Coronado National Forest

Peppersauce Campground and Group Site

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.

Location: 6 miles southeast of Oracle on Forest Road 38 (40 miles northeast of Tucson).

Access: 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.
• In dry conditions, a two-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle, like a pickup, is usually sufficient for the drive from Peppersauce Campground up to Mt. Lemmon. However, bad weather can quickly erode sections of the Control Road, so it is advised that travelers up to Mt. Lemmon use a four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle.
• In winter, snow can quickly make the Control Road impassable by any vehicle.
• Obey the speed limit. Be prepared to stop. Be prepared to turn around and return the way you came.

Elevation: 4,700'

Season: Open year round.

Attractions:

• Riparian setting
• Picturesque trees
• A long, scenic drive
• Open year round
• Hunting

Facilities:

• 17 single-unit sites
• 1 group site. Make reservations at www.recreation.gov.
• Tables and fire grills
• Toilets, not barrier free
• Pack it in, pack it out.

Notes:

• No hook-ups.
• Trailers are discouraged; 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.