USDA Forest Service · Arizona

Peppersauce

USDA Forest Service · Arizona, United States

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Sites
1
Hookups
1 no hookups
Group sites
Yes
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
4,669 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 2
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
MAGMA (NFSR 4477) · native material · high clearance vehicles
Lake
Coronado National Forest
Nearest town
Oracle
Address
Mount Lemmon Road, Oracle, AZ, 85623
Phone
520-749-8700
Activities
Camping, Emergency Services, Hiking, Hunting, Picnicking, Wildlife Viewing

Season dates aren't confirmed for this campground yet - opening and closing dates haven't been verified. Check the operator's page or call ahead before you plan a trip.

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - the site map below shows each with its facts and pictures.

Site map

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one on the imagery, with the operator's own facts and pictures for each site where it publishes them. Tap a site to rate it, keep a note and add your own photos; press and hold the map for a pin of your own. Your ratings, notes, pins and photos are kept with the campground on your Saved list, the same list the camping map and the drive page keep.

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About

Overview

With its picturesque vegetation and dramatic setting at the foot of 9,157' Mt. Lemmon in southeastern Arizona, Peppersauce Campground is an outstanding area for enjoying an afternoon picnic or a weekend campout. This year-round facility is a popular stop among off-road vehicle enthusiasts and families. Hunting, hiking and scenic driving opportunities are nearby. It is located 8 miles from the town of Oracle.

Recreation

The Santa Catalina Mountains are known for their exceptional hiking. Hikers can find access to the Arizona Trail, which runs from Mexico to Utah, about 5 miles from the campground along Forest Road 38. Off-road vehicle trails are also available in the area.

A few nearby caves afford visitors the opportunity for caving and spelunking.

Facilities

Peppersauce Campground has one reservable group camping area for up to 35 people at a time. The facility is equipped with vault toilets, several tables and benches, a grill, campfire rings and lantern posts. The parking area can hold up to 10 vehicles. First-come, first-served individual campsites are also available.

A campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.

Natural Features

Campsites at Peppersauce are spread throughout a creekside oasis of enormous Arizona sycamore and walnut trees that provide shade in summer and color in autumn. The campground sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet alongside Peppersauce Creek. The creek is normally dry except during heavy rains or the area's summer monsoon season. Campers should be aware that the creek is prone to flash flooding during rain events.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore several historic, cultural and natural attractions within a day trip, including the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2, the city of Tucson, Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January58°37°27°71°5 of 11
February60°38°25°77°6 of 11
March65°41°30°86°3 of 11
April75°49°39°89°0 of 11
May82°58°46°93°0 of 11
June94°69°55°104°0 of 11
July95°73°66°101°0 of 11
August88°68°62°99°0 of 11
September86°65°55°97°0 of 11
October79°55°42°90°0 of 10
November70°46°32°80°1 of 10
December61°40°26°73°3 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Trails nearby

All 392 trails in Coronado National Forest

Trailheads the Park Service and the Forest Service map; each trail's page has its length, climbing and the Service's description.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Arizona · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.