Molino Basin Campground
Open — Open November 1 through April 30, weather dependent. Individual sites are first-come, first-served. The group site is reservable. No water available; campers must bring their own.
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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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
Located 5.5 miles up the scenic Catalina Highway from Tucson, Molino Basin Campground offers a unique seasonal camping experience at 4,500 feet elevation. While most Catalina District campgrounds close in winter, Molino takes advantage of its lower elevation to provide pleasant camping during late fall, winter, and early spring. The campground sits amid high desert oak scrub savannah, with campsites dotted among cottonwood, Arizona live oak, and mesquite along seasonal Molino Creek. The campground features individual first-come, first-served sites and a reservable group area with a large picnic shelter, bear-proof food lockers, and cleared tent pads. All sites are accessible via paved roads suitable for standard vehicles. The Arizona Trail, extending from Mexico to Utah, passes directly through the campground, making it a popular stop for long-distance hikers. The Molino Trail provides access to Pusch Ridge Wilderness for hiking and horseback riding, while mountain biking is permitted on trails east of the campground. Views feature rugged, rocky hills, and colorful wildflowers bloom in spring. The location offers easy access to Mt. Lemmon's 9,157-foot summit and serves as a basecamp for exploring the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Directions
From Tucson, take Catalina Highway northeast off Tanque Verde Road. Drive 4.2 miles to the Coronado National Forest boundary, then continue 5.7 miles to the campground between mileposts 5 and 6. All campsites are accessible via paved roads.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| 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 |
Availability
Photos
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