Tent campsites near Coronado National Forest range from 3,000 to 9,000 feet elevation, offering seasonal temperature variations up to 30 degrees from desert floor to mountain peaks. Summer monsoon season (July-September) brings afternoon thunderstorms and flash flood risks to canyon camping areas. Winter temperatures at higher elevations can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking to backcountry sites: Spud Rock Spring Campground requires a challenging hike through Saguaro National Park's eastern district with significant elevation gain. Located near Rincon Peak, this backcountry site offers solitude and pristine wilderness.
Wildlife viewing: Manning Camp provides opportunities to observe diverse ecosystems. "The trek in we found numerous kinds of cacti scattered throughout the duration of the hike. Many flowering which made for a dramatic view along the way!! When the scenery changes you are met with large pine trees and such a different view, it is like night and day," notes Crystal C.
Rock climbing access: Cochise Stronghold sits amid towering rock formations popular with technical climbers. "Cochise stronghold campground is a rugged campground in a deep canyon. The canyon was the refuge for the Chiricahua Apache leader, Cochise...All are shaded by scrub oaks and surrounded by towering rock formations," reports Joel R.
What campers like
Temperature relief: General Hitchcock Campground offers escape from summer heat. "This sky island campground in Mt Lemmon is perfect for a quick weekend getaway from Tucson. The weather here is 10-15 degrees cooler than the city," writes Candy P.
Historical significance: Shaw House provides rustic accommodations with cultural context. "It has an amazing historic past and is so close to hiking trails," notes one reviewer, though they caution about lack of cell service and potential wildlife encounters.
Winter accessibility: Some higher-elevation sites remain usable during colder months. "We camped at site 6, right across from the restrooms. Has some nice boulders to tuck your tent away in," states Paul S. about General Hitchcock, while another camper notes "stayed 1 night here in December. we were 1 of 2 groups there so very peaceful."
What you should know
Water scarcity: Happy Valley Saddle Campground requires careful water planning. "Water can be scarce in the Rincons so plan accordingly!" advises Jered K. Another camper emphasizes, "You have to pack everything up hill so try and keep it lite with the necessities, ESPECIALLY water!"
Seasonal fluctuations: Middlemarch Pass lacks shade protection. "Beautiful setting. The campsite was rocky. Not shaded," reports Fraun P., making summer camping potentially uncomfortable without proper gear.
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require vehicles suited for rough terrain. Camp Site 001 requires careful driving: "The road up was a little rough and slippery, in some places. It had rained a few days before. I was fine without 4x4, but did slide in a few places."
Tips for camping with families
Bear safety protocols: Empire Ranch offers more developed options suitable for families. "There are many places to camp on empire ranch. Many are dispersed camping but there is also a really great group site for reservation," notes Joshua M.
Site selection considerations: When camping with children, look for established sites with amenities. "Stay only at marked sites. Some are really big, others compact. The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes," recommends Liz W.
Sanitation facilities: Happy Valley Saddle features basic facilities. "Each spot has a fire ring, bear box, and some good size stumps to sit on around the fire. There is a vaulted toilet at the site as well," explains Jered K., though another camper notes "The toilet was awkward. It's placed up high so you feel like anyone passing by could see you."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Manning Camp and similar backcountry locations aren't suitable for RVs. Access requires "a task which I wouldn't suggest for the average day camper, but for those who like an adventure it is perfect," according to Crystal C.
Parking considerations: Most tent-focused campgrounds have limited parking areas not designed for large vehicles. General Hitchcock has "about 14 camp sights, some right by the little river that forms during snowfall," with sites "right near the road," according to Paul S.
Seasonal road closures: Winter conditions may affect access to higher elevation campgrounds, particularly after snowfall. Empire Ranch offers alternatives with "wonderful vistas, a big sky and was breezy," according to Ronald K., who notes The Dyrt coordinates took him "to an area in which I did not feel comfortable pulling off the road because of the tall dry grass."
