Established Camping
Molino Basin Campground
Molino Basin Campground, near Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature while still enjoying some essential comforts. With designated sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire after a day of adventure.
This campground is known for its stunning mountain views and easy access to some of the best hiking trails in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Campers have raved about the cleanliness of the facilities, including well-maintained restrooms, making it a pleasant place to stay. One visitor noted, “Great views of the mountains, not too crowded, and a good location for recreation.”
If you’re up for exploring, you’re just a short drive from the scenic Sky Island Scenic Byway and Saguaro National Park East, where you can soak in the unique desert landscape. Many families have enjoyed the privacy of the sites, with one group mentioning how they found a secluded spot with a beautiful view, making it an ideal base for outdoor activities.
While the campground does charge a fee, visitors have found it worth it for the experience and amenities. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Molino Basin Campground offers a welcoming atmosphere for a memorable getaway.
Description
National Forest
Coronado National Forest
Overview
Visitors are drawn to Molino Campground for its group camping area, scenic mountain surroundings and hiking and mountain biking opportunities. While most other campgrounds in the Catalina Mountains are closed in winter, Molino Campground and its picnic area are open in late fall, winter and early spring. The pleasant winter weather at this elevation makes it a great time to visit. Molino Basin is conveniently located 5.5 miles from the base of Mt. Lemmon on the Catalina Highway, and about 10 miles northeast of Tucson.
Recreation
Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are popular activities. The Arizona Trail, which extends from Mexico to Utah, passes through the campground, and the Molino Trail leads to the Pusch Ridge Wilderness (hiking and horseback riding only). A variety of additional trails, including some on 9,157' Mt. Lemmon, are available in the area for those who wish to venture away from the campground for the day.
Natural Features
Campsites sit amid a high desert oak scrub ecosystem at an elevation of 4,500 feet on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Along the banks of Molino Creek, which flows during and immediately after rain or snowmelt, species such as cottonwood, Arizona live oak and mesquite provide a scenic setting. Views are dominated by rugged, rocky hills. Colorful wildflowers bloom in spring.
Nearby Attractions
Catalina Highway (also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway), the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range, is one of the most scenic highways in the Southwest and definitely worth a day trip. Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, Colossal Cave and the city of Tucson.
Location
Molino Basin Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
From Tucson, Arizona, take Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde Road in Tucson. Drive 4.2 miles northeast to the Coronado National Forest boundary and continue 5.7 miles to the campground. The campground is between mileposts 5 and 6. All campsites are adjacent to paved roads.
Address
5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd
Tucson, AZ 85750
Coordinates
32.335 N
110.6958333 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
