Backcountry camping permit at Saguaro: what applies in 2026?

Exact conditions

Status

Required under the listed conditions

Applies to

overnight guests

Place or corridor

Saguaro Wilderness Area backcountry campgrounds, all in the Rincon Mountain District (East). There is no camping in the Tucson Mountain District (West).

Effective dates

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026

Release model

on sale now

Release detail: NPS links to Recreation.gov to purchase but does not publish a release date, release time, or quota on its permits page.

Fee detail: NPS does not publish the backcountry permit fee on its permits and reservations page - amount unknown from official NPS sources.

Exceptions and limits

• Permits are required for individual overnight hiking and camping, individual overnight horseback riding, and any group overnight hiking, camping or horseback riding.
• Permits are purchased online through Recreation.gov.
• There is no drive-in or developed campground anywhere in the park.