Spencer Canyon Campground
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2019

Great, easy getaway if you don't mind company

Spencer Canyon Campground is a nice campground approx. 20 miles from Tucson up the General Hitchcock Highway(often called the Catalina Highway or Mt. Lemmon Highway). It is located approximately 3 miles past the Palisades Visitor Center and the entrance is marked well by a big brown sign as you approach. Phill and Denise, the friendly campsite managers will give you advice and suggestions about campsites that suite your needs. The photos attached to this review are from campsite#6, which is close to the Phill& Denise’s camper location and the highway- yes, we did hear road noise. Most campers chose locations deeper in the campground, but we were there on a busy weekend so most of those“deeper” campsites were occupied. All sites have a large bear box, concrete picnic table, charcoal grill and an iron fire pit. The picnic area of the site is level but the whole campsite is NOT so pick your location carefully if you want to pitch your tent on a flat, level plot. We did find some firewood left over from prior campers but recommend bringing your own, dry wood if you have room in your rig. In my observation, there is a rather nice, vessel toilet house strategically located to serve 6- 7 campsites. There is also a water faucet to be shared by 6- 7 campsites. Campsite#6 has its own faucet so others might also. There are 60+ campsites throughout Spencer Canyon and I would suggest that those“deeper” in the campground are more desirable. It should be noted that most of the campsites are close together, that is, about 50-75 feet apart, hence, my“... if you don’t mind company” comment. It should also be noted that Phill& Denise are really nice and helpful, the campsites are well maintained and clean, it is only 22 miles from Tucson and less than 6 miles from the mountaintop hamlet of Summerhaven, and is situated at approximately 7,900 fee of elevation. Thus, Spencer Canyon Campground is a great getaway from the Arizona heat and close enough to Tucson for a 1- 2 night weekend.

Site#6
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Spencer Canyon Campground by Dray S., September 8, 2019
  • Beautiful deer
    Play button icon