Campgrounds in Saguaro
Saguaro National Park has 6 campgrounds on the National Park Service record, 6 sites in total. 1 take reservations, 1 have first-come sites. Hours, fees, amenities and access for each — plus the scenic drives that reach them.
6 mapped · Park boundary: National Park Service
Douglas Spring- 4,800 feet elevation - 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! The hike up offers beautiful views down toward Tanque Verde Falls and of multiple drainages including Tina Larga tank. There is a drainage about 50 feet east of the campsite, but water is seasonal, so it is smart to check water reports before heading out. Fires are not allowed here due to the lack of firewood and the extremely fire-prone grasslands that occupy the area. Cell service is not guaranteed.
Grass Shack- 5,300 feet elevation - 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! Grass Shack is a great campground that offers shade from large oaks. The biggest watershed in the Rincon mountains (Chimenea Creek) runs through and by the campground, providing water most of the year. Fires are not allowed here as this campground is in a fragile, riparian ecosystem surrounded by a thick grassland.
Happy Valley Saddle- 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! This is the shortest hike to a campground, covering 3.9 miles and over 2000 feet of elevation gain. Water at this campsite is variable, only occurring during wet times. This campground offers a resting point to climbing Rincon Peak, and sits at an elevation of 6200 feet. There are many dangerous dead pine trees in the area, and this area is often affected by winter storms.
Juniper Basin- 6,000 elevation - 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! This campground is a tough day hike up the Tanque Verde Ridge over 6.9 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain. Exceptional views can be seen throughout the hike, and habitats change quickly from desert scrub to oak savanna and pine / juniper woodlands. Water here is very seasonal, and it is often dry during the summer, spring and fall. When there is water, sources can be found west of site 1.
Manning Camp6 sitesReservable & first-come- 8,000 feet elevation - 6 campsites (max 6 people per site) - water available year-round *This campground is hike in only! Depending on where you start, the hike up to Manning can be anywhere from 9-18 miles and accumulates 5500-6500 feet of elevation. As you hike up, you will pass through multiple different biomes with spectacular changes in flora and fauna composition, passing through riparian zones and dry cliff alike (not to mention the extraordinary views).
Spud Rock Spring- 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! Spud Rock is the most isolated of our six campgrounds, sitting on the east side of the range at 7200 feet. Access is generally from the east, but Turkey Creek trailhead is very difficult to drive and requires a lifted truck or a jeep. At the very least, you will need a vehicle with four-wheel drive. Also, make sure to check the conditions of the road before heading out as it can become muddy and treacherous after some rain.
Source: National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04