General Hitchcock Campground
4.4843 reviewsGeneral Hitchcock Campground, Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ
General Hitchcock Campground
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single site fee is $20 per night, discounted to $10 with Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass. Double site fee is $40 per night. Proof of payment must be displayed on the vehicle dashboard.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Coronado National Forest, General Hitchcock Campground offers an intimate retreat where towering ponderosa pines mingle with ancient junipers and stately oaks. This hidden gem features just 10 thoughtfully placed campsites, each one embraced by nature's canopy, creating a sanctuary of shade and serenity. Just off the winding Catalina Highway, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore miles of hiking trails and discover the secret beauty spots that make this corner of Arizona so special.
General Hitchcock Campground offers primitive camping with tent sites but is not suitable for RVs or trailers. The campground includes single and double sites, accommodating up to 10 persons and 2 vehicles per site. Group camping and glamping are not available.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at General Hitchcock places you along the legendary Catalina Scenic Byway, a ribbon of road that climbs toward the sky-scraping Mt. Lemmon. This historic route showcases one of North America's most diverse vegetation zones, where desert cacti give way to alpine forests in a breathtaking vertical journey. Adventure beckons in every direction, from the towering saguaro sentinels of nearby Saguaro National Park to the underground mysteries of Colossal Cave, where limestone formations tell stories millions of years in the making.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Arizona's mountain seasons at General Hitchcock. Summer nights bring a refreshing coolness that feels like nature's own air conditioning, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Spring awakens the seasonal creek with rushing snowmelt, creating a melodic soundtrack to your camping adventure. During monsoon season, the sky puts on spectacular shows, though visitors should remain alert to the possibility of flash flooding during heavy rains—nature's reminder of its awesome power.
ElevationPerched at 5,700 feet above sea level, General Hitchcock Campground exists in that sweet spot where desert heat becomes mountain cool. Here, the air carries the crisp scent of pine and the temperature drops 20-30 degrees from the valley floor below, creating a natural refuge where Tucson residents have escaped summer's grip for generations. This elevation brings you into a completely different ecosystem, where the vegetation and wildlife offer constant reminders that you've entered the sky islands of southeastern Arizona.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to dappled sunlight filtering through a cathedral of evergreen oaks and mature pines, the morning air carrying whispers of a seasonal creek that ebbs and flows with nature's rhythms. General Hitchcock Campground nestles into an enchanting dell where the forest floor tells stories in fallen pine needles and weathered granite. At 5,700 feet, this natural amphitheater offers front-row seats to Arizona's mountain majesty—a place where city dwellers rediscover silence, stars shine with forgotten brilliance, and the simple act of breathing becomes a pleasure as you fill your lungs with pine-scented mountain air.
Geological RegionDeep within Bear Canyon's embrace, General Hitchcock Campground occupies a magical pocket of Coronado National Forest where geology meets botany in spectacular fashion. The campground rests in a sculpted streambed at 5,700 feet, where eons of water have carved a natural sanctuary now crowned with evergreen oaks, towering pines, and aromatic junipers. This heavily wooded haven represents a unique geological transition zone where ancient rock formations create the perfect conditions for a diverse forest ecosystem, offering campers an intimate glimpse into the powerful forces that shaped these Arizona sky islands over millions of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible toilets are available, but no comprehensive information on other accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe campsites as spacious, with concrete picnic tables and grills. However, some reviews note that the ground is uneven, which may impact tent placement.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited, with some campsites close to one another. Multiple reviewers note that sites are near the road, with traffic noise being a common issue.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites shaded by trees for cooler conditions. Avoid sites near the vault toilets if sensitive to odors.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest campsite 11 for scenic views and enjoyable experiences.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day maximum stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 10 guests per site.
Groups
Group camping is not available at General Hitchcock Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with 10 sites, each equipped with picnic tables, bear-proof lockers, and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May to December 15.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation system; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation platform available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a mix of outdoor activities, including hiking, birding, and picnicking. There are no opportunities for water activities such as swimming, fishing, or boating, due to the lack of a water feature. Wildlife viewing and hiking are popular among visitors.
Hiking
The Green Mountain Trail is accessible from the campground and stretches 3.6 miles. It supports foot, horse, and mountain bike travel, making it versatile for various skill levels.Wildlife viewing
Birding is noted by user reviews as a common activity, but specific wildlife species or viewing areas are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are documented for the campground.Water Sports
There are no opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, or other water sports due to the lack of suitable water features.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Concrete fire grills available at each site for charcoal fires. Be careful with campfires due to past forest fires in the area.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal flash floods in Bear Creek. Proximity to the main road may cause noise disturbances. Wildlife interaction possible; bear-proof lockers are provided.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 14.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are in Tucson, including hospitals and police stations. Contact the Santa Catalina Ranger District for questions.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through December 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling containers are available on-site, aiding campers in waste disposal. However, there is no mention of pickup schedules or additional recycling details.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Bear Creek, which flows seasonally. No swimming or boating facilities available.
Common complaintsSites close to the main road may experience noise. Vault toilets can be smelly. No camp host is available, which may lead to disturbances from rowdy groups as noted in reviews.
HostNo camp host available on-site.
Campground Map
General Hitchcock Campground, Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ
Driving directionsIn 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 16.7 miles to General Hitchcock Campground sign. Turn right at sign onto General Hitchcock Rd. into the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads through the Catalina Highway, which is well maintained. However, it is not suitable for RVs or trailers due to limited parking and site space.Nearby places
Tucson (16.7 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Safeway grocery store is located approximately 16 miles down the Catalina Highway in Tucson. Campers should bring their own water, as potable water is not available on-site.
Camper Reviews
4.5
43 reviews
General Hitchcock Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight General Hitchcock Campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities. However, complaints often center around loud noises from nearby road traffic, proximity of campsites, and rowdy behavior from some campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the picturesque setting among tall pines and the seasonal creek bed, clean campsites, bear-proof food storage boxes, and nearby hiking trails. Several reviewers describe it...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints mention noisy traffic, proximity of campsites reducing privacy, smelly vault toilets, and disruptive campers during peak seasons. Some reviews also highlight the lack of potable...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest avoiding peak season to ensure quieter stays, bringing sufficient water due to the lack of potable supplies, and using bear-proof boxes and fire pits responsibly. Adding water to...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall reviews emphasize the enjoyable weather and cooler nights, while summer reviews often highlight overcrowding and noise. Winter camping is not applicable due to seasonal closures.
Based on 43 reviewsCamper Quotes
'The camp sites are nestled in a mix of pine and deciduous trees.' - Sue Bee; 'There is a huge wash that extends through the campground and is dangerous when runoff occurs.' - Sue Bee; 'Nice for a...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight campsite 11 as especially spacious and attractive ('The camp sites are a really good size there!' - Shawna Shaw). No other individual campsite reviews are detailed.
Based on 43 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are mentioned, but user reviews do not elaborate on accessibility experiences.
Based on 43 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times as per regulations. A few reviews mention dogs being impacted by wasps near picnic areas.
Based on 43 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025