“A 1,500-foot peak”
Visitors traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. Enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind up the peak and, often in the spring, overlook a sea of wildflowers. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area. The park facilities include a visitor center with exhibits and a gift store, hiking trails, playground, historical markers, campground, picnic areas, ramadas, grills, dump station, restrooms, and showers. The group use areas, for day & overnight use, are available by reservation. Before you hike, be prepared with enough water and proper footwear as the trails are steep and challenging.
Reviews of Picacho Peak State Park Campground
94 people have reviewed this location
Ratings Summary
Cell Coverage
Verizon 4G/5G
Confirmed by 50 users | Last reported on November 28, 2023AT&T 4G/5G
Confirmed by 30 users | Last reported on March 14, 2024T-Mobile 4G/5G
Confirmed by 11 users | Last reported on August 18, 2023Not free
If you just drive by Picacho on your way to/from Phoenix on I-10, you're missing out. The campground has great views, nice roomy sites, and the iconic hike to the peak is beckoning.
There's a little noise from I-10, but it's never bad. More like a constant, faint, white noise, since the Interstate is a good distance from the campground. If you catch this park during spring bloom, it's surprisingly lush and colorful.
Nightly Rate: $25.00
Days Stayed: 1
Site Number: C-7
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 4G
A state park right off I-10, conveniently located right between Phoenix and Tucson? We really weren't expecting much... but much to our surprise this is an awesome park that leaves you feeling right out in nature.
We stopped in during an epic spring bloom, and the flowers were amazing. Gorgeous sunsets, great hiking, easy access, large sites.. what's not to love?
We'd definitely come back here.
Nightly Rate: $25.00
Days Stayed: 4
Site Number: C17
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 4G
AT&T 4G
We were pleasantly surprised by the beauty and uniqueness of Picacho Peak State Park. When we saw how close it was to I-10 (along with the train tracks that run parallel to the interstate) we thought we'd be in for a loud night but it was very peaceful and quiet. Our site was huge and fairly level with a cute picnic table area just behind the rig which had the mountain as a lovely backdrop. We actually pulled in nose first to have the best views of the mountains on our "porch" side.
The trails are all fantastic. There's a nice one that goes along the road, great for stretching the legs for an easy stroll. The Sunset Trail is highly recommended for some stunning views and, of course, great sunset photo ops. There's parking at the trail head, a mile or so past the campground, if you want to eliminate the walk from the campground.
The Hunter Trail was my favorite but it's a bit scary and VERY uphill. It allows you to climb the peak of Picacho. Cables and vertical walls make it quite a challenge and gloves are a must.
This is a great spot to feel like you're getting away from it all even though you have easy access to I-10. We highly recommend it.
Nightly Rate: $25.00
Days Stayed: 3
Site Number: B13
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 4G
AT&T 4G
We were looking for a transition place to hang for a few days before moving north and this park fit the bill. I've always wanted to hike Picacho Peak so all things came together for a visit. The park is surrounded by beautiful views especially the Peak looming over all the campers. All of the sites are very level and wide with generous privacy, a picnic table, and grill. Even though the highway can be seen in the distance, the park is very quiet. We enjoyed our five day stay and will definitely stay again.
Nightly Rate: $25.00
Days Stayed: 5
Site Number: C24
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 4G
We really enjoyed camping at this state park with great views and hikes of Picacho Peak. The paved campsites are large and semi-private with plenty of space between neighbors. We stayed in non-electric site and had many opportunities to use solar. The dump station is convenient for entering and exiting campground. Restrooms and shower are very clean. Only negative is the rumble of the trains and noise from highway late at night.
Nightly Rate: $16.00
Days Stayed: 7
Site Number: A6
...and I'm assuming they were on a last chance power drive.
I never realized how many cars actually occupy a freeway, but I-10 running just north of the park was very visible, and though the noise was barely a background hum, the sheer number of headlights cutting through the night--and all night--was a little staggering.
This is just an observation and the freeway really didn't affect us too much.
Several easy to harder trails, lots of great desert flora to study and cactus wrens, lizards and hawks were abundant. The no-see-ums were at times maddening, more so on the trails than at our campsite, but it was definitely a thing.
The highlight of this place we chose as a weekend stop on our way across the state was children's cave. It's nothing special, and just a .2 mile walk to get to, but the kids had a blast and we ended up hanging out in the shade of this very small cave for an hour or so.
Your results may vary.
Nightly Rate: $20.00
Days Stayed: 2
Site Number: B1
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 4G
AT&T 4G
This state park is not necessarily a destination, but rather a place to camp on the way somewhere. It is located between Casa Grande and Tucson along Interstate 10. But not too close to the Interstate. Noise is not a factor. Although the train track is on the other side of the Interstate, it also is not a noise factor because the campground is up the slope of Picacho Peak
The park is beautiful, with looks of greenery and mighty Saguaros. Campsites are spacious and adjacent sites are far enough apart to provide a stress-free environment.
The nightly cost for an RV is $30, including tow vehicle. Sites include some pull-thrus, but all sites can handle any size rig. Sites are electric only. Water and Dump are at a station within the campground. WiFi is available at a cost. $4 per day, $10 for 3 days, $15 per week. Showers/Bathrooms are immaculate and free, included in the cost to camp. Sites are level and paved with individual "yard" areas and fire rings and picnic tables. Very, very nice.
Hiking trails are throughout the park, including challenging, well-maintained trails to the top of the dramatic and imposing Picacho Peak.
Although we drove in without reservations, this is a very popular park. Particularly on weekends. Reservations are recommended.
Bottomline...stay here if you can.
Nightly Rate: $30.00
Days Stayed: 4
Site Number: C-24 / C-18
Cell Coverage Rating
AT&T 4G
Overly noisy from highway and train noise. Titly pads, but nice clean restrooms and showers. We stayed here on February 9, 2016.
Nightly Rate: $30.00
Days Stayed: 1
Site Number: B2
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 4G
This is a very nice state park with unusually large sites (both in terms of room for your rig as well as for setting up seating areas shade tents and the like.) Since the sites are huge you are pretty much guaranteed to have a good view from your RV. The "great" views will be had by those lucky enough to be on the outside of each loop. Sites are all pretty level and easy to get into, some sites (such as ours) are pull through. All sites have electric (only) so you are never assaulted by your neighbors generator. The amenity section only shows 20 and 30 amp service but our site had a 50 amp outlet. Potable water is only available at the dump station and the spigot is too low to fill a typical 5 gallon jerrycan so bring your hose. The dump station has spots for two to dump simultaneously.
The two shower/restroom buildings are not well located within the campground and thus can be pretty far from most campsites but they are immaculate!
There are several hiking trails nearby within the park that cover the easy to strenuous spectrum.
This state park is a bit far from Tucson to serve as a base for visiting the city but is wonderful for exploring the immediate area.
Picacho Pass was the site of the westernmost battle (skirmish?) of the Civil War and there is a small interpretive site near the state park office that was interesting to see. A Civil War reenactment takes place annually in March.
The unfortunate "dings" to this park are the highway (I-10) and the railroad that are located about 1 1/2 miles to the east. During the day when the wind is generally blowing from the west there is no noise, but when it's calm (such as at night) the highway and train noise are quite apparent. It is not possible to sleep at night with the windows open due to the road and train noise. Without the road/train noise, I would have given this campground five stars without any reservation.
Verizon service was pretty good (a positive to being "close" to I-10) and we were able to stream Netflix in HD.
Nightly Rate: $30.00
Days Stayed: 6
Site Number: C11
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 4G
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Picacho Peak State Park Campground
Hours
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Max Stay
- 14
- Max Length
- 35 ft
- Affiliation
- State park or forest
- Sites Count
- 85
- Last Nightly Rate
- 32.0
- Lowest Nightly Rate
- 10.0
- Longest Vehicle Length Reported
- 50.0
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Sites
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Laundry
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Propane
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Showers
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Big Rigs
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Boondock
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Firewood
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Fifty Amp
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Tent Sites
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Cabin Sites
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Full Hookup
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Paved Sites
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Dump Station
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Mobile Homes
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Public Water
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Pull Through
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Reservations
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Sewer Hookup
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Water Hookup
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Potable Water
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Age Restricted
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Rec Facilities
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Dispersed Sites
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Open Seasonally
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Permit Required
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Group Tent Sites
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Fulltime Residents
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Standard Tent Sites
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Pull Through RV Sites
Campground, Restrooms
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