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.

## 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.

Molino Basin Campground

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This campground is very well maintained with nice restrooms. There are a few sites, including the one we were at, that are back a little ways from the road and you have to walk in to get to them. We went in February and it was warm and beautiful here. The campground was not crowded at all. There are hiking trails out here, you can check out the Gordon Hirabayashi campground and the old work camp remains which are pretty interesting. Also, if you want to drive up to the top of Mount Lemmon, it's a beautiful and scenic drive. On your way back into town, you can stop at the Agua Caliente park where you'll find tons of palm trees surrounding a peaceful pond. 

Great Campground

Nice, clean campground, along the Mt. Lemmon Highway. Better for tent camping as there are beautiful, individual walk-in sites that are fairly private.

Tons of rec opportunities right from camp: hiking, mountain biking, etc.

Nice clean, better for tent camping

Great camp with lots of privacy, space, and views. Pet friendly. Nice restrooms. Streams and trails. 

Quick stop in Tucson 

They have some secluded spots.. Very clean and nice

Very nice

We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in late February and were pleasantly surprised to find this first come, first serve campground nearly empty. We drove toward the back of the campground to explore open sites and selected walk up site 23. Perched away from the road and surrounding campsites with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountainside. Equipped with a large bear locker, table, fire ring, lantern post and flat open space to pitch our tent. 

  

Conveniently located a short walk to the restroom, which was very clean. 

  

On our first night we walked down to the empty group site to pick up part of the Arizona Trail for a quick hike before dinner.

This campground is a great base location to explore. One morning we did the Sky Island Scenic Byway to the top of Mt. Lemmon and visited the cute little general store to grab souvenir stickers for the kids.  In the afternoon we drove the 30 minutes to Saguaro National Park East which was the highlight of this trip.

Perfect Tucson Getaway Camp

Plenty of great trails that lead all throughout the Santa Catalina mountains. A lot of highly trafficked and we'll maintained trails. 

Some of the best hiking Tucson has to offer

Great views of the mountains, not too crowded, and a good location for recreation in both Coronado National Forest and Saguaro West. It is a bit pricey at $20 a night but that's my only complaint

Pricey But Worth It

Camped here April 1 since dispersed area was still in snow. Great sites and easy access with toilets, fire pits and bear box.

Great location when up elevation has snow

camped here 1 night in December.  plenty of open and empty spots. each spot equipped with a picnic table, grill, and fire pit. absolute beautiful scenery. toilet was well maintained and very stocked.  $20 per night. 

Photos of Molino Basin Campground

Real photos from real campers