Rose Canyon

Show on map520-576-1477
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

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.

Camp site features

Across 30 camp sites:

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

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

367 reviews
5 stars
257
4 stars
63
3 stars
21
2 stars
17
1 stars
9
Michael S
Loop:Green Mt. Loop
Site:
Reviewed 8 days ago
So surprised how empty the campground was. After school starts in August is a primo time to go. The campground has no internet reception so be ready to be off line.
Donna G
Loop:Willow edge
Site:
Reviewed 10 days ago
After a 10 day stay in June we came home and immediately booked our recent stay. Camp hosts Toby and Craig made their friendly rounds. Pam and Lou were diligent at the booth and Kevin kept our restroom clean. Our only excursion was to Summerhaven for an ice run.
Rosetta R
Loop:Sycamore
Site:
Reviewed 13 days ago
I arrived on Sunday just afternoon and the bathrooms were clean the trash was picked up my campsite was three of any clutter or trash. The hostess was a sweet lady. My only issue was it was hot it was hotter than the weather had said it was going to be and I could hear traffic all night long. So maybe next time I go further into the campsites?
Dennis C
Loop:Sycamore
Site:
Reviewed 14 days ago
The campsite was perfect, set back from the road for more privacy. We came it was perfect weather during monsoon season, although it was still a bit hot midday. I would recommend this campsite for the locals to get out of town for a quick getaway and experience nature.
Hector S
Loop:Lizard Rock
Site:
Reviewed 15 days ago
An electric outlet
Takako Y
Loop:Black Bear Flats
Site:
Reviewed 21 days ago
The good: Walking distance to the lake. Close to creek that feeds lake. Shade from trees. Restrooms where fairly clean. The bad: Lots of car noise as everyone driving goes to lake at all hours. Parking is up hill and across road from campsite. Only 1 parking spot. Camp host where basically none existent. Campsite where not cleaned on arrival. The really bad: Incredibly close to campsite #69 to the point your tents are only about 3 feet away. So you WILL hear everything. Campsite is on low ground. If it rains all run off comes your way to feed the creek.
Availability

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

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 13% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds