Picacho Peak State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Picacho Peak State Park, roughly halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, is home to Picacho Peak, which is a 1,500-foot formation that has guided travelers for thousands of years. The peak sits at 3,374 feet above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes that produce abundant flowers in the springtime.
It can get quite hot in the park in late spring and summer. Starting in May, temperatures begin to surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit; by the time June hits, the daily highs are over 100 degrees with the lows descending into the 70s. The temperatures are the most moderate in the late fall through early to mid-spring. Because of the appearance of the wildflowers and the pleasant temperatures, late February through mid-April is the busiest time of the year at Picacho Peak State Park.
Spring 52-98 F
Summer 71-100 F
Fall 42-85 F
Winter 42-75 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Picacho Peak State Park
Camping at Picacho Peak State Park is a remarkable desert experience, one that's best enjoyed in an RV. There are options for tent camping at the park; however, having an RV in this setting gives you access to many of the amenities you'd have at home. Additionally, there is often a water shortage at Picacho Peak, so bringing extra water is advised. In an RV, you'll have plenty of room to store enough water for your time there.
If you like the sound of visiting Picacho Peak in an RV but don't actually own one, then you can pick a rental up at RVshare. RVshare is one of the easiest and most convenient places to rent an RV.
The campground at Picacho Peak features 85 sites with electricity, which cost $30 a night between October and May and $25 a night between June and September. There are no water or sewer facilities in Picacho Peak; however, wireless internet is available for a small fee.
If the campground is full or you fancy camping somewhere nearby, then check out the following RV camping spots.
Picacho/Tucson NW KOA
Picacho/Tucson NW KOA is situated between Phoenix and Tucson and has all the amenities you'll need for a comfortable stay. It is located just off I-10 and close to a lot of action, including Picacho Peak State Park 8.8 miles away, Rooster Cogburn's Ostrich Ranch and the Casa Grande Ruins in Coolidge. Pricing details can be found on the website.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, restaurant and bar, dog park
High Chaparral RV Park
High Chaparral RV Park has a mixture of permanent mobile homes and temporary RV spots. If you have a four-wheel vehicle, ATV or another similar toy, bring it along because High Chaparral RV Park has easy access to the Sawtooth Mountains and open desert. Pricing starts at $40 a night. Discounts are given for long-term stays.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Community fire pits, shuffleboard courts, horseshoes, sports complex, pavilion
Valley of the Sun Mobile Home & RV Park
Valley of the Sun Mobile Home & RV Park has 70 RV spaces as well as 50 permanent sites for mobile homes. It is located just outside of downtown Tucson in Marana and about 19 miles to Picacho Peak. Daily rates start at $36.50 in the summer and $41.75 in the winter. Discounts are given for long-term stays.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Billiards, card room, pool, laundry, shuffleboard
What to Do at
Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park is a great place to take in desert beauty, most notably in the early to mid-spring when the wildflowers show up.
Inside Picacho Peak State Park
Hiking: Picacho Peak trails represent every level of difficulty. Hunter Trail is the most difficult and runs for 2 miles. It is steep and has steel cables protruding from the rocks. Four other trails that are less difficult are also within the park.
Gift shop: There's a gift store inside the visitor center. You'll be able to buy plenty of souvenirs for memories of your visit to the park. Also inside the store are vending machines with snacks and drinks.
Wildlife watching: There are lots of opportunities to see a diverse selection of wildlife at Picacho Peak State Park, including mammals, reptiles and birds. Some of the mammals you might see include desert mules, badgers and desert cottontail rabbits. As far as reptiles are concerned, you can expect to see garter snakes, coach whips, diamondback rattlers and western banded geckos. Sparrows, finches, warblers, Gila woodpeckers and curve-billed thrashers are some of the birds you'll possibly spot.
Picnicking: There are plenty of picnic spots around the park. You'll find that many of them have roofs that provide shade.
How to Get to
Picacho Peak State Park
You can access Picacho Peak State Park from Interstate 10, which runs northwest and southeast. From the south, you'll be coming out of Tucson heading north to the park. From the north, you'll be heading out of Eloy. Driving either direction will take you to Picacho Peak Road, which you'll take westward toward the park.
By Car
Entering Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park is open every day from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The visitor center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Picacho Peak State Park Per Vehicle : $7.0
Four or fewer people
Picacho Peak State Park Per Person : $3.0
Individuals on foot or bicycle
Picacho Peak State Park is a showcase of desert beauty with Picacho Peak as its center point. You'll fall in love with the desert there. Make sure to take lots of pictures while you're there and send a few of the best ones to [email protected]. RVshare would love to post them on its travel blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Picacho Peak State Park
Wildlife in the area includes rock squirrels, badgers, coyotes, desert tortoises, javelina, and tree lizards. Gila monsters, porcupines, and mountain lions are rare finds. You may even spot a Sonoran desert toad during the monsoon season.
Picacho Peak State Park has 85 campsites open to both tents and RVs. Only one motorhome is allowed at each site. There are electrical hookups but no water or sewage. Campers are welcome to use the dump station.
Reservations aren't required for individual camping spots but are necessary for groups. You will be charged a nonrefundable $3.20 fee per reservation. Feel free to make your reservation up to one year in advance.
Pets are welcome at Picacho Peak State Park as long as visitors keep them leashed. Be sure to clean up after your animal and keep it out of buildings. Pets are not allowed in ecologically sensitive areas.
Picacho Peak State Park has four handicap-accessible campsites. There are also two accessible bathrooms and shower buildings. All sites have a paved access point. Don’t forget to check out the few short and easy hiking trails with interpretative signs.
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