General Hitchcock Campground

Star4.47
150 reviews
General Hitchcock Campground, Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Coronado National Forest, Santa Catalina Ranger District site

Official Website
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General Hitchcock Campground
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site fee is $20 per night, discounted to $10 with Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass. Double site fee...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 150 reviews

145 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingsites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight General Hitchcock Campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities. However, complaints often center around loud noises from nearby road traffic, proximity of campsites, and rowdy behavior from some campers."

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Campground Map

General Hitchcock Campground, Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ

General Hitchcock Campground

General Hitchcock Campground, Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ

Driving directionsIn Tucson, AZ, on Interstate 10, take the Speedway Blvd. exit (exit 257) to Speedway Blvd. Turn east onto Speedway Blvd. and go 9.2 miles (past University of Arizona) to Pantano Rd. Turn left onto Pantano Rd. and go 1.1 miles to the Tanque Verde Rd. ramp. Bear right onto the ramp and go 1.6 miles (on Tanque Verde Rd.) to Catalina Hwy. Turn left onto Catalina Hwy. and go 16.7 miles to General Hitchcock Campground sign. Turn right at sign onto General Hitchcock Rd. into the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads through the Catalina Highway, which is well maintained. However, it is not suitable for RVs or trailers due to limited parking and site space.
Nearby places
Tucson (16.7 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Safeway grocery store is located approximately 16 miles down the Catalina Highway in Tucson. Campers should bring their own water, as potable water is not available on-site.

Best Time to Camp at General Hitchcock Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of Arizona's mountain seasons at General Hitchcock. Summer nights bring a refreshing coolness that feels like nature's own air conditioning, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Spring awakens the seasonal creek with rushing snowmelt, creating a melodic soundtrack to your camping adventure. During monsoon season, the sky puts on spectacular shows, though visitors should remain alert to the possibility of flash flooding during heavy rains—nature's reminder of its awesome power.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer nights are cool but reviews cite overcrowding and noise during peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews emphasize enjoyable weather and cooler nights; season praised by visitors.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring reviews note pleasant weather and cooler nights; favorable season for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for winter (open May–Dec 15); winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May through December 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May to December 15.

About General Hitchcock Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Coronado National Forest, General Hitchcock Campground offers an intimate retreat where towering ponderosa pines mingle with ancient junipers and stately oaks. This hidden gem features just 10 thoughtfully placed campsites, each one embraced by nature's canopy, creating a sanctuary of shade and serenity. Just off the winding Catalina Highway, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore miles of hiking trails and discover the secret beauty spots that make this corner of Arizona so special.
General Hitchcock Campground offers primitive camping with tent sites but is not suitable for RVs or trailers. The campground includes single and double sites, accommodating up to 10 persons and 2 vehicles per site. Group camping and glamping are not available.
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Stay Limit
14-day maximum stay.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a mix of outdoor activities, including hiking, birding, and picnicking. There are no opportunities for water activities such as swimming, fishing, or boating, due to the lack of a water feature. Wildlife viewing and hiking are popular among visitors.
HikingThe Green Mountain Trail is accessible from the campground and stretches 3.6 miles. It supports foot, horse, and mountain bike travel, making it versatile for various skill levels.
Wildlife viewingBirding is noted by user reviews as a common activity, but specific wildlife species or viewing areas are not detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal flash floods in Bear Creek. Proximity to the main road may cause noise disturbances. Wildlife interaction possible; bear-proof lockers are provided.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at every campsite for food storage.

Weather at General Hitchcock Campground

Reviews

4.5
150 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
General Hitchcock Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight General Hitchcock Campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities. However, complaints often center around loud noises from nearby road traffic, proximity of campsites, and rowdy behavior from some campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 150 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the picturesque setting among tall pines and the seasonal creek bed, clean campsites, bear-proof food storage boxes, and nearby hiking trails. Several reviewers describe it...
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Based on 150 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints mention noisy traffic, proximity of campsites reducing privacy, smelly vault toilets, and disruptive campers during peak seasons. Some reviews also highlight the lack of potable...
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Based on 150 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest avoiding peak season to ensure quieter stays, bringing sufficient water due to the lack of potable supplies, and using bear-proof boxes and fire pits responsibly. Adding water to...
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Based on 150 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall reviews emphasize the enjoyable weather and cooler nights, while summer reviews often highlight overcrowding and noise. Winter camping is not applicable due to seasonal closures.
Based on 150 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The camp sites are nestled in a mix of pine and deciduous trees.' - Sue Bee; 'There is a huge wash that extends through the campground and is dangerous when runoff occurs.' - Sue Bee; 'Nice for a...
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Based on 150 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight campsite 11 as especially spacious and attractive ('The camp sites are a really good size there!' - Shawna Shaw). No other individual campsite reviews are detailed.
Based on 150 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible toilets are mentioned, but user reviews do not elaborate on accessibility experiences.
Based on 150 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times as per regulations. A few reviews mention dogs being impacted by wasps near picnic areas.
Based on 150 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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