Small sites tucked between pine trees define this Forest Service campground on Mount Lemmon, where temperatures run 10-15 degrees cooler than Tucson below. General Hitchcock Campground features 11-14 sites positioned close together along the access road, with vault toilets centrally located and a seasonal creek running near several camping spots.
Site 6 sits across from the restrooms with large boulders providing some natural screening, while most other sites share space with immediate neighbors. The creek fills with water during snowmelt periods, adding the sound of running water to sites positioned along its banks. Campers report finding trash and cigarette butts at some sites, indicating inconsistent cleanup between visits.
Winter camping requires cold-weather gear, as one reviewer noted: "if you go prepared with winter gear you won't be cold." Hiking trails start near the campsites. Light traffic moves through the campground during the day, and shooting sounds from a nearby range can occur during overnight hours.
At $20 per night, the campground operates year-round with no on-site supervision. For alternative options in the area, campers can check Rose Canyon Campground to the north.
Description
This small, sheltered campground is tucked away just off the Catalina Highway, along the rocky streambed that forms the floor of upper Bear Canyon. Campsites are nestled under a canopy of ponderosa pines, junipers and oaks. Some sites are located right along Bear Creek among large rocks. The Creek generally only flows during rainy periods or during the Spring snowmelt, but be vigilant of flash floods.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGeneral Hitchcock Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
In Tucson, AZ, on Interstate 10, take the Speedway Blvd. exit (exit 257) to Speedway Blvd. Turn east onto Speedway Blvd. and go 9.2 miles (passed University of Arizona) to Pantano Rd. Turn left onto Pantano Rd. and go 1.1 miles to the Tanque Verde Rd ramp. Bear right onto the ramp and go 1.6 miles (on Tanque Verde Rd.) to Catalina Hwy. Turn left onto Catalina Hwy. and go 16.7 miles to General Hitchcock campground sign. Turn right at sign onto General Hitchcock Rd. into campground.
Coordinates
32.37800085 N
110.68500097 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/1/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/1/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 50 min from Tucson, AZ
- 1 hr 36 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 2 hrs 34 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 39 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
