Picacho Peak State Park Campground

Not free

We stayed at Picacho Peak State Park in the middle of a rainy few days so we didn't get to hike in the park which was one of the main reasons we camped there. In spite of this, we enjoyed the striking views of the peak well-kept sites and convenient location between Phoenix and Tucson and recommend it.

Value:
Good. Like other AZ state parks, we paid $30/night for E/W hook-ups and access to a dump station. Our spot was large, fairly level, and had a terrific view. The approach to the campsites is on a paved, wide road and access to the highway makes it a place that's easy to get to. The downside of the closeness to the highway is, of course, the noise. It wasn't loud enough to bother us at night with our fan running, but something to note when you're picking your spot.

Dog-Friendliness:
Ok. While there was no dog park (again, like other AZ state parks), the camp site loops are long and wide enough that we were able to get in a decent walk in with our pup.

Runner's and Biker's Rave:
Good. We didn't get out because of the rain, but the camp site loops as well as hiking trails look like they provide good options for running and biking.

WHJ Insider Tip:
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is only 25 miles away and a fascinating dog-friendly site to visit.

Overall, we'd recommend staying at Picacho Peak State Park. Especially if you have a chance to hike, the vistas and location make it a great place to camp!

Great facility, very well maintained, and outstanding views. Electric only at site, 50/30/20 amp connection, dump and water station available... very clean.. cell reception strong

We had to pull through site that has electric only but has 50 amp and also 30. The view is absolutely incredible spaces are level they have potable water at the dump station and also garbage. The only downfall is he can hear the interstate but it's not intrusive so that's why only a four star.

I just wanted to say we just got back from Picacho Peak State Park and had to leave this very positive note. We had a WONDERFUL time. They do take big rigs as ours is 40' and we saw others bigger with tow vehicles as well. The staff was excellent, professional and friendly. They were very helpful too. I stopped at the ranger station on the way out of the park for a bike ride to pick up a pass so I could get back into the park without paying the bike entry extra fee. The ranger said "you really don't need one (he remembered me by name) we remember that you are in site A-1." To be recognized and treated in such a way, made me feel valued. The park - guest center, shower house, campsites as well as the park in general are a real jewel for AZ and all who get a chance to visit. I can't remember a state park that had shower facilities that were this nice. We are so lucky to have a state park such as this. We will be visiting again in Dec. and have already made our reservations.

Though it is close to Interstate 10, it is really very quiet. Yes there is a little noise from cars and trains, but it did not disturb us in any way. Many sites are flat though some are not as much. They do have pull thru sites but most are back in. All sites have 20/30/50 electric and there is a dump station on the way out. The C loop is not always open (I think it depends on the season).

Nested at the base of a magnificent peak and within a nice huge saguaro cactus “forest”. Pricey for electric only, but the park is immaculate, with paved roads and large paved sites that offer space for both a trailer and car side by side or in tandem. Site was perfect level and all sites were spread out to give everyone great views. In addition to the picnic table, fire ring and nicely pea-graveled area, every third or fourth site included a shade ramada. Several nice hiking areas within the park provide expansive vista views. Road through park suitable for bike riding. Pay-as-you–go ($3.99/day) “Airebeam” wifi was lightning fast. Rangers and staff were all friendly and accommodating. Rangers patrolled regularly. Camp host kept the modern bathhouses clean – all had flush toilets and nice big showers. Only drawback of this park was the steady drone of I-10 about 2 miles in the distance. Not annoying but noticeable drone in the background. Camp fees ($30/day) included the daily use fee.

This was one of several stays at this park. We keep coming back! In love with the sunset views and well maintained park atmosphere. If you need groceries, there’s a small Dollar General store about 5 miles down the road in red rock. Don’t forget to take a hike and check out Rooster Cogburns Ostrich Farm. Pull through and back in sites. No water or sewage connections at the sites. Only electrical and WiFi. Dump station. Well maintained facilities.

Lovely park with large Dry Camping group area. Dump available, park said nitrates high in water. Group area has large Ramada and large fire ring. Bathrooms scattered around. Showers in electric loops only. Hot water, nice showers. Lovely campground.

Date of stay: Dec. 24 - Jan. 2, 2018/19

For a southern Arizona state park in the winter and over the holidays, this one doesn't seem to get the push that others do, probably because it's not as close to shopping and amenities as some other parks. The entrance gate is a tight squeeze with a big rig, and the campground roads are narrow, but no real problem getting in and situated.

Picacho only offers electric hookups, and the campground water supply was experiencing a high level of nitrates during our visit. Check ahead and plan accordingly since it will take them awhile to remedy that. It does not affect the showers, which were clean with lots of hot water. As with all the other AZ state parks, the bathroom buildings are not heated -- brrr!

We were in the A loop, but all the loops have sites that offer nice views over the valley (albeit with Hwy 10 in view far below, but not audible) or the surrounding peaks.

There are several hiking trails in the park, including the very challenging Picacho Peak summit. Many of the trails and paths do not require major hiking skills and can be enjoyed by everyone.

There is fabulous OATV and great phone reception. The park offers Airebeam Internet, which is a paid service.

Right along the highway, but you’d never know. Sites are spacious! We had cell service, plus they offer wifi at the park for about $4 per day! Amazing views. It was raining when we came in and it looked like we were entering Jurassic Park! Staying three more nights, but having to move sites based on weekend availability.