Whitetail Campground

11200 N. WHITETAIL ROAD
MT. LEMMON, AZ 85619

Overview

Whitetail Campground offers group campsites in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains of southeastern Arizona, 5 miles south of the town of Summerhaven and the top of Mt. Lemmon. Groups can enjoy picking, hiking, camping and wildlife watching while enjoying a cool respite from hot summer. The facility can accommodate groups for day or overnight use.

Recreation

Hiking and sightseeing are popular activities. The surrounding national forest boasts a variety of trails, including some on the 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon, for those who wish to venture away from the campground for the day.

The University of Arizona runs an observatory just up the road, and visitors can also drive a few minutes to the small town of Summerhaven, which offers amenities and attractions on Mt. Lemmon's summit.

Anglers can try for stocked trout at nearby Rose Canyon Lake.

Facilities

All five group areas have picnic shelters that can accommodate between 40 to 90 people each and come equipped with drinking water, electricity (small appliances only), trash collection and vault toilets.

Natural Features

Whitetail Campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains at an elevation of 8,000 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 big ponderosa pines

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, offering a scenic day trip.

Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.

Camp site features

Across 5 camp sites:

Electric hookups: all 5 sites
Picnic table: all 5 sites
Pets allowed: all 5 sites
ADA accessible: 1 of 5 sites
Group sites: all 5 sites
Longest RV: 26 ft
Largest party: 90 people
Power up to 15 amps
Equipment: Trailer

Directions

From Tucson, Arizona, go north on Catalina Highway approximately 30 miles from Tucson until you reach Milepost 20. Turn Left on Whitetail Road.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

39 reviews

5 stars

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3 stars

2 stars

Claudia J

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Reviewed 2 months ago

We had a wonderful time camping at Whitetail! Beautiful surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, and a great place to relax and enjoy nature. We’ will definitely be back!

Shannon G

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Reviewed 2 months ago

I’ve been reserving this site for many years. It’s a beautiful wooded group campground with a big Ramada, fire ring, etc. This year was the first time the vault toilets were not clean inside the vault when we arrived and were never cleaned while we were there… a little disgusting. We picked up all kinds of micro trash at our site from previous groups: bottle caps, hair ties, toys, tent parts. The church group across the way let the kids run around and scream until 2am. They did not honor the 10pm quiet time. I spoke to their leader the next morning and they ended up packing up and leaving a day early. Also, watch your pets, as there are two skunks patrolling the campsites. One of our dogs was sprayed in the face after sundown and a skunk sprayed the site next to us at 4:30am. I’m hoping next year is better.

Catherine R

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Reviewed 4 months ago

We love camping at Whitetail and is an annual trip for our women’s camping group. The site is always meticulously cleaned and the camp host (Carl) is uber helpful. Having a large Pavillion with electricity and water makes it a glamping adventure. Thank you.

Kimberleigh T

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Reviewed 4 months ago

Great experience, awesome Hosts, well maintained and fun time.

Carrie F

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Reviewed 7 months ago

Annual trip to Whitetail for our group. Always clean and beautiful.

Dr bruce S

Loop:Whitetail