Best Campgrounds near San Manuel, AZ

The San Manuel area in southern Arizona provides access to diverse camping options within the Coronado National Forest and surrounding public lands. Catalina State Park Campground offers developed sites with electric hookups and water, while Mount Bigelow Dispersed camping provides free primitive sites at higher elevations. The region includes both established campgrounds with amenities and dispersed areas for those seeking more remote experiences. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with sites like Gilbert Ray Campground featuring electric hookups specifically designed for recreational vehicles.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Many campgrounds in the Catalina Mountains close seasonally due to weather conditions, particularly at higher elevations where snow is possible in winter months. "Redington Pass is a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn't recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we've seen them get stuck trying to turn around," noted one visitor about accessing dispersed camping areas. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in lower elevations, while mountain campgrounds provide relief with temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler. Cell service is generally available near established campgrounds but becomes unreliable in more remote areas.

Campers consistently rate the mountain views and desert landscapes as highlights of the region. Several visitors mentioned the dramatic contrast between desert camping at lower elevations and pine forest camping in the mountains just a short drive away. Catalina State Park receives particularly high ratings for its proximity to both natural areas and urban conveniences. A camper described it as "surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, with majestic saguaro cacti and rugged mountains providing a picturesque backdrop." Wildlife sightings, including coyotes and various bird species, are commonly reported throughout the area. Campgrounds closer to Tucson tend to be more crowded, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors arrive, while more remote forest service sites offer greater solitude but fewer amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near San Manuel, Arizona (140)

    1. Catalina State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    21 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. Spencer Canyon Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mount Lemmon, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $22 - $36 / night

    "Spencer Canyon Campground is a nice campground approx. 20 miles from Tucson up the General Hitchcock Highway(often called the Catalina Highway or Mt. Lemmon Highway)."

    "The drive alone is inspiring! There is a fee for camping which you should plan to leave in the box (yes, they do come around to check eventually)."

    3. Rose Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    16 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"

    4. 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."

    5. Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    15 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."

    6. Molino Basin Campground

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

    $100 / night

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

    "A national campground on the edge of Tucson Arizona with spectacular views, mountains, hiking, and biking trails. Quiet and campers spaced far apart. Beautiful!"

    7. Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    22 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."

    8. General Hitchcock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    17 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. Whitetail Campground

    3 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 576-9198

    $150 - $197 / night

    "While this exact campsite was closed at the time, driving up the road across the street and into the mountains gives you the opportunity to camp in the wilderness."

    "Ramada had water, electricity, grills and fire pits nearby. Great time."

    10. Gilbert Ray Campground

    75 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    40 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!"

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Recent Reviews near San Manuel, AZ

685 Reviews of 140 San Manuel Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views

    It was a little rough going up with a travel trailer. I didn’t see the trailer parking to unhook and scout. I found a pull off on the left after mile marker 5. You cannot camp until you pass mile maker 4.6. They have some nice trails too. As far as the noise it’s most busy on weekends but where I was it wasn’t constant just people going by on dirt bikes, side by sides and vehicles. Wasn’t that big of a deal to me. They actually did come work on the washouts while I was there so leaving wasn’t as rough

  • Eric M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Clean sites

    Tons of sites make sure to lock up your food i had a skunk visitor

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Arcadia Campground

    Peaceful Escape

    We loved the shaded campsites and quiet atmosphere. The campground is close to the road, but still feels deep in the forest. The bathrooms were extremely clean and maintained. There is no water, though.

  • T
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Friendly Staff

    We booked last minute and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The campus seems nice enough, but has a few years on it and in a rough neighborhood.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Redrock Trail Head Dispersed

    Quiet and peaceful, but be aware of cholla cacti

    This is a nice spot to camp, whether it just be an overnight or for multiple days. It was peaceful and serene when I visited in April, with very few people around. The dirt road in is pretty short and smooth (my Toyota Corolla did just fine), and there were at least a few viable sites. I pitched a tent without any problems. There seems to be a shooting range somewhere nearby since I could hear what sounded like shots in the distance at times, but that was minimal and didn’t interrupt my stay.

    I recommend this spot, but be aware of the cacti, as it was kind of like a cholla forest. I visited with my dog and we definitely had to be cautious when setting up camp and just moving about. Walking on the road we drove in on was fine, but walking around the campsite itself was more of an issue since there were cholla balls scattered throughout. You should be fine if you’re careful, but I’d suggest reconsidering if you have a dog with you and that dog doesn’t have shoes/boots.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Cactus Forest Dispersed

    Beauty all around

    If you want to see blooming cacti, this is the place.

    Unreal sunsets too.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    If you need to get out of the heat

    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2025

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Quiet, clean and pretty

    Easy to find. Very clean and quiet place. We are in the local Saguaro vegetation. Clean restrooms and a friendly outdoor dishwashing area.


