The San Manuel area sits at the junction of Arizona's desert lowlands and mountain highlands, creating dramatic elevation changes that influence camping conditions. Tent campers encounter diverse ecosystems ranging from saguaro forests at lower elevations to pine-covered mountains where temperatures can drop significantly at night. Forest Service roads throughout the region provide access to numerous established and dispersed camping areas, though many require high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Hiking to backcountry camps: Saguaro National Park offers backpacking opportunities to sites like Happy Valley Saddle Campground where permits are required. "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.
Mountain ascents: Continue beyond Happy Valley Saddle to reach Rincon Peak. "Another 3.4 miles up the trail and you'll be at the summit of Rincon Peak (8,200'ish)," explains Jered K., making this a challenging but rewarding day trip from camp.
River activities: Visit Shores Recreation Area for waterfront camping along the Gila River. "Great river access," mentions Matt M., though water conditions vary seasonally.
What campers like
Temperature relief: Mount Lemmon camping areas provide significant temperature drops compared to Tucson. As one camper at General Hitchcock Campground notes, "Great place for a weekend, I went with a couple a friends if you go prepared with winter gear you won't be cold, hiking trails are great and near campsite."
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At General Hitchcock, one camper reports, "We camped at site 6, right across from the restrooms. 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."
Scenic vistas: Dispersed camping areas often provide exceptional views. Ryan D. describes Clark Peak Dispersed Campsite: "Found a beautiful dispersed camping spot beneath the Aspens and Ponderosas on the north side of FR803... There's a great overlook to the east looking out toward Pima and Safford."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas require navigation of unpaved roads. At Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp, one visitor noted, "Several spots off a dirt road that parallels the main road here. Accessed relatively easily (slowly) in my 23 Ft Class C."
Weather variations: Winter camping requires extra preparation at higher elevations. "Stayed 1 night here in December. We were 1 of 2 groups there so very peaceful," reports Helen W. about General Hitchcock Campground, while also mentioning unexpected noises: "there must have been a shooting range nearby because there were shooting noises from midnight to 3am."
Facilities vary: Toilet availability differs significantly between sites. At Douglas Spring in Saguaro National Park, no toilets are available, while Happy Valley Saddle has vault toilets though "The toilet was awkward. It's placed up high so you feel like anyone passing by could see you."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing: Saguaro National Park offers excellent wildlife encounters. One camper at Manning Camp shared, "My tent was surrounded by coyotes, which was wonderful," adding that "the cactus forests are beautiful."
Plan for insects: Some waterfront camping areas have significant bug activity. One camper at Shores Recreation Area warns, "At night, the bugs were overwhelming. I expect bugs camping but we were getting pelted with cicadas to the face, maybe don't come during cicada season."
Water management: Bring ample water supplies, especially at higher elevations. A visitor to Happy Valley Saddle advises, "Water can be scarce in the Rincons so plan accordingly!" and "You have to pack everything up hill so try and keep it lite with the necessities, ESPECIALLY water!"
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most Forest Service campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Gordon Hirabayashi Campground, a camper with a small trailer noted it's "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."
Limited solitude: Popular sites fill quickly and can be noisy. "The campground is ok, but attracts all kinds of people some more raucous than others," explains one visitor to Gordon Hirabayashi, who adds that the area is "Best used in early spring winter and late fall."
Activity planning: Campsites serve as excellent bases for area exploration. "There is trailhead parking at the end of the campground, so expect lots of dust. However it sits away from the Highway so is a little quieter and has easy access to several hiking/mountain biking trails, horse trails, and a rock climbing area."
