Notable Campgrounds
- Best for backcountry camping: Within the park, primitive campsites in the Saguaro Wilderness Area are scenic. These tent sites require campers to hike in, with several miles of hiking and several feet of elevation gain involved.
- Best for RVers: Campers will find electric hookups and both tent and RV sites at nearby Catalina State Park, Kartchner Caverns State Park, and the Gilbert Ray Campground in Tucson Mountain Park.
- Best for boondocking: Free dispersed camping is allowed in the surrounding Coronado National Forest.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- The Saguaro Wilderness Area campsites are for tent camping only; RVs and other vehicles cannot reach these camping areas.
- NPS backcountry camping permits are required for camping in the Saguaro Wilderness Area.
- Campsites at Arizona State Parks may be booked by phone or online up to a year in advance.
- Dispersed camping in Coronado National Forest is first-come-first-served. Some areas see a lot of traffic and have limited openings.
When to Go
If you visit Saguaro National Park in the summer, prepare for extreme heat, with temperatures potentially topping 110 degrees. Evenings are much cooler, as are higher elevations, so hikers should always bring layers of clothing. Carrying sunscreen and plenty of water is essential. Spring and fall are much more moderate, though evening temperatures drop quickly. Wildflowers bloom March through May, adding color to the desert landscapes. This year-round park can be appreciated in the winter, with high temperatures in the 60s and freezes rarely occurring.
Know Before You Go
- The cactus gardens outside of the park visitors centers offer an introduction to the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.
- Camping spots at higher elevations may have different weather conditions; plan accordingly.
- Restrooms and water sources are not available at campgrounds in the park.
- Campfires are not allowed at Douglas Spring Campground or Grass Shack Campground.
Saguaro National Park
The Sonoran Desert sets the stage for exploring the iconic saguaro cactus.
The massive Saguaro cactus only grows in a small section of the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona. Saguaro National Park provides a prime spot for appreciating this iconic symbol of the Wild West. Two units are located outside the city of Tucson, offering hiking trails and scenic desert drives. The National Park Service offers 21 campsites spread across 6 campgrounds in the Saguaro Wilderness Area in the Rincon Mountains. Nearby public lands and state parks offer various camping options outside of the national park, and many private RV parks can be found in the greater Tucson region.
The massive Saguaro cactus only grows in a small section of the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona. Saguaro National Park provides a prime spot for appreciating this iconic symbol of the Wild West. Two units are located outside the city of Tucson, offering hiking trails and scenic desert drives. The National Park Service offers 21 campsites spread across 6 campgrounds in the Saguaro Wilderness Area in the Rincon Mountains. Nearby public lands and state parks offer various camping options outside of the national park, and many private RV parks can be found in the greater Tucson region.
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
If you visit Saguaro National Park in the summer, prepare for extreme heat, with temperatures potentially topping 110 degrees. Evenings are much cooler, as are higher elevations, so hikers should always bring layers of clothing. Carrying sunscreen and plenty of water is essential. Spring and fall are much more moderate, though evening temperatures drop quickly. Wildflowers bloom March through May, adding color to the desert landscapes. This year-round park can be appreciated in the winter, with high temperatures in the 60s and freezes rarely occurring.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp anywhere in Saguaro National Park?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in Saguaro National Park. Camping is only allowed in designated backcountry campgrounds, and you will need a permit to camp there. There are six backcountry campgrounds in the park, all located in the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East). No camping is allowed in the Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West).
To obtain a permit, you can visit the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center or call (520) 733-5153 for more information. Keep in mind that there are no car camping or RV camping facilities within the park. For alternative camping options near Saguaro National Park, you can explore private campgrounds and public lands in the Tucson area, such as Arizona Saguaro Cactus Forrest or Tucson Saguaro Sky.
Which side of Saguaro National Park is better?
Both the East (Rincon Mountain District) and West (Tucson Mountain District) sides of Saguaro National Park offer unique experiences and beautiful scenery. The East side is known for its stunning sunrises, longer scenic loop drive (Cactus Forest Loop), and more extensive trail system. The West side is famous for its dense saguaro forests, beautiful sunsets, and the shorter scenic loop drive (Bajada Loop). Your choice depends on your personal preferences and interests.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —