153 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Summerhaven, Arizona sits nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains, offering a dramatic transition from Sonoran Desert to alpine forest within a short drive. Coronado National Forest surrounds this small mountain community with several established campgrounds including Spencer Canyon, Whitetail, and Rose Canyon. These sites provide varying levels of amenities from basic pit toilets to water hookups and bear boxes. The region's camping options span from developed sites with picnic tables and fire rings to primitive dispersed camping on forest roads. Mount Bigelow offers free dispersed camping for those seeking solitude, while Catalina State Park provides more developed facilities at lower elevations near Tucson.
Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping options around Summerhaven. Spencer Canyon Campground operates from May to October at approximately 7,900 feet elevation, providing a cool retreat from summer desert temperatures. As one camper noted, "There isn't any grocery store or gas station on Mt. Lemmon, so fill up before venturing up the mountain." The General Hitchcock Highway (also called Mt. Lemmon Highway) requires careful driving with a 35 mph speed limit and is popular with cyclists. Winter snow can close higher elevation campgrounds, while lower sites like Molino Basin operate from November through June. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage, with bear boxes provided at many established sites.
Many campers highlight the dramatic ecological transition when traveling to Summerhaven. "You go from desert to full forest in the matter of 45 minutes, it is nothing I've ever seen before," reports one visitor to Spencer Canyon. The area attracts those seeking relief from Tucson's heat, with temperatures typically 20-30 degrees cooler than the valley below. Campgrounds closer to Summerhaven tend to feature pine trees, seasonal streams, and mountain views, while those at lower elevations showcase saguaro cacti and desert landscapes. Sites deeper within campgrounds generally offer more privacy and less road noise. The Cookie Cabin in Summerhaven receives frequent mentions as a popular stop for campers seeking treats or a meal break from camp cooking.
"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"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)."
"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. Also it doesn’t seem to fill up as fast as the top sites."
from $22 - $36 / night
Check Availability"It seemed like a long trip up (approximately 22 miles at 35 mph), but worth the drive. The sites were well maintained and relatively private."
"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."
from $31 - $180 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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!"
from $10 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability
ScoutPeace and quiet. I was the only one dispersed camping as far as the eye could see. Easy place to get to from Tucson. If using Google Maps, you can find Ironwood National Monument (Access Point) for the gate. Once inside the gate you’ll see the BLM signage for camping off to the right. Lots of spots to pull off and camp with some having existing fire rings.
TravelerWild camping on AZ state land. Many spots further in. Roads are fairly flat lots of space to maneuver. Arizona land pass needed. A bit of garbage. Single track mountain biking nearby! Please help pick up trash. 💕
GuideGreat place to get prepared for boo docking/nomad life with plenty of spots. Decent creek, hiking trails,and more conventional recreational things to do nearby.
ScoutGreat rv park with mobile homes clean showers laundry and bathrooms. Pools and hot tub
Scoutprobably wouldn't want to stay too long here because it's not very secluded, but for being super close to town this is great for a one night stop.
GuideThis AZ state park has 2 loops of sites, all with electric & water hook ups. It has 1 loop of non hook up sites that is listed as an overflow location & couldn't be reserved in advance. The sites are well spaced and the type of growth, shrubs & mesquite particularly, provide a small degree of privacy and some shade. There are tables but no fire rings. No fires of any kind are allowed on the ground. I believe this is due to the large amount of dry grass in the area, including the campground. Each site also features a standing BBQ. A lot of the patrons appear to be full time RVers. The park features an equestrian center, picnic areas and multiple trails for hiking, biking and riding. There is a central complex in each loop with bathrooms and showers, plus a small park store at the entrance. For good or bad, there is a large amount of encroachment in the surrounding areas, Oro Valley/Tucson. The proximity of this light reduces the night sky. That said, if you need something or would like to go out to dinner, it's very easy to do.
TravelerEnjoyed stay at a young couples "Homestead " Cozy quiet spot close to amenities and sites. Must visit the Titan Missle Museum. Easy to park 32 ft trailer house
GuideThis place can be pretty loaded but lots of room. Traffic noise only issue at times.
