Rose Canyon

10371 Rose Canyon Rd
Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619

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

This location has limited staffing. Please call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

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.

Camp site features

Across 30 camp sites:

Picnic table: all 30 sites
Pets allowed: all 30 sites
Largest party: 8 people
Equipment: Tent

Fees

Group site fees are as follows: up to 50 persons $95; 51-90 persons $130; 91-120 persons $150 per day.

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

390 reviews

5 stars

271

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Rosetta R

Loop:Sycamore

Site:

Reviewed 16 days ago

The site that I rented was Sycamore Loop Number 039. This site was excellent if you have dogs. You could not see any other campsite. It was large and had a nice area for the tent. You truly did have a lot of privacy down in this area. You do have to pack your truck up about 20 ft away and carry all of your gear downhill.

Norman B

Loop:Green Mt. Loop

Site:

Reviewed 18 days ago

Very nice camp ground. Sites are well spaced out, nicely maintained and plenty of shade. Vault toilets are well maintained.

Katie M

Loop:Rose Peak

Site:

Reviewed 20 days ago

The pipes broke so there was no potable water unless we went to the main entrance. No notice was also given about any issues with the water.

Jorge A

Loop:Sycamore

Site:

Reviewed 20 days ago

Fantastic facilities, very clean, very quiet. 2 nights was not nearly enough time

Michel S

Loop:Red Tail

Site:

Reviewed 24 days ago

Friendly staff and very clean place.

Allan P

Loop:Sycamore

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Ranger at the front was super helpful and finding our spot was easy. Kids had fun exploring the surrounding area and although the lake was packed, there was still plenty of area to fish and they were biting.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve