News Release

Alamo Canyon Campground Opens For Advanced Reservations January 1, 2023

Date: December 15, 2022
Contact: Jessica Pope, [phone]

Ajo Arizona – Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Alamo Canyon Campground will be available year-round, beginning January 1, 2023 for reservations on www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. This change will make it possible for visitors to Plan Like a Ranger and select and reserve their ideal campsite prior to their arrival.

Located 85 miles south of Interstate 8 on the international border between Arizona and Mexico, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a long way from anywhere. Alamo Canyon Campground is a small, 4-site primitive campground located at the mouth of Alamo Canyon in the Ajo Mountains. This beautiful site is popular with birders, photographers, dark sky enthusiasts and anyone who values the solitude backcountry camping provides. With only 4-sites available, securing a camping spot at Alamo Canyon campground can be challenging, especially during the busy winter months. Traveling to the park with a confirmed reservation gives visitors peace of mind that their camp site is secured and ready for them regardless of what time of day or night they arrive. The system also allows for spontaneous travel; visitors can make reservations on the same day they plan to arrive, as long as sites are available. It is important to note, anyone arriving at the campground without a reservation will still need to log into www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to secure a site. Cellular and Wi-Fi service is limited at the park, so visitors are strongly encouraged to make a reservation before making the long drive.

Booking reservations on recreation.gov is simple and easy. After logging into the site, click on Camping and Lodging, then search Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Alamo Canyon  Campground. A map appears showing all the available campsites. Clicking on a site reveals an image of the site, what the site can accommodate and its availability. Visitors enter the dates they wish to reserve and confirm the site with credit or debit card payment. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Scott Stonum, Superintendent of Organ Pipe Cactus, said, “These changes will not only make planning a trip to Organ Pipe Cactus simple and easy for our visitors, they ensure that more of our recreation fee dollars remain in the park to support projects and programs that enhance the visitor experience.” By moving to an online reservation system, the park will eliminate the use of campground envelopes and collection canisters, reducing cash handling and cumbersome deposits for a park located 150 miles from the nearest treasury bank.