Spencer Canyon Campground
4.6357 reviewsSpencer Canyon Campground, Catalina Highway, Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ
Spencer Canyon Campground
$15.50 - $49.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 Interagency Access Pass. Double sites are $49.00, discounted to $24.50 with eligible passes. Extra vehicle fee is $11.00 per night per site, and extra persons, walk-ins, or bicycles cost $1.00 each. Firewood is available for purchase at $10.00 per bundle.
About this 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.
Historical Significance:null
Weather and SeasonsAt 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.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,000 feet above sea level, Spencer Canyon offers a true high-country experience. This elevated paradise delivers naturally air-conditioned comfort during warm months and breathtaking panoramic vistas that stretch across the landscape below. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and promises of adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where ancient Ponderosa pines stand as gentle giants, their vanilla-scented bark and emerald canopy creating nature's own amphitheater. A luxurious carpet of golden pine needles cushions every footstep, while dappled sunlight filters through the branches above. This rugged mountain sanctuary offers glimpses of spectacular views through natural windows in the forest, where the sprawling Tucson basin and distant Santa Cruz Valley unfold like a painted canvas far below.
Geological RegionCradled within the protective embrace of a shallow forested canyon, Spencer Canyon Campground sits at 8,000 feet where ancient geological forces have sculpted the perfect mountain refuge. Mature Ponderosa pines have claimed this high-elevation haven, their roots anchored in mountain soil that tells stories of volcanic origins and millennia of natural evolution. This unique topography creates a natural microclimate, offering visitors a cool mountain oasis above the desert floor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityBarrier-free access is noted, but specific accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Sites SizeThe campsites feature a standard layout with sufficient space for tents and smaller trailers. Many reviews noted spacious spots, particularly site #31, which could accommodate multiple tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some sites being closely spaced while others offer more seclusion. Higher-numbered sites (45 and above) offer better views and are more private.
Total Campsites66 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose higher-numbered sites for views and privacy. Tent camping is recommended due to restrictive RV site options.
Best CampsitesHigher-numbered sites above #45 offer stunning views of Tucson and Santa Cruz Valley. Site 31 was noted for spaciousness.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No more than 6 people per site, including children and visitors.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has four sections: Ponderosa, East Fork, Spencer, and Turkey Track. Most sites are walk-in, and some sites allow close parking.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April to October, weather permitting.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; payment can be made on-site through cash or check, or use Coronado National Forest Annual Pass or Interagency Pass.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve camping only. Campground can be busy during weekends and peak season, but weekdays have fewer visitors.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-serve.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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 viewing
Some visitors mentioned observing deer and enjoying the serene natural setting, making it suitable for wildlife enthusiasts.Winter Activities
Closed during the winter season, so no winter activities are available.Water Sports
No water sports options are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted within fire pits provided at each site.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear 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.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.6 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 are found in Tucson, which is about 20 miles away. Includes hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate April through mid-October.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are provided, but detailed recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features such as lakes, rivers, or streams.
Common complaintsSome users found the layout confusing and restrictive for RVs, while others noted erosion on roads and steep campsites. Several reviews cite issues with host behavior.
HostHosts live on-site and provide firewood for purchase. Many reviews praise the hosts for friendliness and helpfulness, though some users reported negative experiences.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.6
57 reviews
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 57 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...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
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....
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
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 57 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are limited; no specific reviews from users with disabilities were found.
Based on 57 reviewsPet-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 57 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025