Rose Canyon
4.50207 reviews10371 Rose Canyon Rd
Rose Canyon
$31.00 - $51.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 the group size. Additional fees apply for extra vehicles ($9 per night).
About this campground
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.
Historical SignificanceYour journey to Rose Canyon follows the legendary Catalina Highway, officially designated as the Sky Island Scenic Byway. This remarkable road has connected desert dwellers to mountain sanctuaries for generations, winding through five distinct life zones in just 27 miles. The byway itself tells a story of human ingenuity and determination, carved into the mountainside during the Great Depression and now serving as a gateway to one of Arizona's most treasured landscapes.
Weather and SeasonsAt 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.
ElevationPerched at 7,000 feet above sea level, Rose Canyon Campground offers a dramatic escape from the Sonoran Desert sprawling below. This remarkable elevation gain creates a natural air conditioning system, where each 1,000 feet climbed drops the temperature by approximately 4 degrees. Here, you'll breathe crisp mountain air while gazing down at the desert floor nearly a vertical mile beneath you—a perspective that transforms your understanding of Arizona's incredible topographical diversity.
Natural Features and SceneryRose Canyon enchants visitors with its cathedral-like forest of massive ponderosa pines and graceful Gambel oaks, their branches creating a natural amphitheater of shade and serenity. A babbling seasonal creek meanders through the campground, eventually feeding into a pristine six-acre lake that mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks. As part of the biodiverse Coronado National Forest, this mountain oasis hosts an astonishing variety of wildlife, from white-tailed deer to colorful mountain birds that serenade campers each morning.
Geological RegionRose Canyon Campground sits within the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, one of Arizona's renowned 'sky islands'—isolated mountain ranges that rise like verdant islands from a sea of desert. At 7,000 feet in the Coronado National Forest, this unique ecosystem harbors species typically found hundreds of miles north, creating a biological wonderland where Mexican jays mingle with Canadian zone flora. The dramatic geology tells an ancient story of tectonic forces that thrust these peaks skyward, creating vertical worlds where ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks thrive in cool mountain air while saguaro cacti stand sentinel in the desert far below.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites are available, but details on specific accessibility features are limited.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, suitable for large tents and RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some are secluded and quiet, while others are near high-traffic areas or facilities.
Total Campsites73 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites away from roads for quieter experiences. Sites near the lake are popular but may get crowded. Elevated sites offer privacy and better views.
Best CampsitesHighly-rated campsites include #50 for its size, #44 for seclusion, and #62 for proximity to facilities.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 120 guests and are equipped with picnic shelters and grills.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSpread across multiple loops, with amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and vault toilets.
Open and Closed SeasonThe 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.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is limited; reserved sites are held until noon the day following the scheduled arrival.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified or canceled, but late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee. Changes to reservation dates outside the original booking will also incur a $10 fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.Biking
Mountain biking is available on trails within the Coronado National Forest, including challenging routes on Mount Lemmon.Wildlife viewing
The area supports wildlife such as deer and various bird species, making it a good spot for nature enthusiasts.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are detailed, but the high elevation suggests potential for snow-related activities during winter months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available due to restrictions on swimming and boating in the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather. Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings otherwise.
- Quiet hours are enforced, though some reviews mention issues with neighboring campers violating these rules.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife 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.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Nearest emergency services include the Mt. Lemmon Fire Department and hospital facilities in Tucson, AZ.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 11–October 25.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are provided, but no recycling options are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Rose Canyon Lake, a six-acre body of water noted for fishing and scenic walks.
Common complaintsComplaints about rude staff, poor restroom conditions, and parties disturbing quiet hours. Some sites are close to roads, causing noise pollution.
HostHosts receive mixed reviews, with some described as friendly and helpful and others as overly strict or rude.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.5
207 reviews
Rose Canyon is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 207 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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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...
Based on 207 reviewsShow more
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 207 reviewsSeasonal 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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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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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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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 207 reviewsPet-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 207 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025