GuideLovely site to camp and beat the heat! Decent reception. Make sure to camp ahead of time (before weekend) because it WILL get packed.
Camping near Summerhaven, Arizona offers elevations ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet with distinct ecological zones. The temperature differential between Tucson and Mount Lemmon campgrounds can exceed 30°F, making this area popular during summer months when valley temperatures soar above 100°F. Campers can access sites ranging from primitive to fully equipped, with seasonal availability determined by weather patterns.
Mountain biking trails: Find routes for all skill levels at Mount Bigelow Dispersed Camping, located at higher elevations on Mount Lemmon. "Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat," notes Ethan B., who camped at Mount Bigelow Dispersed.
Trout fishing: Rose Canyon Lake provides stocked trout fishing at 7,000 feet elevation, approximately 5 miles below Summerhaven. "Rose canyon lake is stocked with trout for some easy and fun fishing and camping. Gets crowded during times when lake is stocked," reports Tanner H. who visited Rose Canyon Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities for spotting local fauna. "We spotted both turkeys and deer and were visited by some cotamundi as well," shares Brianna W. from her stay at Peppersauce Campground. "Tons of sites make sure to lock up your food i had a skunk visitor," adds Eric M. after camping at Spencer Canyon.
Night sky observation: The mountain's elevation provides exceptional stargazing conditions away from city lights. "We arrived on a Sunday evening and were incredibly lucky to get a site close to the lake! The drive up to the campground is gorgeous and the campground is great as well," writes Amelio S. about their experience at Rose Canyon Campground.
Temperature relief: The dramatic elevation change creates significantly cooler conditions. "It is an absolutely beautiful area, and the views more than make up for some of the shortcomings of the site," notes Kati H. about Redington Pass Dispersed Camping. "I loved this spot, stayed here for 11 days. It's up above Tucson so it's a bit cooler and you catch some breezes," adds Cameron M.
Campsite spacing: Some locations offer more privacy than others. "Camping high in the mountains above Tucson was great. Rose Canyon campsites are spaced out and quiet," explains Jeramie D. "Overall, the campsites are larger than normal and the sites are even. There are also ample trees to hang a hammock to relax during the day."
Ecological transitions: The drive up Mount Lemmon showcases multiple biomes. "A national campground on the edge of Tucson Arizona with spectacular views, mountains, hiking, and biking trails. Quiet and campers spaced far apart," describes Nancy L. about Molino Basin Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms. "The restroom and shower facility in loop A was clean and adequate, with three toilet stalls (one of which was ADA compliant, as well as two showers (one being ADA compliant)," details Janet H. about her stay at Catalina State Park.
Reservations importance: During peak seasons (April-October), campgrounds fill quickly. "This campground is walk up only with over 60 sites to choose from. Several sites are double or group size. Your best bet for a good site for the weekend is to get there on Thursday or early Friday," advises Christina C. about Spencer Canyon Campground.
Road conditions: Mountain roads require careful driving. "The road up is twisty and bumpy. Mountain biking just up the road," warns Ashley M. about Redington Pass. "The road is very bumpy, with lots of potholes and washouts. I would personally not suggest towing anything up this road," adds Angela G.
Limited services: Many campgrounds have minimal amenities. "Affordable campground for mostly tent and 'car camping'. Vault toilets we lacking locks. At the time of this writing, the water was not working because the previous years fire melted the water supply line," explains Robert G. about Peppersauce Campground.
Bear activity: Food storage precautions are mandatory. "All sites have a large bear box, concrete picnic table, charcoal grill and an iron fire pit," notes Dray S. "We had a nice area to park the car and a second area to setup our tent. There was even a third area beyond that, for another tent or a second spot for a campfire fire," describes Dare To Everywhere.
Accessible trails: Look for shorter routes suitable for all ages. "We took our kids for a hike on the Brown Mountain Loop trail, after passing the picnic area," mentions Hilary S. from Gilbert Ray Campground.
