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Established Camping

Rose Canyon Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Rose Canyon Campground, near Mt. Lemmon, Arizona, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the heat and enjoy some time in nature. With its beautiful lake and flowing creek, it’s a great place to relax, fish, or take a refreshing dip.

The campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, complete with picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings. Many visitors have praised the well-maintained facilities and the friendly campground hosts, making it a welcoming place for families and pets alike. One happy camper noted, “I stayed 2 nights with my dog and it was a fantastic experience.”

If you’re up for some adventure, the hiking trails around the lake provide stunning views and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout on the way back, as some trails can be a bit steep.

While the campground can get busy during the day with day visitors, many campers recommend enjoying the lake in the evening when it’s quieter. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Rose Canyon Campground offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

Fee Info

Group site fees are as follows: up to 50 persons $95; 51-90 persons $130;91-120 persons $150 per day.

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Location

Rose Canyon Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Tucson, Arizona, take Catalina Highway/Arizona Route 39 northeast. The campground is located between mile markers 17 and 18 on the Catalina Highway.

Address

10371 Rose Canyon Rd
Mt. lemmon, AZ 85619

Coordinates

32.395 N
110.6911111 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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20 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 11, 2022

Nice place to beat the heat

Cool little lake, with river that was flowing when we were there in May. it is downhill when hiking to the lake so be prepared for the uphill trek on the way back

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Mason , December 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Mason , December 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Mason , December 11, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2022

Disorganized, unprofessional

The front stand staff double booked us into a campsite that was already reserved online. They were unable to come up with a solution and kept the money anyway. Coincidentally, there was another group that had a similar issue around the same time we went. If I had to go back, I’d make sure I had an online reservation.

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2022

WAS one of my favorite campgrounds

This WAS one of my favorite campgrounds.😔😟 While checking in at Rose Canyon Campground 9/23/22 with my reservation, I was asked to show my Senior Annual Pass. I ALWAYS have my hangtag with my Senior Annual Pass to show. Shane, at kiosk, said Recreation.gov ONLY honors Senior Lifetime Pass. Shane charged me extra$52.00 because I didn't have a Senior Lifetime Pass. My friends behind me in their car were witnessing this transaction. After my camping trip up at Rose Canyon Campground, I went to Sabino Canyon Visitor Center to inquire about why Recreation.gov changed their Senior Passes and how I had to pay an additional fee of$52.00. The employees showed me their brochure which clearly states that my Senior Annual Pass was VALID and I should have NOT BEEN CHARGED the extra fees!. I promptly notified Recreation.gov and through lengthy emails, screen shots of charges, Rose Canyon Campground Facility Manager said that I DID NOT SHOW my Senior Annual Pass to Shane and that's why I was charged!!! WOW!!! MY FRIENDS WERE EYE WITNESSES THAT I SHOWED MY HANGTAG TO SHANE!!! I know the PROTOCOL because I camp a lot and KNOW TO SHOW MY HANGTAG WITH MY SENIOR ANNUAL PASS!!! Rose Canyon Campground Facility Manager has accused me of something I did not do in order for them NOT to reimburse me for the extra fees of$52.00.*** How many SENIOR CITIZENS have they done this to??? SHAME ON YOU ROSE CANYON CAMPGROUND FACILITY MANAGER AND SHANE FOR EXTRA CHARGES AND TREATING A SENIOR CITIZEN FREQUENT CAMPER AT ROSE CANYON CAMPGROUND IN THIS MANNER!!!😢😭

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Linda M., October 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Linda M., October 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Linda M., October 1, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Apr. 17, 2022

Great trip, excited to go back!

We had so much fun. We stayed in one of the RV spots with out pop up. It was spread area out and a well maintained camp site. Has grill, bear box, picnic table, fire pit. It was great for our 5 year old to explore and was beautiful weather (needed heater at night!!) They allow day visitors to the lake and it gets busy. We waited until the evening to enjoy the lake with less people there.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by radrealtoraz !., April 17, 2022
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by radrealtoraz !., April 17, 2022
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by radrealtoraz !., April 17, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2021

Peaceful and Beautiful

I stayed 2 nights with my dog and it was a fantastic experience. The lake was beautiful, the creek made for lovely hiking, and the campsite hosts were friendly and helpful. I cannot wait to stay again!

Site73
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Elizabeth M., September 19, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2021

Nice weekend escape

Campsites are well maintained. For our setup with a roof top tent there aren’t a lot of sites that can accommodate. Camp ground is super busy. The lake was completely surrounded with people fishing. No swimming and no kayaking without a special permit. Restrooms were well maintained. Camp hosts were super friendly and readily available.

Site39
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2021

Gorgeous mountain top site

Got here on a Sunday evening and were incredibly lucky to get a site close to the lake! The drive up to the campground is gorgeous and the campground is great as well. Spots are drive up with picnic tables, bear boxes, and space to set up a tent or two. There’s a camp store and public pit toilets. We arrived in the evening and left early so we didn’t use the camp store. Would definitely come again, not sure if we’ll get so lucky w our site again tho

Site64
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 16, 2021

Quiet and Friendly

There was a small complication about my reservation, which was entirely my mistake and the wonderful camp hosts fixed (thanks, Shane and Vicky!), but I ended up doing a first-come-first-serve campsite search. Midweek in May, I had my pick, and found a wonderful site with tons of room, right at the base of a colorful mountain to climb. My only neighbors quickly became my new best friends, and even the camp hosts joined us in a spontaneous campsite gathering.

