The Coronado National Forest encompasses Mount Lemmon and the surrounding Santa Catalina Mountains near Catalina, Arizona. Elevation ranges from 3,000 to nearly 9,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments from desert scrub to pine forests. Winter temperatures in the higher elevations can drop below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures at lower elevations frequently exceed 100°F.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Spencer Canyon Campground provides access to multiple mountain trails at 7,900 feet elevation. "We hiked and spend about 3 nights here. We were 15 people and had a couple of sites right next to each other. Sites are a good size for a paid campground, not small like most others," notes a reviewer at Spencer Canyon Campground.
Wildlife observation: Peppersauce Campground offers opportunities to see native species in their natural habitat. "There's abundant wildlife, and both mornings we woke up to the sound of wild turkeys checking out our setup," reports a camper. The campground also provides "a perfect area for kids to explore and see wildlife. We spotted both turkeys and deer and were visited by some cotamundi as well."
Dark sky stargazing: Gilbert Ray Campground provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "When night time came, the stars were amazing. No light pollution there with unobstructed views of the night skies," notes a visitor at Gilbert Ray Campground.
What campers like
Natural desert immersion: Cactus Forest Dispersed camping offers direct contact with Sonoran Desert plant life. "Beautiful desert scenery with view of mount lemmon. Easy to pull into with trailer. There were many campers there but it wasn't shoulder to shoulder there are many dispersed spots to choose from," explains a camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed.
Temperature variations: Mount Bigelow Dispersed camping provides relief from summer heat at higher elevations. "It was packed on the weekends, but holy cow, was it gorgeous. Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat," notes a reviewer at Mount Bigelow Dispersed.
Clean facilities: Molino Basin Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and camping areas. "Great camp with lots of privacy, space, and views. Pet friendly. Nice restrooms. Streams and trails," shares a camper. Another adds, "Each spot equipped with a picnic table, grill, and fire pit. Absolute beautiful scenery. Toilet was well maintained and very stocked."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Gilbert Ray Campground requires advance planning. "Make reservations as this Campground is popular. Camping area ground host was really great," advises a camper. Sites cost $36 per night as of 2024.
Road conditions: Mount Bigelow Dispersed camping may present access challenges. "We got to the parking area about 7:40 PM on November 10th. Started up the road to the campsite about 2 miles further up the mountain but at about 1/2 mile the road was so icy that we lost traction," reports one camper.
Wildlife safety: Peppersauce Campground provides bear boxes for food storage. "The campground had bathrooms, running well water and bear safes, as well as campfire rings and picnic tables," notes a visitor. The campground charges $15 per night, payable at a drop box near the entrance.
Tips for camping with families
Privacy considerations: Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp offers limited separation between sites. "Works for a quick one nighter. Not all sites have fire circle and if you don't have a toilet there are only a few bushes tall enough," reports a camper at Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp.
Educational opportunities: Molino Basin Campground provides access to historical sites. "There are hiking trails out here, you can check out the Gordon Hirabayashi campground and the old work camp remains which are pretty interesting," notes a visitor.
Pet safety in cactus areas: Cactus Forest offers challenging terrain for dogs. "My only advice here is that it's not fun for dogs. It's incredibly prickly everywhere. Imagine that, prickly in the cactus forest? You'll want to avoid wearing sandals too."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Gilbert Ray Campground offers varied RV accommodations. "Some spots vary in size so make sure your rig can fit. Also some more difficult to back up into," advises an RVer. "Great staff and clean bathrooms. Also many spigots dispersed so filling your tanks or getting water not too much an issue."
Basic amenity access: Wishing Well RV Park provides essential services near hiking areas. "This park is not a fancy place with amenities, but it did provide us with a safe place to stay for a week and a half and the price is reasonable. People are friendly there. They do have laundry available for $1 a load!" The park is located within walking distance of Catalina State Park trails.
Traffic awareness: Pet friendly camping near Catalina sometimes involves road noise and activity. One camper at Peppersauce notes: "There can be a lot of traffic at the campground due to a boys camp in the area and UTV/Razor rentals near by but drive farther past the campground and there is dispersed camping as well."
