Picacho Peak State Park, Picacho, Arizona

This beautiful state park is located adjacent to Interstate 10 about midway between Phoenix and Tuscon. Having driven past this park many times and been intrigued each time by its volcanic rock peaks spotted with saguaro cacti, I tucked it away in my travel destination wish list. Most heavily visited in the late fall through mid spring, this park offers easy on and off highway access, hiking trails galore, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets in its desert setting. The only drawback here is slight interestate noise. A visitor's center has exhibits featuring the flora and fauna and wildlife of the area, as well as a little history of the site. Picacho Peak is home to the westernmost battle of the
Civil War. Today a small monument marks the location of the deadly battle at the park's visitor's center. Beyond the center you will find paved roads that lead you to three campground loops and all spacious, scenic, and level, with site pads being paved. An electric hookup, fire pit, picnic table, and well groomed gravel patio area is found at each site. In our short stay here we enjoyed clambering up the rocks behind our site of choice, B10. We also saw park volunteers hard at work keeping this place spic and span for its guests. There are restrooms and showers available. A small book exchange and horseshoe pits are available. Summers here are beastly hot, so be sure to visit during the milder months.

Best Sites: B5, B8, B10, B12, A11, A13, A15, A17, C11
Poor Sites: None
Hookups: Electric
Potable Water: Yes
Dump Within Facility: Yes