Best Campgrounds near Mount Lemmon, AZ

Mount Lemmon in Arizona draws campers with its range of natural settings. Saguaro National Park sits close by, known for its towering cacti and desert views. Gilbert Ray Campground near the park has picnic tables and good restrooms that make camping comfortable. From here, you can head out to explore the Sonoran Desert's different landscapes. Weather matters when planning - spring and fall have the best temperatures, summers get really hot, and winter nights can be cold, especially up high. Many campers also take time to visit the Grand Canyon while in the area. Spencer Canyon Campground on Mount Lemmon itself stays cooler than the desert below, with trees that shade the campsites from the sun. The Colorado River isn't far for those who want to swim or paddle. Before heading out, check if any areas are closed for the season or have restrictions. Pack gear that works for rough trails and hiking, as the terrain can be challenging. Mount Lemmon's mix of landscapes means you'll find places to camp whether you want a campground with facilities or something more basic and remote.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Lemmon, Arizona (144)

    1. Catalina State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views."

    "Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."

    2. Rose Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 576-1477

    $31 - $180 / night

    "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."

    "The toilets were easily accessable and each had running potable water adjacent to the shelters.

    I would definately return again"

    3. Spencer Canyon Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Lemmon, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $22 - $36 / night

    "Beautiful campground nested in the trees on Mount Lemmon. Great escape from Phoenix. The breeze was amazing and the trees gave alot of shade. We hiked and spend about 3 nights here."

    "This campground is walk up only with over 60 sites to choose from. Several sites are double or group size."

    4. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    49 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 799-3701

    "When spending time on the road many times you will find campsite after campsite that is welcoming but not quite like home away from home."

    "There were a handful of kiddos around, a couple walked through our site which we were okay with but if you’ree looking to avoid kids this might not be your spot."

    5. Molino Basin Campground

    11 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $100 / night

    "There are a few sites, including the one we were at, that are back a little ways from the road and you have to walk in to get to them. We went in February and it was warm and beautiful here."

    "We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in late February and were pleasantly surprised to find this first come, first serve campground nearly empty."

    6. Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 388-8300

    "We drove 3 hours from Phoenix for a weekend in the forest, new to town and learning the ways of Arizona camping, didn’t realize fires are some times allowed and some times not."

    "Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat."

    7. Gilbert Ray Campground

    74 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 724-5000

    $10 - $75 / night

    "The scenery here is perfect for Arizona. Great views of Tucson Mountain and surrounded by all kinds of hiking trails in the Tucson Mountain Park. The sites are gravel and mostly flat."

    "Fantastic place to stay in the Arizona countryside. Cacti everywhere! So cool!"

    8. General Hitchcock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $10 / night

    "Has some nice boulders to tuck your tent away in, and no really close neighbors. Seems like the rest of the sites you have neighbors right next to you, basically sharing a camp."

    "This campground is small, with tent sites tucked away between pine trees. A vaulted bathroom is at the center of the parking lot."

    9. Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    15 miles
    Website

    "There was a lot of people parking next to me and unloading there off-road vehicles in the morning, so I decided to go further up."

    "The path leads up a mountain away from the city lights of Tuscon. It’s just a short drive away. There’s plenty of spots. Watch out for huge ants! We almost camped on a mound."

    10. Peppersauce Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oracle, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $50 / night

    "Most spots are roomy and Shaded, temps were really nice for Arizona in June, due to the elevation. Met a few campers that had been staying there since Wednesday, and they were really nice people."

    "Only about 1 hour outside of Tucson but completely in the country. Perfect area for kids to explore and see wildlife. We spotted both turkeys and deer and were visited by some cotamundi as well."

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Recent Reviews near Mount Lemmon, AZ

799 Reviews of 144 Mount Lemmon Campgrounds



Guide to Mount Lemmon

Camping near Mount Lemmon, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the accessibility to hiking trails, with one reviewer noting, "Good accessibility to the NP" at Gilbert Ray Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: The region is rich in wildlife. One camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed mentioned, "You’ll be just fine" if you keep an eye out for the local fauna.
  • Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky is perfect for stargazing. A visitor at Catalina State Park Campground said, "Great place to resupply, dine out, see the sights, clean up and relax in the Arizona sunshine while gazing at the Santa Catalina Mountains."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One reviewer at Spencer Canyon Campground described it as a "beautiful, clean campground" with "great views of the Tucson city lights."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed appreciated the "ample space between them for privacy."
  • Amenities: Campgrounds like Tucson - Lazydays KOA provide great facilities. One visitor noted, "The staff was great and the customer service was great."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or shooting ranges. A camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed mentioned, "There is an outdoor shooting range close enough to hear semi-auto’s all day."
  • Limited Facilities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Gilbert Ray Campground has no showers, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping advised, "The GPS coordinates of this site are way off," indicating that navigation can be tricky.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. One family at Tucson - Lazydays KOA enjoyed the "great amenities" and "clean condition."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Catalina State Park Campground highlighted the "hiking trails and history" as a great way to keep kids engaged.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on younger campers, especially around cacti. A visitor at Cactus Forest Dispersed warned, "Watch where you walk and be sure to check shoes before entering your home for the night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Gilbert Ray Campground mentioned, "Be careful what route you choose to enter the park" for larger RVs.
  • Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One reviewer at Tucson - Lazydays KOA appreciated the "full hookup site" that provided a "private" experience.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Gilbert Ray Campground found the dump station "located at a different loop," which was helpful for planning.

Camping near Mount Lemmon, Arizona, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mount Lemmon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Lemmon, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Lemmon, AZ and 37 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mount Lemmon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Lemmon, AZ is Catalina State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 62 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Lemmon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 37 free dispersed camping spots near Mount Lemmon, AZ.

What parks are near Mount Lemmon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Mount Lemmon, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.