How much does camping cost at Whitetail Campground?

Camping fees at Whitetail Campground are $150 - $197/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Whitetail Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Whitetail Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Whitetail Campground before I book?

Yes! Whitetail Campground has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Whitetail Campground?

Whitetail Campground is open April 10 to October 23. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Whitetail Campground?

Whitetail Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Whitetail Campground?

Fire policies at Whitetail Campground: Fires must be in provided campfire circles only. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Whitetail Campground have?

Whitetail Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Whitetail Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Whitetail Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Whitetail Campground?

Whitetail Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Whitetail Campground?

Popular activities at Whitetail Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Whitetail Campground

4.31

147 reviews

11200 N. WHITETAIL ROAD

BReport Card

Featured in:Camping Near Saguaro National Park

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$150 - $197/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season is April...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$150 - $197/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season is April...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Whitetail Campground

$150.00 - $197.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC- Site 2: $168.00; GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC- Site 5: $197.00; GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC- Sites 1, 3, 4: $150.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$150.00

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Campground Map

11200 N. WHITETAIL ROAD

Whitetail Campground

11200 N. WHITETAIL ROAD

Nearby places

Tucson, AZ (30 miles, approximately 1 hour driving)

Summerhaven, AZ (5 miles, approximately 15 minutes driving)

Weather at Whitetail Campground

Current alerts(11)

A Catalina Mountain Fee Demo Pass is required for many other points of interest in the forest in this area
Bears and other animals live in the area; all food must be secured and trash disposed in the trash cans provided
Click here to learn more about Coronado National Forest
Credit cards are not accepted. Only cash and Arizona checks are accepted

Best Time to Camp at Whitetail Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Whitetail for reliably mild daytime weather and the chance to escape Sonoran Desert heat below — expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to low 80s°F and cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and group gatherings are at their peak, and the high-elevation forest is lush and comfortable compared with the valleys. Note that Arizona’s monsoon (mid-July through August) brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms and lightning, so plan day Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer — reliably mild days (mid-60s) and popular refuge from desert heat.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 10 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is April 11 to October 24 annually. No reservations accepted from October 25 through April 10.

About Whitetail Campground

Whitetail Campground sits high in the Coronado National Forest near Summerhaven, offering a cool alpine retreat from Arizona's desert heat. Vista Recreation operates this very small campground with electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water. Visitors come for hiking, group gatherings, and the lush high-elevation forest during summer months.

Whitetail Campground is tailored for group camping and offers sites specifically designed for large groups. It is not suitable for RV camping due to the lack of hookups and space constraints.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Whitetail for reliably mild daytime weather and the chance to escape Sonoran Desert heat below — expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to low 80s°F and cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and group gatherings are at their peak, and the high-elevation forest is lush and comfortable compared with the valleys. Note that Arizona’s monsoon (mid-July through August) brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms and lightning, so plan day Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTall ponderosa pines dominate the canopy, their cinnamon bark and vanilla scent defining the forest character. You're camping in a Sky Island ecosystem where species from the Sonoran Desert, Rocky Mountains, and Sierra Madre converge. The 5,000-foot climb from desert floor to campground creates distinct biological zones stacked by elevation. Morning fog often drifts through the trees before clearing to expansive views across the Coronado National Forest. Granite outcrops and mixed conifer forest surround the sites, which feel spacious and spread out despite the group-oriented layout.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground offers group sites but does not explicitly mention hotel-style lodging. However, users noted the availability of cabins nearby for those who prefer alternatives to tents.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each group site accommodates 40–90 people.

Groups

Group campsites can accommodate between 40 to 90 people. Reviews mention features such as ramadas, fire pits, and multiple picnic tables and tent pads.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their contact center.

AccessibilityOne of the five group campsites is accessible. Specific amenities for individuals with disabilities, apart from accessible sites, are not detailed.

Site SizeGroup campsites range from accommodating 40 to 90 people, with spacious layouts and multiple tent pads.

