Spencer Canyon Campground

Campground closure

Closed (US Forest Service)

This mountain campground is located at the head of a shallow, forested canyon a short distance off the Catalina Highway. Spencer Canyon faces the city of Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley, both of which are visible as a distant panorama through openings in the forest canopy.

Spencer Canyon Campground has 66 sites. Each site has a concrete table, firepit, B-B-Q and bear box for food storage. A beautiful night view of Tucson can be seen from several sites. Spencer is rugged, rustic in layout and close to the hamlet of Summerhaven. Each camping area has clean, stocked vault toilets. Campground hosts live on site. Firewood may be purchased from the hosts.

The Catalina Highway is paved, but it can be snow covered in winter when chains and/or 4-wheel drive may be required.

Fees

Camping fee is $28.00 per night for single sites. No more than 6 people per numbered site, including children and visitors. Double Family site is $44.00. Extra vehicle is $11.00 per night per site. No more than two vehicles per site. Extra persons, walk-ins, and bicycles are $1.00 each. Firewood is $8.00 per bundle/bag. The Interagency Senior and Access Pass is good for a 50% discount on camping fee only. Payable with cash or check.

Rules

No hook-ups. Tents, trailers to 22’, and small motor homes permitted. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. A large area of nearby Pusch Ridge Wilderness is closed to dogs from January to April for the protection of desert bighorn sheep. Though dogs are allowed in the campground, you are not allowed to take them on hikes into the Sheep Closure Area of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness from January to April.

Directions

From Tucson, E. on Tanque Verde. N. on Catalina Highway. Drive 4.2 miles to the Forest boundary (Mile Post 0), then continue 21.5 miles to Spencer Canyon Campground on the left (west) side of the road.