Molino

Star4.49
80 reviews
5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85750, USA

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

$20 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Molino Campground is...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Molino
$20.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsite fees are $20 per night. Group camping is $100 per night. A 50% discount is available for holders of passes like the America the...
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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$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
520-749-8700
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 80 reviews

69 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouswell-maintained

"User sentiment is generally positive, with an average rating of 4.69 overall and 4.54 specifically for campground experiences. Clean facilities, scenic views, and proximity to trails are frequently praised."

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Campground Map

5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85750, USA

Molino

5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85750, USA

Driving directionsFrom Tucson, Arizona, take Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde Road in Tucson. Drive 4.2 miles northeast to the Coronado National Forest boundary and continue 5.7 miles to the campground. The campground is between mileposts 5 and 6. All campsites are adjacent to paved roads.
Molino Campground is accessible via paved roads leading directly to the campsite area. Catalina Highway provides convenient year-round access, except during extreme weather conditions when closures may occur.
Nearby places
Tucson, AZ - approximately 10 miles, 15-20 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Safeway, Subway, and other stores are around 15-20 minutes down the hill in Tucson, AZ.

Best Time to Camp at Molino

Winter transforms Molino into a sun-drenched paradise, with crisp 35°F mornings giving way to perfectly mild 61°F afternoons—ideal for exploring without breaking a sweat. Spring awakens the mountainside in a spectacular display of desert wildflowers, painting the landscape in vibrant yellows, purples, and reds. When summer's intense heat arrives, the campground takes its seasonal slumber, reopening in fall when golden light bathes the cooling mountains and the desert prepares for its winter transformation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Campground closed late spring and summer (approx May–Oct).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open in late fall; pleasant weather and scenic views make fall enjoyable.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers and positive spring-specific reviews; AZ Trail access encourages visits.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 4% in AZ

Reviews call it top winter camping near Tucson; mild afternoons (~61°F) and crisp mornings.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: November 1 through December 31 for non-peak season pricing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Molino Campground is open in late fall, winter, and early spring. It is closed during late spring and summer (approximately May through October).
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures may occur due to weather conditions or conservation efforts.

About Molino

Nestled at 4,500 feet in the heart of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Molino Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Arizona mountain experience. This hidden gem offers both spontaneous first-come, first-served sites for the wandering soul and a spacious group area perfect for gathering under starlit skies. Here, where the legendary Arizona Trail winds through ancient oak groves, visitors discover a perfect basecamp for mountain biking adventures, scenic hikes, and peaceful moments beside the seasonal waters of Molino Creek.
Molino Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Primitive camping is available, but no cabin or glamping options are offered.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit. Total stay limit is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Molino Campground offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The Arizona Trail passes directly through the campground, providing opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. Mountain biking trails are accessible, but user reviews have highlighted that trail markings could be improved. Wildlife such as deer are commonly spotted, adding to the natural experience.
HikingHiking trails include connections to the Arizona Trail and the Molino Trail, which leads to the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Trails vary in difficulty, but some user reviews suggest trail signage could be improved.
BikingMountain biking is popular at Molino Campground, with accessible trails crossing the campground. Some trails connect to larger networks such as the Arizona Trail.
Wildlife viewingCampers frequently spot wildlife such as deer. One reviewer mentioned deer coming close to the campsites, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and deer are present. Food must be stored securely in lockers or hard-sided vehicles. Extreme weather events such as snow and ice may affect access.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures may occur due to weather conditions or conservation efforts.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are located in group sites for bear safety. Users are advised to store food securely.

Weather at Molino

Reviews

4.5
80 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Molino is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment is generally positive, with an average rating of 4.69 overall and 4.54 specifically for campground experiences. Clean facilities, scenic views, and proximity to trails are frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 80 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlight clean and well-maintained vault toilets, scenic mountain views, spacious campsites, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Wildlife sightings, including deer, add to the camping...
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Based on 80 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water and the absence of electrical hookups. Some trails are noted as poorly marked, requiring close attention to signage.
Based on 80 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure RV or van-capable sites, bringing flashlights for nighttime navigation, and ensuring all food is stored securely to avoid attracting wildlife. Some...
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Based on 80 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is especially recommended due to pleasant weather conditions and fewer crowds. Summer conditions may be less favorable due to heat.
Based on 80 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Stayed in spot 28—good access to the bathroom but not too close. Good shade and level for tent setup." (Doug Roberts) 2. "Spot 26 is fully wheelchair accessible—you can roll right into the camp."...
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Based on 80 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Spot #26 is noted for being wheelchair-accessible. Spot #28 is praised for its shade and proximity to the bathroom without being too close.
Based on 80 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features receive positive feedback, particularly the fully wheelchair-accessible spot (#26). Paved walkways add convenience for campers with mobility challenges.
Based on 80 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are mentioned positively, as one reviewer noted it’s a good area for walking dogs.
Based on 80 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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