General Hitchcock Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 1st through October 31st annually, weather dependent. First-come, first-served only.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Target Shooting Refuse Restriction
Possessing or storing any refuse for the purpose of target shooting with a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc).
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure
No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area
Sabino and Bear Canyon Closure Order 03-05-03-25-002
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources from environmental degradation.
Alcohol Closure
The purpose of this Order is to comply with the Arizona and New Mexico state law and to restrict underage consumption of alcoholic beverages to provide for public health and safety.
14 Day Camping Closure 03-05-00-24-005
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to mitigate impacts on sensitive plant and wildlife species.
Tanque Verde Falls Camping Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources in the Described Area.
Barfoot Snake Closure Order 03-05-01-24-004
The twin-spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) is a Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species and a State of Arizona protected reptile.
SVRD Rec Shooting Closure Order 03-05-03-23-010
Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.
Olson Cabin Closure 03-05-05-22-030
Olson Cabin Permit Area is located on the west side of Forest System Road 4458 and approximately 1,500 feet northwest of the junction of Forest System Road 4458 and Forest System Road 639.
About
General Hitchcock Campground is a small, intimate campground sheltered along the rocky streambed that forms the floor of upper Bear Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Located just off Catalina Highway at milepost 12, this tent-only facility offers 12 first-come, first-served campsites nestled under a shady canopy of ponderosa pines, junipers, and oaks. Some sites are positioned right along Bear Creek among large boulders, providing a scenic camping experience. The creek generally flows only during rainy periods or during spring snowmelt, but campers should remain vigilant of flash floods during monsoon season. This campground is not recommended for trailers or RVs due to its location and site configuration. Each site can accommodate up to 2 vehicles and 10 people, with a 14-day stay limit enforced. Pack or saddle stock are not permitted in the campground, and pets must be leashed at all times. At an elevation along the scenic Catalina Highway, General Hitchcock provides a convenient base camp for exploring the Santa Catalina Mountains while offering a more primitive camping experience. Campers should come prepared with their own drinking water and be ready to pay the nightly fee with cash or check. The campground operates seasonally from May through October, weather dependent.
Directions
From Tucson, take Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde Road. Drive 4.2 miles to the Forest boundary and continue 12 miles to the campground on the right at milepost 12.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 749-8700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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