Contact Info
Oracle, AZ
- Phone:
- 520-749-8700
Basics
- Number of Sites:
- 19 Sites
- Elevation:
- 4700 feet
- Reservations:
- Reservations not accepted.
Basic Directions
From Tucson, drive north on Oracle Road (US 89). Continue for 27 miles to State Highway 77. Turn right (east) and drive 10 miles to the town of Oracle. Take the first Oracle exit and travel 4 miles through town to Forest Road 38. Follow FR 38 to Peppersauce Canyon.
Barring unusual rain or snow events, the unpaved Control Road up to Peppersauce Campground is accessible by two-wheel drive sedans.
Description
Located along the Control Road up Mt. Lemmon’s north slope, this campground is tucked away in a shallow, tree-filled canyon cut by Peppersauce Creek through rolling foothills covered with grass, oaks and yucca. 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 venerable trees (and some equally 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 its 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.
With its picturesque vegetation and dramatic setting at the foot of Mt. Lemmon, this is an outstanding area for enjoying an afternoon picnic or a weekend campout. But 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.
Amenities
Basic Amenities
- Vault Toilets
Special Features
- Cooking Grills
- Fire Rings
- Picnic Tables
Additional Conveniences
- Pets Allowed
Additional Notes
No Trash Service
No Drinking Water
Trailers are discouraged; sites are small and there are no pull-throughs.
Amenity list above may not be complete.
Details
Season
Year roundLocation
6 miles southeast of Oracle on Forest Road 38(40 miles northeast of Tucson)
Elevation
4700 feetBasic Info
- Total Sites:
- 19 Sites
More Site Details
- RV Hookups:
- None
Pet Policy
Pets must be restrained or on a leash.Activities
Hiking, Riparian SettingPicturesque Trees
A Long Scenic Drive