And then, quiet. The trees keep the wind out, and once the sun goes down, the birds are silent. Plenty of good sleep to be had, which allowed me and my dog to wake early and explore the mountain tops... which was the secret place to find cell service, by the way. I had site #56, and a fun, but steep, hike to the top of the mountain behind me gave a glorious spot to catch up on a few emails. But don't tell anyone. Otherwise, you're miles from using your phone for much else other than pictures.

The lake is more of a big pond. They stock it for fishing, but I'm more of a swimmer, and I wasn't about to swim in there. Pretty, but not user-friendly for a plunger like myself. 

The bathrooms are pit toilets, but clean and treated well so they actually had a pleasant scent. 

The road to the park is full of amazing places to park and take in the view. Quite a drive. I'll be back. And yes, I documented the place with pictures of my dog, Ko'olau.

Site#56
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Chip , May 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Chip , May 16, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Good Trout Fishing

Many camp sites available to reserve as well as a few that are first come first serve. Also many cabins available for rent a little up the mountain. Rose canyon lake is stocked with trout for some easy and fun fishing and camping. Gets crowded during times when lake is stocked.

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2020

Legitness

This campground is great. Awesome lake. Clean bathrooms. Well kept sites.

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2019

Busy but cozy and beautiful!

Camping here was a great way to enjoy Mt. Lemmon. The campground was beautiful with a great lake for fishing and i believe you can also Kayak. The campground was very full, but it wasn't too loud and our site still offered privacy. Explore around the lake and be sure to bring your fishing pole!

  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by David K., October 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by David K., October 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by David K., October 24, 2019
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2019

Camping on Mt. Lemon

Camping high in the mountains above Tucson was great. Rose Canyon campsites are spaced out and quiet. The lake was about a half mile walk from the campsite. There is also hiking trails close to the campground.

Overall, the campsites are larger than normal and the sites are even. There are also ample trees to hang a hammock to relax during the day.

  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Jeramie D., September 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Jeramie D., September 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Jeramie D., September 29, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2018

Nice campground in the pines

At Rose Canyon Lake. Lots of spots. Though the campground was very nearly full, it was quiet. Has several loops separated by shallow ravines. Pit toilets. Very clean and well-cared-for. Friendly, helpful camp hosts.

Reviewed May. 20, 2018

Little pricey

Camp sites are decent, but a little pricey per night. Our campsite was a short walk to the lake; some are closer, some further. You can’t swim in the lake and it gets pretty warm in the summertime. Good fall time spot!

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2018

Well maintained and friendly hosts

Came in for a single nights visit obmy motorcycle. The young lady at the gate was very nice and the hosts very friendly. The camp sited were all well maintained with bear boxes for each site. The toilets were easily accessable and each had running potable water adjacent to the shelters.

I would definately return again

SiteWillow edge loop site 46
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2016

Nice summer getaway

Campground is well cared for. Some sites can be challenging to get to. Can be very difficult to get spots during the summer. No hookups, but there are bathrooms available in the loops. Lake can be extremely crowded during summer time also

  • Review photo of Rose Canyon Campground by Ryan V., June 16, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Rose Canyon on Mt. Lemmon?

Camping at Rose Canyon Campground on Mt. Lemmon costs around $20-25 per night for standard sites. Some campers note that while the price is a bit higher than some other mountain campgrounds, the well-maintained facilities and proximity to the lake make it worthwhile. Fishing permits would be an additional cost if you plan to fish in Rose Canyon Lake. For current rates and any seasonal price changes, it's recommended to check with the campground directly when planning your trip.

How do I make reservations for Rose Canyon Campground?

Reservations for Rose Canyon Campground can be made through Recreation.gov. Most sites are reservable in advance, though a limited number of first-come, first-served sites are also available. During peak season (summer months), it's highly recommended to book well ahead of time as the campground fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The campground typically has on-site hosts who can assist with check-in procedures and any questions about your reservation. For the most current reservation policies and availability, check Recreation.gov or contact the Coronado National Forest office.

Where can I find photos and reviews of Rose Canyon Campground?

Photos and reviews of Rose Canyon Campground can be found on The Dyrt, which features user-submitted images of the campground, lake, and surrounding areas. The Dyrt also hosts campground reviews detailing experiences at the sites. Additional photos and information are available on the USDA Forest Service website for Coronado National Forest. Recreation.gov also provides images and visitor feedback as part of their reservation platform. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook often contain recent visitor photos using location tags for Rose Canyon Lake and Campground.

What is the location of Rose Canyon Lake in relation to Mt. Lemmon?

Rose Canyon Lake is located on Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains, about halfway up the scenic Catalina Highway from Tucson. The lake sits at a high elevation in the mountains, providing a cool retreat from the desert heat below. The campground is positioned near the lake, with some campsites just a short walk away and others requiring a slightly longer hike of about half a mile. The entire area is part of the Coronado National Forest, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape Tucson's summer temperatures while enjoying mountain recreation.

What amenities and facilities are available at Rose Canyon Campground?

Rose Canyon Campground offers well-maintained drive-up campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and bear boxes for secure food storage. The campground has clean pit toilets with adjacent potable water stations throughout the camping loops. While there are no hookups available for RVs, the sites are generally well-spaced for privacy. The campground is located near Rose Canyon Lake, which is stocked with trout for fishing (special permit may be required). Nearby hiking trails provide additional recreational opportunities. A camp store is also available for basic supplies.