Fishing enthusiasts and mountain campers will find Rose Canyon Campground positioned high above Tucson in the Coronado National Forest, where a small stocked lake anchors the 74-site facility. The campground operates seasonally from mid-April through late October, with sites ranging from $31-180 per night depending on size and location.
Campers describe the atmosphere as notably quiet once day visitors depart. "Rose Canyon campsites are spaced out and quiet," notes Jeramie D., with many sites offering room for multiple tents among the ponderosa pines. The forested setting provides natural windbreaks, though Chip found cell service requires "a fun, but steep, hike to the top of the mountain" behind the sites.
The lake serves as the main draw for fishing, though swimming isn't permitted and kayaking requires special permits. Day visitors crowd the shoreline during peak season, but radrealtoraz !. recommends waiting "until the evening to enjoy the lake with less people there." A creek flows near the campground, adding hiking opportunities along the water. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box, with pit toilets and potable water available throughout the loops.
The rough mountain road requires careful driving, particularly for larger vehicles—the campground doesn't accommodate RVs over 22 feet. Reservations fill quickly during summer months, though weekday visits in shoulder seasons offer better availability. Sites closer to the lake claim the highest demand.
For campers seeking additional mountain camping options, campgrounds near Coronado National Forest include General Hitchcock Campground at lower elevation.
Description
Overview
Rose Canyon Campground is just 17 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona, off the Catalina Highway Scenic Drive near the summit of Mt. Lemmon. This area is popular for day use as well as overnight camping. With a high elevation, forested setting, two group picnic areas and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing, Rose Canyon offers a great summer respite from the city.
Recreation
The lake is sheltered by trees and offers a pleasant setting for a walk in the woods, relaxing on the shore or spending an afternoon fishing for stocked trout. A one-mile trail around the lake is convenient for anglers and hikers. The trail is accessible from the lower parking area to a floating dock near a dam. The surrounding national forest boasts a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, including several that traverse the 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon.
Facilities
The campground offers spacious, single-family campsites, as well as two group day use areas with picnic shelters, which can be reserved for up to 120 guests. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and vault toilets.
Natural Features
The campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Because of its elevation, it can be much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The campsites are spacious and spread out among stands of large ponderosa pines and clusters of Gambel oak. During the summer rainy season, Rose Creek meanders through the area to the six-acre Rose Canyon Lake at the lower end of the campground. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (520) 576-1325.
Nearby Attractions
Catalina Highway, also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway, is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic highways in the southwest and is a popular day trip. Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.
Fee Info
Group site fees are as follows: up to 50 persons $95; 51-90 persons $130;91-120 persons $150 per day.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRose Canyon Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
From Tucson, Arizona, take Catalina Highway/Arizona Route 39 northeast. The campground is located between mile markers 17 and 18 on the Catalina Highway.
Address
10371 Rose Canyon Rd
Mt. lemmon, AZ 85619
Coordinates
32.395 N
110.6911111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Tucson, AZ
- 1 hr 46 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 2 hrs 44 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 48 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
