Joe Carpentier
January 25, 2018 Google Maps
I enjoyed myself while visiting the canyon. The shuttle is great and there are many stops along the way you can get off and on the shuttle at any of them. Great place to take Desert pictures.
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About Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Cactus Ramada 2
Cactus Ramada 2 is a reservable group picnic site within the extremely popular Sabino Canyon Recreation Area at the edge of Tucson, Arizona. The facility is accessible and can accommodate up to 25 people. Groups can picnic, hike and ride horseback in this desert oasis of Coronado National Forest.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Horseback Riding
Year-round
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
Horseback Riding
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Sep 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Picnic Table
Site Setup and Access
- ADA Accessible
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Grill
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Missing information?
Reviews
8 reviews
Summary
The campsite is slightly off the main road, so clear directions are essential. It offers a private area with amenities like shade, tables, bathrooms, and a grill, making it convenient for guests, especially those needing assistance. Note that there are no lights after sundown, but the location provides stunning desert photo opportunities.
Based on guest feedback
4.8
Overall rating
Based on 8 reviews
5 stars
75.0% (6)
4 stars
25.0% (2)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 8 reviews
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Claudia C
April 15, 2019 Google Maps
Beautiful area during spring and fall. There was a river, too.
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Bill Hayes
May 4, 2019 Google Maps
Best hiking trails in Tucson! Everything from very short nature trail to multi-day backpacking routes. Plus a tram bus to take you on guided drive on the two paved roads for a reasonable price. Call ahead or go to their website to ask detailed questions to plan the perfect day whether for a hike, picnic or tram bus tour.
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Fleeting Embyr
March 2, 2021 Google Maps
Such an awesome place to hike. Trails both easy and hard. Tram or long walks. Pretty year round. Good place to see water and cactus together
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Sage F
November 18, 2023
If the ramada has lights then it would be a 5 star review. This place is beautiful, wonderful for a wedding. But when it gets dark, it's very dark.
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Sage F
November 18, 2023
If the ramada has lights then it would be a 5 star review. This place is beautiful, wonderful for a wedding. But when it gets dark, it's very dark.
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Liana
December 23, 2024 Google Maps
gorgeous place for desert pics
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Mikayla P
July 12, 2026
The campsite is a little off the main road, so make sure you have clear directions for guests. You can register one vehicle to come to the site, and this was useful especially for shuttling elderly and those not as fit to the ramada. We had the whole area to ourselves though and all the amenities we needed, near by: shade, tables, bathrooms, recycling, trash, grill. There are no lights after sundown, so keep that in mind for the Ramada and also the treck back.
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Location & Directions for Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Cactus Ramada 2
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ 85750 United States
Elevation: 859 ft
Getting There
From I-10, take exit 250 for Orange Grove Road. Go east on Orange Grove Road and proceed about 6.5 mi. Turn right on Skyline Drive. After about 1 mi, continue right onto Sunrise Drive. Follow for 6.3 mi and turn onto Sabino Canyon Road. Continue t...
From I-10, take exit 250 for Orange Grove Road. Go east on Orange Grove Road and proceed about 6.5 mi. Turn right on Skyline Drive. After about 1 mi, continue right onto Sunrise Drive. Follow for 6.3 mi and turn onto Sabino Canyon Road. Continue to the entrance just north of Sunrise Drive.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via I-10, approximately 6.5 miles from the exit at Orange Grove Road. Major roads include Orange Grove Road, Skyline Drive, Sunrise Drive, and Sabino Canyon Road.
Near Saguaro National Park
The closest entrance is: Rincon Mountain Visitor Center
Approximate drive: 13 mi · 22 min
Policies & Rules
General
- Parking is in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and Visitor Center parking lot; visitors using Cactus Ramada 2 must use a shuttle bus (additional fee) or walk a short distance to the site.
- This site is for day use only; no overnight camping; day use hours are.
- All funds will be forfeited if contact is not made with the Santa Catalina Ranger District prior to 12 hours before the reservation period; call 520-749-8700
- Only one vehicle is allowed inside the group site to carry supplies in and out
- This is mountain lion and bear habitat; be aware of your surroundings, secure all food and make sure all trash is properly disposed in provided trash cans
- Pets are not allowed in portion of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
- Bicycles are not permitted in Sabino Canyon on Saturdays and Wednesdays; all other days, they are permitted before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Charcoal not provided; please bring your own
- Click here to learn more about Coronado National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026
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