Whitetail Campground

Star4.37
147 reviews
11200 N. WHITETAIL ROAD

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

Opens Vista Recreation 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
Whitetail Campground
$150.00 - $197.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservations for group sites range from $150 to $197 per night depending on the season and amenities. Additional fees may apply for modifications,...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 147 reviews

98 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswaterfriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

11200 N. WHITETAIL ROAD

Whitetail Campground

11200 N. WHITETAIL ROAD

Driving directionsFrom Tucson, Arizona, go north on Catalina Highway approximately 30 miles from Tucson until you reach Milepost 20. Turn Left on Whitetail Road.
Catalina Highway is a paved road that leads directly to the campground. Road access is good, although it is recommended to use caution due to elevation changes and winding roads.
Nearby places
Tucson, AZ (30 miles, approximately 1 hour driving)
Summerhaven, AZ (5 miles, approximately 15 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Summerhaven, AZ, located 5 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Whitetail Campground

Experience the refreshing embrace of true mountain weather at Whitetail, where summer temperatures hover around a comfortable 45°F during the day before dipping to a crisp 24°F at night. This high-altitude climate delivers a welcome reprieve from the desert heat below, though Mother Nature occasionally surprises visitors with light snow flurries or gentle rain showers even during camping season. Pack your favorite fleece jacket and gather around the campfire – the cool mountain evenings create perfect conditions for stargazing and storytelling, making warm layers essential companions for your adventure any time of year.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; cool daytime (~45°F) and crisp nights make it appealing versus low desert heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 24; cooler weather and good foliage/window for visits but shorter season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from April 11; spring is pleasant but opening date limits early-spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 25–Apr 10; winter-season use not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 11 to October 24 annually.. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather conditions, prohibiting campfires and charcoal use.

About Whitetail Campground

Perched high in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Whitetail Campground beckons groups seeking an alpine escape just minutes from desert landscapes. At 8,000 feet, this secluded haven transforms family reunions, intimate weddings, and corporate retreats into unforgettable experiences beneath towering ponderosa pines. While the nearby village of Summerhaven and Mt. Lemmon's summit provide convenient amenities and attractions, the campground's spacious group sites offer a perfect balance of wilderness solitude and accessibility, all wrapped in crisp mountain air and spectacular vistas that stretch for miles.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Sites must be occupied by check-out time (noon) the following day after the reservation date.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking opportunities abound, with trails leading to Mt. Lemmon and other routes in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The trails provide a range of experiences, from scenic walks to more challenging hikes.
FishingFishing is available at the nearby Rose Canyon Lake, known for stocked trout. A $10 fee is required for parking at the lake.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's location in the Santa Catalina Mountains offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife species native to the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters, including bears, are possible. Visitors are required to secure food and trash in designated containers or bear boxes.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather conditions, prohibiting campfires and charcoal use.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at each site to prevent wildlife encounters. Users have noted their bear-proof design.

Weather at Whitetail Campground

Reviews

4.4
147 reviews
Recommended
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

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...
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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...
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Based on 147 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 2: Good for up to 40 people but feels small for 60. (Caroline L.)\n- Site 3: Parking is tight for trailers. (Janice D.)\n- Site 4: Great tent pads and ramadas. (Devin P.)\n- Site 5: Bathrooms...
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Based on 147 reviews

Accessibility Features

One accessible site is available. User feedback on accessibility features is limited.
Based on 147 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences were found.
Based on 147 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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