Spencer Canyon Campground offers camping among pines at 7,900 feet elevation in the Coronado National Forest near Summerhaven, Arizona. The campground has over 60 sites with limited parking for trailers up to 22 feet long. Most campsites include a bear box, picnic table, fire pit, and access to water faucets throughout the grounds.
What to do
Hiking from your campsite: General Hitchcock Campground provides access to trails with minimal crowds. "This campground is small, with tent sites tucked away between pine trees. A vaulted bathroom is at the center of the parking lot," notes one General Hitchcock Campground visitor. Winter camping options remain available when some higher elevation campgrounds close.
Visit mountain viewpoints: Mount Lemmon's scenic highway offers multiple pullouts for photography and sightseeing. At Spencer Canyon Campground, campers appreciate the mountain landscape. "Love Spencer Canyon! Great place for a chill camping weekend. Lots of space, not too close to other sites, and the bathroom reading on bees is superb," shares one camper. The elevation provides 10-15 degree cooler temperatures than Tucson.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campsites report deer and small mammal sightings. "I've camped here several times. The camp hosts are friendly helpful and knowledgeable. I prefer to go all the way to the very bottom of the campground. 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," reports a Spencer Canyon visitor.
What campers like
Campsite selection flexibility: Spencer Canyon's walk-up sites vary in layout and privacy. "This campground is walk up only with over 60 sites to choose from. Several sites are double or group size. This is the highest National Forest campground on Mount Lemmon and your best bet for cooler temps during the summer," explains a visitor.
Clean facilities: Whitetail Group Site offers spacious common areas with additional features. "This campground boasts several group sites, complete with plenty of parking, large gazebos with multiple grills for your group gatherings, and tent pads scattered throughout. The tent pads are not close together, giving you the privacy you need to retreat to your tent but still close to the amenities of the group site," explains one camper.
Proximity to Summerhaven amenities: Several campgrounds sit within miles of the small mountain community. "Hit up the town of Summerhaven for cookies and pizza at the cookie cabin," recommends a Whitetail visitor. This allows campers to supplement their meals with restaurant options without long drives.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Wildlife precautions are essential in this mountain environment. "Tons of sites make sure to lock up your food I had a skunk visitor," warns one Spencer Canyon camper. Bear boxes are provided at most sites for secure food storage.
Limited trailer access: Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offers more developed facilities for larger rigs. "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up. Three trails are located within the park," shares one visitor. Mount Lemmon campgrounds typically accommodate smaller trailers with limited parking.
Weather variations: Mountain elevations create distinct seasonal conditions. "There must have been a shooting range nearby because there were shooting noises from midnight to 3am. $20 per night," reports a General Hitchcock camper who stayed in December. Winter temperatures can drop significantly compared to Tucson.
Tips for camping with families
Group site advantages: Whitetail Campground's layout works well for family gatherings. "Some sites are handicap accessible. A great place to beat the heat with family or scouts group," notes a visitor. These sites provide common areas while maintaining separate sleeping spaces.
Lower elevation alternatives: Picacho-Tucson NW KOA provides a more developed option with family amenities. "Very clean. Loved the designated tent area. Everything was in great condition and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful," shares a visitor. The campground includes facilities suitable for glamping in Summerhaven, Arizona area with full hookups.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer interpretive information. "The pine forest was a sight first thing in the morning, and the wind breezing through the pines created an extremely relaxing environment. Saw several deer," reports a camper. This provides natural learning experiences about mountain ecology.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Tucson-Lazydays KOA accommodates bigger rigs with more amenities. "Great spots, all with a seating area. Fruit trees at our spot. As it is winter now in most states, people tend to stay throughout the winter. Come in the summer and they'll have covered spots," advises one RVer. This provides alternative glamping options near Summerhaven when mountain campgrounds are too restrictive.
Road conditions: Access requires careful driving on mountain roads. "The drive up Mt. Lemmon highway is 35 MPH the cops hiding around the corners writing tickets would be glad to remind you or you can take my word for it. This road is also very popular for cyclists so make sure you keep your eyes on the road, they come out of nowhere," warns a Spencer Canyon visitor.
