Rose Canyon

Star4.47
391 reviews
10371 Rose Canyon Rd
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$31 - $51/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

73 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Coronado National Forest site

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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
Rose Canyon
$31.00 - $51.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season fees for tent-only sites range from $31 to $51. RV nonelectric sites are $31. Group picnic areas range between $114 and $180 depending on...
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Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$95.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
520-576-1477
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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 391 reviews

242 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglakewell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"Rose Canyon Campground is highly praised for its scenic location, privacy, and range of activities, but some visitors express concerns about staff interactions and facility cleanliness."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

10371 Rose Canyon Rd

Rose Canyon

10371 Rose Canyon Rd

Driving directionsFrom Tucson, Arizona, take Catalina Highway/Arizona Route 39 northeast. The campground is located between mile markers 17 and 18 on the Catalina Highway.
The campground is accessible via the paved Catalina Highway, which is a scenic route and suitable for most vehicles. Seasonal closures or snow may affect access during winter months. High elevation requires caution when traveling from lower areas.
Nearby places
Tucson (17 miles, approximately 45 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
A camp store is located south of campsite #73
however, it only accepts cash and Arizona checks. Tucson offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Rose Canyon

At 7,000 feet, Rose Canyon offers a refreshing escape where temperatures drop 20-30 degrees from the valley floor below. Summer monsoons transform the landscape with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, painting the sky with lightning shows while filling the air with the scent of rain-soaked pine. Visitors should prepare for sudden weather changes and potential flash flooding during monsoon season. Winter occasionally blankets the campground in snow, sometimes requiring temporary closures—always check conditions before your mountain adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cooler summer temps (20–30°F lower than valley) make it a popular summer refuge despite monsoons.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn sees fewer visitors and pleasant conditions; fall colors and cooler weather noted.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Spring and early summer are cited as most enjoyable with moderate temps and active wildlife.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for reservations Oct 26–Apr 10; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 11–October 25.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from April 11 to October 25 during peak season. It is closed for reservations from October 26 to April 10.
  • Current Alerts: Wind advisories and fire restrictions may be issued on short notice. Seasonal closures affect campground accessibility.

About Rose Canyon

Escape the desert heat and discover Rose Canyon Campground, a cool mountain sanctuary nestled among towering ponderosa pines near Mt. Lemmon. This forested retreat invites you to unwind at well-appointed campsites featuring picnic tables and campfire rings with grills, where evening stories and s'mores await. Modern vault toilets and spacious group day-use areas make this high-elevation haven perfect for both intimate getaways and larger gatherings under the canopy of ancient trees.
Rose Canyon Campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping, accommodating a range of preferences and group sizes.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

A wide variety of outdoor activities are available to campers, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can enjoy a one-mile trail around Rose Canyon Lake and explore the broader hiking and biking trails within the Coronado National Forest.
HikingThe campground offers access to hiking trails, including a one-mile loop around Rose Canyon Lake and other trails on Mount Lemmon. Trails vary in difficulty and provide opportunities for scenic views and wildlife encounters.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Rose Canyon Lake, where stocked trout are commonly caught. The lake is accessible via a trail leading to a floating dock near the dam.
BikingMountain biking is available on trails within the Coronado National Forest, including challenging routes on Mount Lemmon.
Wildlife viewingThe area supports wildlife such as deer and various bird species, making it a good spot for nature enthusiasts.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and skunks frequent the area. Flash flooding during monsoon season and high elevation can pose risks.
Active AlertsWind advisories and fire restrictions may be issued on short notice. Seasonal closures affect campground accessibility.
Food Storage RequiredMetal bear-proof food lockers are available at all campsites to safely store food and supplies.

Weather at Rose Canyon

Reviews

4.5
391 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Rose Canyon is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Rose Canyon Campground is highly praised for its scenic location, privacy, and range of activities, but some visitors express concerns about staff interactions and facility cleanliness.
Review Summaries
Based on 391 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the well-maintained campsites, the opportunity to fish for stocked trout in Rose Canyon Lake, and the campground's proximity to hiking trails. Many users highlight the...
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Based on 391 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints frequently involve interactions with staff members, which some describe as overbearing or rude. Other concerns include noisy neighbors, cleanliness issues with vault toilets, and...
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Based on 391 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a wagon to assist with carrying gear to walk-in sites. Be prepared for cooler temperatures at night due to the high elevation and bring your own firewood if possible.
Based on 391 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors generally find the spring and early summer months to be the most enjoyable due to moderate temperatures and active wildlife. Autumn sees fewer visitors but remains popular due to the fall...
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Based on 391 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsite and lake are always beautiful but are completely spoiled by the rude staff." - Amanda Pryor "The lake was good for fishing and views from hiking were nice." - Evangelyn F. "Loved our...
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Based on 391 reviews

Site-Specific 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...
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Based on 391 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some reviews mention that accessibility to walk-in sites is challenging due to rough terrain. Visitors with mobility issues may find certain sites difficult to access.
Based on 391 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed throughout the campground, and many visitors bring their dogs. However, pet owners are advised to keep their pets leashed and mindful of the area's wildlife.
Based on 391 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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