Go if
You want high-elevation relief from desert heat with fishing and hiking access during spring through fall.
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$31 - $51/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
73 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$31 - $51/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
73 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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10371 Rose Canyon Rd
You want high-elevation relief from desert heat with fishing and hiking access during spring through fall.
You need quiet guarantees or pristine restroom facilities at all times.
Reference information about Rose Canyon sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p><img alt="Rose Canyon Campground" src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd746581.jpg" width="250" /></p><p>Rose Canyon Campground features 73 campsites, half of which may be <a href="http://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232284">reserved</a>. There are 3 RV loops. Campsites are spacious, spread out among stands of big ponderosa pine and clumps of Gambel oak in a cool forest setting. Each campsite has a picnic table, grill, firepit and bear box. We do have wildlife in the campground. A hosts or employee will give each guest a campground map (trail maps upon request), rules, and safety information.</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="800" src="https://cdn.recreation.gov/widget/fs/camping/index.html?id=232284" width="100%"></iframe></p><p>During rainy seasons, Rose Creek meanders through the area to <a href="/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25600">Rose Canyon Lake</a> at the lower end of the campground. This six-acre lake is sheltered by trees, and offers a pleasant setting for a walk, relaxing, or fishing for <a href="https://fishaz.azgfd.com/angler_reports/angler-report-rose-canyon-lake-4/">stocked trout</a>. There are short hiking opportunities near the lake including a handicapped-accessible path from the lower parking area to a floating dock near the dam.</p><p>The Campground Store is located next to Lake parking lot and is open Thursday - Sunday, 10am-5pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. After Labor Day through October, the Store is open Saturday and Sunday, 10-4pm. The store carries fishing supplies including poles and licenses, camping supplies, and a sundry of grocery items including ice cream and ice. If the store is closed, you can still purchase ice and firewood through the camp host.</p><p>When the campground itself is closed for the season, around November-March, the area is still open for woodland walks, wildlife watching, and fishing. Please remember, however, that in the off-season the gates will be closed and locked, so no garbage service is provided and no water is available. If you visit then, be sure to pack out everything you pack in.</p>
The elevation is 7,000 ft. The campground stretches along Rose Canyon among Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and Evergreen oaks near Rose Canyon Lake. Many sites have attractive stonework. It is composed of seven numbered loops (loop 3 is closed to the public). Loops 4 and 5 are designated for RVs only. Although the Wildfire did not destroy the campground, numerous "hazard" trees have been removed, somewhat changing the campground's appearance. Many tent sites are walk-in. Lantern poles and bear-proof food storage boxes provided. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. The campground is convenient for many things to see and do in and around Tuscon. Notable among these are the Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, Colossal Cave, and a drive along Catalina Scenic Byway to Mt. Lemmon, all explained below. 1. The Saguaro National Park is divided into two districts - Saguaro East and Saguaro West. Saguaro East is the closest to the campground and is the district visited by the authors. It is located at the foot of the Rincoon Mountains and is comprised of an aging Saguaro forest. There is an interesting 8-mile loop drive and 128 miles of trails. 2. Sabino Canyon is referred to as a "desert oasis" in the Coronado National Forest. Part of it can be viewed from a privately owned open-air shuttle bus. The ride is 45 minutes and departs from the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center. Call (520) 749-2861 for information and tour schedules. 3. Explore the Colossal Cave, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The cave was discovered in 1879 and is dry or dormant. In other words, due to lack of water, the formations are not growing. Call (520) 647-3299 for additional information. 4. Experience an amazing drive up the Catalina Scenic Byway (a.k.a. Sky Island Scenic Byway/General Hitchcock Hwy.) to Mt. Lemmon. The trip ". . . can be compared to a trip from Mexico to Canada, with vegetation ranging from Saguaro cactus in the lowland deserts to pine, fir, and spruce at the highest elevations." The drive has many gorgeous views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and rises some 5,000 feet above Tucson. Coronado National Forest 161
Open mid-April through late-October.
Rose Canyon Lake is 7 acres. Hiking: There are two trails associated with Rose Lake: On the east shore (foot only) - 0.3 miles On the west shore (foot only) - 0.4 miles These trails are separated by the lake's dam. Fishing: Rainbow trout
Rose Canyon Lake is 7 acres.
The parking aprons are mostly gravel.
In 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 13.1 miles to Rose Canyon Lake sign (Rose Canyon Rd.). Turn left onto Rose Canyon Rd. into campground.
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Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures and active mountain nature — daytime highs are typically 55–70°F (13–21°C) with chilly nights around 30–45°F (-1–7°C), and the forest wakes up with wildflowers, migrating birds and lively creeks. Trails and the campground are open (reservations begin April 11) so hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife viewing are all at their peak before the summer monsoon and holiday crowds arrive. Expect moderate weekend traffic in May and quieter, d Peak months: May, April, June, October Avoid: November, December, January, February
Spring noted as most comfortable: 55–70°F days, wildflowers, flowing creeks and active wildlife.
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No hookups. Campground has 6 dedicated RV only sites. No tents are allowed on these RV sites.
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Pulled from per-site mentions in 391 reviews.
Site #50 is widely regarded as one of the best sites due to its size and proximity to facilities.
Site #62 is described as secluded but requires a long walk from the parking area.
Site #33 is noted for its scenic location but may have uneven terrain.
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