Rose Canyon

Coronado National Forest

Rose Canyon Campground is just 17 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona, off the Catalina Highway Scenic Drive near the summit of Mt. Lemmon. This area is popular for day use as well as overnight camping. With a high elevation, forested setting, two group picnic areas and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing, Rose Canyon offers a great summer respite from the city.

The campground offers spacious, single-family campsites, as well as two group day use areas with picnic shelters, which can be reserved for up to 120 guests.

The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and vault toilets.

Notifications and Alerts

Please note that the USFS has been diligently attending to deforestation over the winter months, and as a result, there is still evidence of tree cutting. The felling was to be cleared, but has been interrupted by the sighting of the spotted owl in its breeding and incubation period. We apologize that the facilities do not appear to be kept up to normal standards, but this is to protect wildlife at this time. Thank you for your understanding.

Need to Know

No hookups
This campground has first-come, first-served sites available
Swimming and boats are not permitted in the lake
Pack and saddle stock not permitted in campground or picnic area
The maximum number of vehicles per site is one; if you have a second vehicle, an additional fee will be collected at the campground.
Activities at this facility are available in the off-season when campground is closed, however gates are closed and locked and no trash collection or water is provided
This is a high elevation facility; use caution when traveling from lower elevations
Bears and other animals live in the area; all food must be secured and trash disposed in the trash cans provided
Click here to learn more about Coronado National Forest
The camp store is located south of campsite #73.
Credit cards are not accepted. Only cash and Arizona checks are accepted.
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Campground has 6 dedicated RV only sites. No tents are allowed on these RV sites.
The Amphitheater has limited parking. Up to 50 persons - 4 vehicles. 51 to 90 persons - 8 vehicles. 91 to 120 persons - 12 vehicles are allowed.

The fee for up to 50 persons is $90.00; for 51-90 persons is $125.00; 91-120 persons is $145.00 per day.

Natural Features

The campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Because of its elevation, it can be much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The campsites are spacious and spread out among stands of large ponderosa pines and clusters of Gambel oak. During the summer rainy season, Rose Creek meanders through the area to the six-acre Rose Canyon Lake at the lower end of the campground.

The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.

Nearby Attractions

Catalina Highway, also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway, is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic highways in the southwest and is a popular day trip.

Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.

Recreation

The lake is sheltered by trees and offers a pleasant setting for a walk in the woods, relaxing on the shore or spending an afternoon fishing for stocked trout. A one-mile trail around the lake is convenient for anglers and hikers. The trail is accessible from the lower parking area to a floating dock near a dam.

The surrounding national forest boasts a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, including several that traverse the 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon.

Contact Information

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10371 Rose Canyon Rd Mt. Lemmon AZ 85619

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 520-576-1477

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Tucson, Arizona, take Catalina Highway/Arizona Route 39 northeast. The campground is located between mile markers 17 and 18 on the Catalina Highway.

Available Campsites

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