sonoran Desert's natural heritage. Among its treasures lies Manning Camp, where weathered structures whisper stories of early settlers and the enduring relationship between humans and this remarkable desert ecosystem.

Weather and SeasonsThe park's dramatic elevation changes create a symphony of microclimates throughout the year. Summer transforms lower elevations into a sun-baked landscape where temperatures soar past 100°F, while mountain campgrounds offer refreshing relief. Winter dusts the higher reaches with snow, creating a magical contrast to the desert below. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, painting the landscape with perfect temperatures and wildflower blooms. From July through September, afternoon monsoons roll across the mountains, bringing dramatic lightning shows and the sweet scent of desert rain.

ElevationYour journey through Saguaro's campgrounds takes you on a vertical odyssey from Douglas Spring's desert perch at 4,800 feet to Manning Camp's pine-scented haven at 8,000 feet—a remarkable 3,200-foot elevation gain that showcases nature's incredible diversity.

Natural Features and SceneryThe majestic Rincon Mountains cradle a world of contrasts where towering saguaro cacti give way to rolling grasslands, and eventually to fragrant ponderosa pine forests. Each campground offers its own window into this ecological tapestry, from sunset-painted desert vistas to cool mountain meadows where silence is broken only by the whisper of wind through ancient trees. Here, solitude isn't just found—it envelops you completely.

Geological RegionRising like an island from the surrounding desert sea, the park sits within southeastern Arizona's remarkable Sky Island region. This geological wonderland compresses entire continents' worth of ecosystems into a single mountain range, where you can journey from Mexico's Sonoran Desert to Canada's conifer forests in just a day's hike through the spectacular Rincon Mountains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 10 nights per visit, with no more than 5 consecutive nights at one campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum group size per single campsite is 6 persons.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampgrounds are primitive with designated individual sites ranging from 2 to 6 per location.

Reservation PlatformsReservations managed through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all sites require prior reservation.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within one day of check-in) forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThe campgrounds are not vehicle-accessible and require a strenuous hike, making them unsuitable for individuals with limited mobility.

Site SizeCampsite sizes vary, with some offering shade under oaks or pines.

PrivacySites are fairly secluded, offering a quiet backcountry experience. Some campgrounds have multiple sites close together, but overall privacy is good.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Manning Camp for reliable water and shade; Grass Shack offers oak tree cover and seasonal creek access. Douglas Springs is recommended for its proximity to trailheads.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Primary activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring diverse ecosystems. The strenuous trails lead to unique natural environments, from desert scrub to alpine forests.

HikingThe area offers hikes ranging in difficulty, including ascents to Rincon Peak and Manning Camp. Trails vary from 4.4 miles to over 13 miles, with significant elevation gains.

Wildlife viewingCampers frequently observe diverse wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and occasionally mountain lions. Birdwatchers may spot Mexican jays and canyon towhees.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater scarcity, steep terrain, and extreme weather are common hazards. Flash floods and lightning are risks during monsoon season.

Active AlertsNo public access to Madrona Trailhead. Seasonal advisories for water availability and monsoon storms.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at all sites for secure storage of food and scented items.

Fire PolicyCampfires are prohibited at Douglas Spring and Grass Shack. Deadwood fires are allowed at Juniper Basin. Gas stoves are encouraged across all sites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced overnight.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Tucson, including hospitals and police stations. The visitor center offers first aid and emergency assistance.

Trash & RecyclingUsers are required to pack out all trash. Bear-proof containers are provided at campsites for food and scented items.

Water FeaturesCampgrounds are near intermittent streams or springs. Manning Camp has a reliable year-round spring.

Weather at Saguaro National Park Wilderness Permits

Reviews

4.5

299 reviews

Recommended

Saguaro National Park Wilderness Permits is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the unique and challenging backcountry experience offered at Saguaro Wilderness campgrounds. While most appreciate the beauty and seclusion, some report issues with trail maintenance and water availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 299 reviews

What Campers Love

Several users praised the stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and peaceful solitude of the campgrounds. Manning Camp was frequently highlighted for its reliable water and clean facilities.

Based on 299 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly maintained trails, limited water information, and unclear signage. Some users also noted issues with vault toilet cleanliness.

Based on 299 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Hikers are advised to carry sufficient water, as availability is seasonal and unpredictable. Leaving trail markers for others is encouraged. Campers suggested starting hikes early to avoid extreme...

Based on 299 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter sees low temperatures and occasional snow, making higher elevations challenging but rewarding. Summers are extremely hot, and spring/fall are considered the best times for hiking due to milder...

Based on 299 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Grass Shack is a great campsite. Views of Rincon Mountain were exceptional." "The camping at Spud Rock was amazing, but the spring was dry as a bone." "Douglas Spring Camp had water and even spotty...

Based on 299 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Manning Camp: Reliable water and spacious sites. Grass Shack: Beautiful views and shade. Douglas Spring: Accessible but occasionally crowded. Juniper Basin: Scenic but fewer bear boxes.

Based on 299 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically mentioned accessibility features. The strenuous hikes make these campgrounds inaccessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

Based on 299 reviews