Space for activities: Some sites provide ample room for children to play. "Great place for kids to explore and see wildlife," recommends Brianna W. about Peppersauce Campground. "Unplug and relax as there is no cell service but easy access to toilets and water when needed."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature learning experiences. "Perfect for a quick weekend getaway from Tucson. The weather here is 10-15 degrees cooler than the city. This campground is small, with tent sites tucked away between pine trees," explains Candy P. about General Hitchcock Campground.
Campground loops: Circular layouts allow for safer play areas. "Nice loop to have kids run around. Very full campground but everyone is friendly!" observes Ashley C. about Gilbert Ray Campground.
Site size limitations: Many mountain campgrounds cannot accommodate large rigs. "Some spots vary in size so make sure your rig can fit. Also some more difficult to back up into," advises peter S. about Gilbert Ray Campground. "Also many spigots dispersed so filling you tanks or getting water not too much an issue. I used 100 ft of hose to refill."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by location. "Easy. 50$ for hookup water/electric. Communal Dumpstations on grounds," reports Annika D. about Catalina State Park Campground. "$20 per night. we were 1 of 2 groups there so very peaceful," adds Helen W. about General Hitchcock Campground.
Leveling challenges: Mountain terrain requires careful setup. "The picnic area of the site is level but the whole campsite is NOT so pick your location carefully if you want to pitch your tent on a flat, level plot," warns Dray S. about Spencer Canyon.
Winter preparations: Higher elevations may have ice and snow. "We got to the parking area about 7:40 PM on November 10th. Started up the road to the campsite about 2 miles further up the mountain but at about 1/2 mile the road was so icy that we lost traction," cautions Daniel G. about Mount Bigelow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are open in Summerhaven?
Summerhaven offers several dining options despite its small size. The Cookie Cabin is a popular spot known for its giant cookies and pizza, making it a perfect stop after hiking. The Mt. Lemmon General Store and Gift Shop provides basic supplies and snacks. Sawmill Run Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch with indoor and outdoor seating. Near Spencer Canyon Campground, visitors can easily access these Summerhaven eateries, just about 3 miles away. Restaurant hours vary seasonally, with more limited options during winter months. It's best to check current hours before heading up the mountain, especially during weekdays or off-season periods.
What are the best hiking trails near Summerhaven on Mount Lemmon?
Mount Lemmon offers excellent hiking trails near Summerhaven for all skill levels. The area around Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin provides access to numerous trails with abundant bird watching opportunities. For family-friendly options, explore the trails near Molino Basin Campground, which feature desert flora transitioning to pine forests as you gain elevation. Popular trails include the Mount Lemmon Trail, Meadow Trail, and Aspen Loop. For more challenging hikes with stunning city views, the wilderness areas near Whitetail offer impressive vistas. Most trails are best hiked from spring through fall, as winter can bring snow to higher elevations.
How do I get to Summerhaven from Tucson?
To reach Summerhaven from Tucson, take the Catalina Highway (also called Mt. Lemmon Highway or General Hitchcock Highway) northeast from the city. This scenic 27-mile drive climbs over 6,000 feet in elevation, passing multiple campgrounds along the way including Whitetail Campground, which is just 5 miles from Summerhaven. The drive typically takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions. The well-maintained paved road features numerous vista points worth stopping at during your ascent. During winter months, the road may require chains or be temporarily closed after snowstorms, so check road conditions before traveling.
What is the weather like in Summerhaven throughout the year?
Summerhaven's high elevation (around 8,200 feet) creates a climate dramatically different from nearby Tucson. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, dropping to 50-60°F at night – making it a perfect escape from Tucson's heat. Fall brings vibrant colors and cooler temperatures ranging from 40-65°F. Winter sees temperatures between 20-45°F with periodic snowfall from December through March, transforming the area into a winter wonderland. Spring (April-June) starts cool with gradually warming temperatures from 50-75°F. Near Catalina State Park Campground, temperatures are much warmer than Summerhaven due to the dramatic elevation change. Weather can change rapidly in any season, so always check forecasts before visiting.
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