Peppersauce Campground
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- 22 ft
- Sites
- 1
- Electric hookups
- Not published
- Pull-through sites
- Not published
- Paved access
- Not published
- Accessible sites
- Not published
- Driveway grade
- Not published
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- Not published
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- Not published
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
Peppersauce Campground
With its picturesque vegetation and dramatic setting at the foot of Mt. Lemmon, Peppersauce Campground is an outstanding area for enjoying an afternoon picnic or a weekend campout. Campsites at Peppersauce are spread throughout a creekside oasis of enormous Arizona sycamores and Arizona walnut trees that cast deep shade in summer and a touch of color in autumn. These trees (and some notable clumps of poison ivy) cling to the banks of Peppersauce Creek, which provides sufficient moisture for them to prosper in spite of the fact that it’s rocky streambed is dry most of the year. Of course, beware of the flash floods -- this creek can become a raging torrent in minutes when there is rain in the mountains above. 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. While you’re here, you’ll want to keep an eye on your hot sauce. This canyon was named by prospector Alex McKay, who camped here in about 1880 and reported that his hot sauce came up missing. The perpetrator (if there was one) has yet to be apprehended.
Before you go
Season
Year round
Reservations
Reservations accepted
Fees
Single site: $15. With Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access pass $7.50. Group site: $50 plus $10 per vehicle. Payable with cash or check.
Restrictions
RV Camping is 22 feet and less. No RV hook-ups. Trailers are discouraged as the sites are small and there are no pull-throughs. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground or picnic area. Pets must leashed at all times. Please Pack it in, pack it out. Limit of 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. Campers must occupy site for the first 24 hours. 14-day stay limit per year.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.