Spencer Canyon and General Hitchcock campgrounds provide glamping close to Mammoth, Arizona at elevations around 7,900 feet in the Santa Catalina Mountains. These locations sit approximately 20 miles from Tucson within the Coronado National Forest. The glamping options feature canvas accommodations with temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than the surrounding desert areas, making them popular retreats during Arizona's hot summer months.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple campgrounds offer access to hiking trails that showcase the region's diverse ecosystems. At Spencer Canyon Campground, one camper noted, "If you are a hiker there are many trails to choose from not too far from your camp (read up on hiking in high elevations though before you venture out)."
Visit Summerhaven: This small mountain community provides a break from campsite cooking. "If you want a break from camp food you can jet up to Summerhaven. It's not that far and grab lunch," reports one Spencer Canyon visitor. The town is less than 6 miles from some campgrounds and offers dining options including cookies and pizza.
Wildlife viewing: The elevation and forest environment create excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. At General Hitchcock Campground, campers can experience the area's natural inhabitants. One visitor mentioned the campground has "tent sites tucked away between pine trees," creating natural habitats for local wildlife.
What campers like
Temperature difference: The dramatic cooling effect of the mountain elevation provides relief from desert heat. At Pioneer Pass Campground, a camper described how "this place is a little easier to get to than Upper Pinal, which is just on the other side of Pinal Mountains... I would definitely recommend trying this one out." The higher elevation creates a completely different climate.
Natural surroundings: The pine forest environment contrasts sharply with the desert below. One visitor to Upper Pinal Campground shared that "the drive up Mt. Lemmon highway is 35 MPH... You go from desert to full forest in the matter of 45 min. It is nothing I've ever seen before."
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. A camper at Pioneer Pass noted, "This campground was set up kinda weird, but worked out good... sites were pretty roomy for our teardrop." Site selection can significantly impact your glamping experience near Mammoth.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to higher elevations can be challenging. A visitor to Whitetail Group Site warned about navigation issues, saying "This site is actually about an hour further up toward Mt. Lemmon. Search 'Whitetail campground' to find it. All the roads in this area are gated off."
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. For Spencer Canyon, a camper advised: "This campground is walk up only with over 60 sites to choose from... Your best bet for a good site for the weekend is to get there on Thursday or early Friday."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans may affect camping plans. A visitor to Upper Pinal mentioned, "Unfortunately with the fire restrictions we weren't able to light a fire and the hiking trails were closed. Please keep in mind that you are at elevation and temperatures drop significantly."
Tips for camping with families
Group site options: Several campgrounds feature areas designed for larger gatherings. At Whitetail Group Site, a visitor described how "this campground boasts several group sites, complete with plenty of parking, large gazebos with multiple grills for your group gatherings, and tent pads scattered throughout."
Child-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with open spaces for children. A camper at Spencer Canyon recommended, "I prefer to go all the way to the very bottom of the campground. There is a lot of open area for my boys to run around and build a fort while I read a book next to the stream."
Bear awareness: Teach children about proper food storage in bear country. One Spencer Canyon visitor mentioned, "All sites have a large bear box, concrete picnic table, charcoal grill and an iron fire pit," highlighting the importance of using provided safety features.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many mountain campgrounds have restrictions on RV size. A Spencer Canyon visitor cautioned, "Parking can be limited with only a few of the sites having adequate parking for trailers up to 22 feet."
Elevation considerations: RVs require different handling at higher elevations. A visitor to Picacho-Tucson NW KOA noted their glamping experience had "clean camp with full hookups. We stayed here to get away and visit Rooster Cogburns Ostrich farm. That was fun."
Road clearance: Some access roads require vehicles with appropriate clearance. A Pioneer Pass camper warned, "To get there from Globe it's 7 miles of dirt one lane switchbacks on the side of the mountain. I have seen campers before but it is not very easy to get up there with them."
