Spencer Canyon Campground

Star4.63
147 reviews
Spencer Canyon Campground, Catalina Highway, Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$15.5 - $49/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

66 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management site

Official Website
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Spencer Canyon Campground
$15.50 - $49.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsites are $31.00 per night, with discounts bringing it down to $15.50 for holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or...
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Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$1.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 147 reviews

138 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleansites

"Spencer Canyon Campground is widely appreciated for its beautiful setting, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. Some reviewers highlight the well-maintained vault toilets and the serene environment as major perks. However, issues such as road conditions and the closely spaced layout of certain sites were noted by some visitors."

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Campground Map

Spencer Canyon Campground, Catalina Highway, Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ

Spencer Canyon Campground

Spencer Canyon Campground, Catalina Highway, Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ

Driving directionsFrom Tucson, drive east on Tanque Verde Road, then north on Catalina Highway. Continue 4.2 miles to the National Forest boundary (Mile Post 0), then drive 21.5 miles to Spencer Canyon Campground on the left (west) side of the road.
The access road to Spencer Canyon is paved (Catalina Highway), but snow chains or 4-wheel drive may be required during winter months due to snow cover. The unpaved section leading into the campground is narrow with some erosion and crevasses, requiring careful driving.
Nearby places
Tucson (approximately 20 miles, 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Summerhaven (approximately 6 miles away) provides basic supplies, and Tucson offers comprehensive options for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Spencer Canyon Campground

At 8,000 feet, Spencer Canyon transforms with the seasons, offering a refreshing mountain climate that provides welcome relief from desert heat. Summer brings delightfully cool temperatures perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures, while winter occasionally dusts the pines with snow, creating a wonderland that may require snow chains or 4-wheel drive for access. Spring and fall showcase nature's transitions with mild days and crisp nights ideal for campfire gatherings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool mountain temps at 8,000 ft make summer comfortable; peak season in June–July.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through mid-October; reviewers note quiet weekdays and pleasant fall conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open from April; spring offers cool mountain weather, though early spring may still be closed weather-permitting.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter/early spring; not rated for winter overnight stays.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late April through mid-October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from April to October, weather permitting.
  • Current Alerts: Weather-dependent closings; campground can close at any time in October.

About Spencer Canyon Campground

Escape to Spencer Canyon Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral in this hidden mountain retreat. This 66-site sanctuary offers the perfect blend of wilderness comfort and modern convenience. Each thoughtfully designed campsite comes complete with sturdy concrete tables, crackling fire pits, BBQ grills for memorable outdoor meals, and bear-proof food storage lockers to keep wildlife wild. Daily-maintained vault toilets ensure cleanliness throughout your stay, while friendly on-site campground hosts are always ready with local knowledge and firewood to enhance your mountain evenings under the stars.
The campground accommodates tent camping and small RVs (up to 22 feet in length) and offers walk-in sites and some group camping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Spencer Canyon Campground provides a rustic and serene environment for relaxation and basic outdoor activities. Highlights include wildlife viewing and exploring nearby hiking trails accessible by a short drive.
HikingHiking opportunities are accessible nearby, but there are no dedicated trails within the campground. Visitors have explored nearby trails like Box Canyon Trail for scenic and leisurely hikes.
Wildlife viewingSome visitors mentioned observing deer and enjoying the serene natural setting, making it suitable for wildlife enthusiasts.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country; campers are advised to practice safe food storage. Roads are narrow and can be eroded during heavy rains.
Active AlertsWeather-dependent closings; campground can close at any time in October.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided for food storage at each site.

Weather at Spencer Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.6
147 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Spencer Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Spencer Canyon Campground is widely appreciated for its beautiful setting, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. Some reviewers highlight the well-maintained vault toilets and the serene environment as major perks. However, issues such as road conditions and the closely spaced layout of certain sites were noted by some visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 147 reviews

What Campers Love

Campground hosts are often praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many campers find the vault toilets exceptionally clean. The views from some sites, particularly those numbered 45 or...
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Based on 147 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the campground's road conditions, describing erosion and narrow passages. A few pointed out that certain campsites are too close together, compromising privacy. A reviewer also...
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Based on 147 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Higher-numbered sites are recommended for better views and more privacy....
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Based on 147 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during weekends, particularly in June and July. Quiet weekdays are reported in the off-peak months of September and October. The closure during the winter and early spring...
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Based on 147 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The cleanest, best-smelling pit-toilets I have EVER experienced!' - Owen Mortensen 2. 'Camp hosts Carol and Jerry went out of their way to ensure we found a spot.' - Megan Heywood 3. 'At night...
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Based on 147 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 19 was described as lovely but seemingly overlapping with spaces 18 and 20, causing some confusion. Site 31 was noted as spacious and could accommodate up to four tents.
Based on 147 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited; no specific reviews from users with disabilities were found.
Based on 147 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs are restricted in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness area during certain months. A reviewer mentioned their dogs were leashed the entire time.
Based on 147 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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