Gordon Hirabayashi Campground
Open — Open seasonally from November 1st through April 30th, weather dependent. All sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations.
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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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
Gordon Hirabayashi Campground occupies a historically significant site in the Santa Catalina Mountains, formerly known as Prison Camp. Beginning in 1937, this location served as a Federal Honor Camp housing prisoners who built roads into the mountains. During World War II, many prisoners were conscientious objectors whose religions prohibited military service, as well as Japanese Americans protesting the forced relocation and internment. Gordon Hirabayashi, a University of Washington senior in 1942, challenged the constitutionality of internment based on race and was convicted and sent here. His case was overturned in 1987, and in 1999 the Coronado National Forest renamed the site in his honor. The campground is located at approximately 5,600 feet elevation along the Catalina Highway, offering cooler temperatures than Tucson below. It provides access to multiple trailheads including the Arizona Trail and routes into the surrounding Coronado National Forest. The campground accommodates RVs up to 22 feet in length and operates seasonally during the cooler months when higher elevation campgrounds are closed.
Directions
From Tucson, take Tanque Verde Road east to Catalina Highway and turn left (north). Drive approximately 11 miles up the mountain. The campground entrance is on the left near milepost 7.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 749-8700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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