Tent camping near Mount Lemmon offers access to both desert and alpine forest environments as elevations range from 3,000 to over 9,000 feet within the Coronado National Forest. Temperatures can vary by 20-30 degrees between the lower desert regions and the mountain summit. Many campsites require advance planning due to their popularity during spring and fall when temperatures are most moderate.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Happy Valley Saddle Campground serves as a gateway to the Rincon Mountain trails, including the path to Rincon Peak. "A moderate 4.6 mile hike after 16 miles on a dirt road. The hike up is BEAUTIFUL and not overly steep (but watch for snakes)," notes Nicole J. about the Happy Valley Saddle Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The higher elevation campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "No service on campground very nice place to get away and relax," mentions Pedro G. about his experience at General Hitchcock Campground.
Wildlife observation: The transition zones between desert and mountain environments create diverse habitats for wildlife. According to one camper at Manning Camp, "My tent was surrounded by coyotes, which was wonderful." The campground is located in Saguaro National Park where visitors can experience "cactus forests" on the approach hike.
What campers like
Temperature relief: The mountain locations provide escape from Tucson 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. about General Hitchcock Campground.
Diverse ecosystems: The dramatic changes in landscape from desert to forest appeal to many campers. Crystal C. describes the hike to Manning Camp: "When the scenery changes you are met with large pine trees and such a different view, it is like night and day."
Quiet weekdays: Most campgrounds experience much lower usage during weekdays. "We were 1 of 2 groups there so very peaceful," reports Helen W. about a December visit to General Hitchcock, though she notes, "There must have been a shooting range nearby because there were shooting noises from midnight to 3am."
Trail access: Multiple hiking options directly from campsites. "Easy access to several hiking/mountain biking trails, horse trails, and a rock climbing area," writes Linette G. about Gordon Hirabayashi Campground.
What you should know
Bear safety required: Bear boxes are provided at backcountry sites for food storage. "Each spot has a fire ring, bear box, and some good size stumps to sit on around the fire," explains Jered K. about Happy Valley Saddle Campground.
Water scarcity: Most sites lack reliable water sources. "Water can be scarce in the Rincons so plan accordingly!" warns Jered K. about camping in the Saguaro National Park backcountry.
Road access challenges: Some sites require difficult drives on unpaved roads. The Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp can be "accessed relatively easily (slowly) in my 23 Ft Class C," according to Ian T., but other sites like Happy Valley Saddle require "16 miles on a dirt road" before the hiking portion begins.
Seasonal considerations: Winter brings significant temperature drops at higher elevations. "It was a bit chilly in December but slept comfortably," reports Nicole J. about Happy Valley Saddle, while another camper notes that "if you go prepared with winter gear you won't be cold" at General Hitchcock.
Tips for camping with families
Group site options: For larger family gatherings, dedicated group sites provide more space. "Shower Point group site is a wonderfuly maintained camping area that can support up to Three large groups at a time," writes Kevin S. about Showers Point Group Site, adding that "each site had a Ramada with a fireplace for the group."
Site selection strategy: Look for sites with natural barriers for privacy when camping with children. Paul S. recommends site 6 at General Hitchcock which "has some nice boulders to tuck your tent away in, and no really close neighbors."
Shorter backpacking options: For families wanting to try backpacking with kids, choose closer sites. "The campsite was great. We were the only ones there and used site 3. It was very secluded and had a nice big bear box and a nice fire ring," says Nicole J. about Happy Valley Saddle.
Tips from RVers
Dispersed camping access: Some forest roads allow larger vehicle access to dispersed sites. "Several spots off a dirt road that parallels the main road here. Accessed relatively easily (slowly) in my 23 Ft Class C," notes Ian T. about the Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp.
Limited hookup options: No electricity or water hookups exist at established campgrounds. "Easier to pull in with a tiny travel trailer than the Molino Canyon (Site space). Plus several of the sites are double - great for sharing a camp space with friends," mentions Linette G. about Gordon Hirabayashi Campground.
Dust considerations: Traffic patterns affect dust levels at some campgrounds. Linette G. notes that Gordon Hirabayashi "is a busier campground, as there is trailhead parking at the end of the campground, so expect lots of dust."