PrivacyThe sites are described as spacious and spread out. Some reviews noted a private feel due to surrounding forest, while others mentioned sound carrying between sites.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 2 is better suited for groups of 40 rather than its capacity for 60, according to user reviews. Site 4 offers privacy and ample space for large groups.

Best CampsitesSite 2 gets booked for weddings and medium-sized groups. It has four tables, electricity, water access, and nearby vault toilets. The setup works well for events that need both gathering space and basic amenities.

Need help booking Whitetail Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

RV hookups are not available All five group areas have picnic shelters that can accommodate between 40 to 90 people each and come equipped with drinking water, electricity (small appliances only), trash collection and vault toilets.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Whitetail Campground

Visitors to Whitetail Campground can engage in sightseeing, hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, and group camping. Proximity to Mt. Lemmon and Rose Canyon Lake allows for varied outdoor activities.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to trails into the Santa Catalina Mountains and routes to Mt. Lemmon; hiking is a primary draw.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing at nearby Rose Canyon Lake (stocked trout); ~15 min from campground; $10 lake parking fee.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Sky Island ecosystem in Santa Catalina Mtns offers diverse wildlife and species mixes.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/58,000 ft mountain setting and generally quiet nights suggest good dark-sky potential.

Photography4.0/5Ponderosa forests, mountain vistas and nearby lake provide varied photo subjects and light.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Campers have access to vault toilets, which are maintained regularly according to user reviews.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at each site to prevent wildlife encounters. Users have noted their bear-proof design.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

147 reviews

Recommended

Whitetail Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is highly regarded for its clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and suitability for group gatherings. The spacious sites and beautiful natural setting were frequently praised. Some complaints included occasional noise from neighboring groups and maintenance issues like spilled food attracting flies.

Review Summaries

Based on 147 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 147 reviews.

Site 4Loved
(Janice D.)\n- Site 4: Great tent pads and ramadas.
Site 5Loved
(Devin P.)\n- Site 5: Bathrooms and table areas were clean.
Site 2Mentioned
- Site 2: Good for up to 40 people but feels small for 60.
Site 3Issues noted
(Caroline L.)\n- Site 3: Parking is tight for trailers.

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly and accommodating hosts, and beautiful natural surroundings. Highlights include the spaciousness of the sites, the well-designed...

Based on 147 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted occasional cleanliness issues, such as spilled food and smelly restrooms. Noise from other groups and limited space for RVs were also mentioned.

Based on 147 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water for handwashing as restrooms lack sinks. Be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in summer. If fishing, bring $10 for parking at Rose Canyon Lake.

Based on 147 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, offering cooler temperatures compared to lower elevations. Users noted that evenings can get chilly, even in summer. The campground is closed during the off-season.

Based on 147 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Running water, bathrooms, and lights for safety... perfect for camping with little kids and large groups.' - Emily F.\n2. 'Bear boxes and trash cans, water spigot with drain, and each site has...

Based on 147 reviews

Accessibility Features

One accessible site is available. User feedback on accessibility features is limited.

Based on 147 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Whitetail Campground

$150.00 - $197.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC- Site 2: $168.00; GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC- Site 5: $197.00; GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC- Sites 1, 3, 4: $150.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$150.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

520-576-9198null

Go if

You want a high-elevation summer escape with electric hookups and don't mind a small, potentially social campground.

Skip if

You need quiet isolation or plan to visit outside the seasonal operating window.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.6

(147)

Spencer Canyon Campground

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

Spencer Canyon Campground sits at 8,000 feet in the Coronado National Forest, about an hour south of Tucson. The campground has 66 sites spread across four sections (Ponderosa, East Fork, Spencer, and Turkey Track), all first-come, first-served. Fees range from $15.50 to $49 per night. Mature ponderosa pines shade the sites, and the elevation keeps temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler than the desert floor.

Whitetail Campground

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