Guide to San Manuel

San Manuel camping spots provide access to multiple ecosystems across significant elevation changes. Campsites range from high desert settings with saguaro cacti to pine forest environments above 8,000 feet. Temperature differences between lower and upper elevation camping areas can exceed 20 degrees, with mountain sites remaining 40-50 degrees cooler than Tucson during summer months.

What to do

Trout fishing opportunities: Rose Canyon Lake at Rose Canyon Campground is stocked with trout during certain seasons. "Rose canyon lake is stocked with trout for some easy and fun fishing and camping. Gets crowded during times when lake is stocked," notes one camper who visited the area.

Mountain biking trails: The San Manuel area offers trails for various skill levels. "The site was a little dirty with cans and cigarette butts on the floor," mentioned one visitor to General Hitchcock Campground, but they also noted that "There are 11 sites and are spaced pretty close together so privacy is a no in this campground." The trails make up for any campground drawbacks.

Wildlife viewing: The higher elevation campgrounds provide opportunities to see diverse wildlife. At Peppersauce Campground, "We spotted both turkeys and deer and were visited by some cotamundi as well," according to one reviewer who found the camp "Great for kids to explore and see wildlife."

What campers like

Cool mountain retreats: The higher elevation sites provide relief from desert heat. A camper at Mount Bigelow Dispersed noted, "It was packed on the weekends, but holy cow, was it gorgeous... perfect temperatures in the summer heat."

Night sky viewing: The distance from major light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "When night time came, the stars were amazing. No light pollution there with unobstructed views of the night skies," shared a visitor to Gilbert Ray Campground.

Uncrowded off-season camping: Visiting during less popular times provides a more solitary experience. "We showed up on a Wednesday in November and we were the only ones there," reported a camper at Peppersauce Campground, who also mentioned seeing "lots of wildlife in just one night."

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds close during winter months. "Rose canyon campsites are spaced out and quiet. The lake was about a half mile walk from the campsite," wrote a visitor to Rose Canyon Campground, which operates from April 12 to October 26.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location. A camper at Peppersauce Campground advised to "Unplug and relax as there is no cell service but easy access to toilets and water when needed."

Fire restrictions: Regulations can change seasonally and by location. "We would have gone somewhere closer to home if this app had updated information that campfires (wood) are currently not allowed," reported a frustrated Mount Bigelow Dispersed camper who drove three hours from Phoenix.

Tips for camping with families

Bear-proof storage: Many campsites provide bear boxes for food. A visitor to Molino Basin Campground described their site as "Equipped with a large bear locker, table, fire ring, lantern post and flat open space to pitch our tent."

Educational opportunities: Interpretive materials are available at several sites. "The bathroom reading on bees is superb," mentioned an enthusiastic camper at Spencer Canyon Campground about the informational materials posted in the facilities.

Accessible campsites: Some areas provide accommodations for campers with disabilities. At Catalina State Park Campground, "Signage on ADA shower stall indicated adaptive equipment (shower chair, etc.) was available through the camp hosts," according to a visitor who stayed in March 2021.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Many mountain sites have restrictions for larger vehicles. "Road is a bit rough but very passable in most vehicles if you go slow. Best to arrive before it gets dark!" advised a Redington Pass dispersed camping visitor.

Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by location. A camper at Catalina State Park Campground described, "Electric and water hookups were available at our site (30) in the B Loop. No sewer hookups and the dump stations were crowded when we left at 11:45am on checkout day."

Parking challenges: Some sites require careful vehicle positioning. "Some spots vary is size so make sure your rig can fit. Also some more difficult to back up into," noted a Gilbert Ray Campground visitor who appreciated the "Great staff and clean bathrooms."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are good stargazing locations near San Manuel and Gilbert Ray Campground?

Gilbert Ray Campground in Tucson Mountain Park provides excellent stargazing opportunities with its dark skies and perfect Arizona desert scenery. The gravel sites in Loop A offer some of the best views. For an elevated stargazing experience, Molino Basin Campground in the Coronado National Forest features spectacular mountain views and night skies, with campsites spaced far apart for privacy. The higher elevation helps reduce light pollution from nearby Tucson, creating ideal conditions for observing stars, planets, and the Milky Way.

Where can I find camping spots in San Manuel, Arizona?

The San Manuel area offers several camping options within a reasonable drive. Catalina State Park Campground provides spacious, level, paved sites with water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and BBQs. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Clark Peak Corrals in the Pinaleño Mountains offers cooler temperatures at 8,800 feet elevation with gorgeous mountain views, though you'll need to bring your own water. Other options include Pato Blanco Lakes RV Resort for 55+ campers and various dispersed camping opportunities in the surrounding Coronado National Forest.

What camping is available near San Manuel, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, San Manuel, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 140 campgrounds and RV parks near San Manuel, AZ and 28 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near San Manuel, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Manuel, AZ is Catalina State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 61 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Manuel, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near San Manuel, AZ.

What parks are near San Manuel, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near San Manuel, AZ that allow camping, notably Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest.