Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho, AZ
A sharp volcanic peak beside I-10, site of a Civil War skirmish. The Hunter Trail uses steel cables near the top; in wet springs the lower slopes turn gold with poppies.
Picacho Peak State Park is in Arizona, about 40 miles (roughly 64 km) northwest of Tucson. The distinctive peak is 3,374 feet (about 1,028 m) high. In 1862 the westernmost clash of the American Civil War took place near the mountain: a small group of Confederate Arizona Rangers killed three Union cavalrymen and then fell back to Tucson. According to Lonely Planet, the battle is re-enacted in period costume every March.
Trails up the mountain start from the visitor center. The route to the summit is rugged and uses cables and catwalks; it suits fit hikers only. Spring is especially appealing because of the wildflowers.
The park has 85 bookable electric sites for tents and RVs, but no water hookups. Check reservations, fees and the dates of the re-enactment beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Picacho, AZ
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 32.6460, -111.4020
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually February–April and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January and October. Hot in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Raven Group Tent AreaCampsite1 mi from Picacho Peak State Park
- PICACHO / TUCSON NW KOA JOURNEYCampsite7 mi from Picacho Peak State ParkCaravansElectricity
- Classy AcresMotorhome stopover15 mi from Picacho Peak State ParkMotorhomes
- Silverado RV ResortMotorhome stopover16 mi from Picacho Peak State ParkMotorhomes
- Rancho Sonora RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Picacho Peak State ParkMotorhomes
- Desert Gardens Oasis RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Picacho Peak State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Picacho Peak State Park?
Picacho Peak State Park is in Picacho, AZ, at GPS 32.6460, -111.4020. It is about 30 mi from Saguaro National Park West.
Can you camp near Picacho Peak State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Raven Group Tent Area, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Picacho Peak State Park?
Picacho Peak State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Tucson and Mount Lemmon: from saguaros to pine forest.
What is there to see near Picacho Peak State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Saguaro National Park (28 mi), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (31 mi), Catalina State Park (31 mi) and Biosphere 2 (32 mi).
When is the best time to visit Picacho Peak State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually February–April and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)