Spud Rock Spring
The Quick Take
Spud Rock Spring is not a campground you stumble into -- it is a campground you earn. Tucked at 7,200 feet on the isolated east side of the Rincon Mountains, this is the most remote of Saguaro's six backcountry sites, with just three spots carved into the high-elevation woodland. There is no potable water, no cell service, and no easy way in: access from the Turkey Creek trailhead demands a high-clearance 4WD vehicle just to reach the starting point, and the final stretch is on foot. What you get in return is near-total solitude in a park that most visitors experience from a paved loop drive. At eight dollars a night, it is one of the cheapest beds in southern Arizona, assuming you can haul your gear uphill to claim one. This is strictly for experienced backpackers who want Saguaro's wilderness without another soul in sight.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
0 sites, first-come first-served.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
No RVs. No electrical hookups.
Pro Tips
Check Turkey Creek road conditions with the ranger station before driving out -- a recent monsoon rain can turn the access road into an impassable mud pit, and there is no cell service to call for help if you get stuck.
Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day plus extra. The 'spring' in the name is not a reliable water source, and at 7,200 feet in the desert, dehydration sneaks up faster than you expect.
Time your trip for late September through early November -- monsoon season will have passed, temperatures at elevation are comfortable for hiking with a loaded pack, and you will likely have all three sites to yourself on weekdays.
Photos
NPS
