Rose Canyon
FSU.S. Forest Service — Mt. Lemmon · Arizona · Coronado National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Coronado National Forest |
| Location | Mt. Lemmon · Arizona · Coronado National Forest · 32.39500, -110.69111 · Map |
| Sites | 32 public sites counted from the federal listing — 24 tent only nonelectric; 6 rv nonelectric; 1 group standard area nonelectric; 1 group picnic area |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 32 sites Water hookups at 0 of 32 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 32 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 32 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 22 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 0 sites · 30 ft: 0 sites · 35 ft: 0 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Group site fees are as follows: up to 50 persons $95; 51-90 persons $130; 91-120 persons $150 per day. |
| Check-in / out | In 0:00 AM · Out 0:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 34 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 520-576-1477 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
Overview Rose Canyon Campground is just 17 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona, off the Catalina Highway Scenic Drive near the summit of Mt. Lemmon. This area is popular for day use as well as overnight camping. With a high elevation, forested setting, two group picnic areas and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing, Rose Canyon offers a great summer respite from the city. Recreation The lake is sheltered by trees and offers a pleasant setting for a walk in the woods, relaxing on the shore or spending an afternoon fishing for stocked trout. A one-mile trail around the lake is convenient for anglers and hikers. The trail is accessible from the lower parking area to a floating dock near a dam.
The surrounding national forest boasts a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, including several that traverse the 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon. Facilities The campground offers spacious, single-family campsites, as well as two group day use areas with picnic shelters, which can be reserved for up to 120 guests.
The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and vault toilets.
Natural Features The campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Because of its elevation, it can be much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The campsites are spacious and spread out among stands of large ponderosa pines and clusters of Gambel oak. During the summer rainy season, Rose Creek meanders through the area to the six-acre Rose Canyon Lake at the lower end of the campground.
The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (520) 576-1325. Nearby Attractions Catalina Highway, also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway, is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic highways in the southwest and is a popular day trip.
Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.
Directions, from the listing
From Tucson, Arizona, take Catalina Highway/Arizona Route 39 northeast. The campground is located between mile markers 17 and 18 on the Catalina Highway.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · Tucson ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServicePalisades Ranger Residence Cabin
2 mi straight-line · Tucson ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceShowers Point Group Site
2 mi straight-line · ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceWhitetail Campground
3 mi straight-line · MT. LEMMON ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMolino
4 mi straight-line · Tucson Arizona
Trip Card — Rose Canyon
Mt. Lemmon · Arizona · Coronado National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Mt. Lemmon · Arizona · Coronado National Forest |
| Fees | Group site fees are as follows: up to 50 persons $95; 51-90 persons $130; 91-120 persons $150 per day. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 22 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 32 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232284 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.