Day use picnic site.

Molino Basin Campground

Closed

Closed for the season. The campground operates November 1 through April 30 and reopens in fall when cooler temperatures return. Individual sites are first-come, first-served; the group site is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Sycamore Fire Closure

PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551, 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following are prohibited on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this…

Ski Run Road Closure

PURPOSETo protect public health and safety from potential hazards. This closure is necessary to remove hazard trees and snags overhanging the road.

Rose Canyon Lake restriction to being in or on the lake

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on theNational Forest System (NFS) lands in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, CoronadoNational Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into thisOrder as Exhibit A (the "Described…

Tanque Verde Fall Camping Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on theNational Forest System (NFS) lands in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, CoronadoNational Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into thisOrder as Exhibit A (the "Described…

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

No Fire Restrictions

There are currently no fire restrictions within the Coronado National Forest.

Bighorn Sheep Closure Order

Renewal of the previous Bighorn Sheep closure.

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.Effective January 22, 2025, through January 21, 2028, the Santa Catalina Ranger District has implemented a closure order in the area of Bear Canyon Trail and the Wilderness boundary…

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. Due to this species’ extremely limited habitat and population numbers, this Order provides for the protection of this species by precluding entry into the…

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.There are many problems associated with the Olson Cabin Permit Area. The permit area and improvements were…

About

Molino Basin Campground occupies a unique niche in the Coronado National Forest recreation system, operating during the cooler months when higher-elevation Catalina campgrounds are closed. Located 5.5 miles up the Catalina Highway from the forest boundary, the campground sits at 4,500 feet in a savannah landscape of desert grassland punctuated by Arizona live oaks, mesquite, and cottonwoods along Molino Creek. The campground offers 37 individual sites on a first-come, first-served basis for $20 per night, plus a reservable group site accommodating up to 70 people for $100 per night plus $10 per vehicle. All roads are paved and accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles. RVs and trailers under 22 feet are permitted, though no hookups or dump station are available. The Arizona Trail passes through the campground, connecting hikers, bikers, and equestrians to routes extending from Mexico to Utah. The Molino Trail provides access to the Pusch Ridge Wilderness for hiking and horseback riding. Campers must bring their own water, as none is available on site. Vault toilets and trash service are provided. Fires are permitted in established fire rings when no restrictions are in effect.

Directions

From Tucson, take Catalina Highway (also called General Hitchcock Highway) northeast off Tanque Verde Road. Drive 4.2 miles to the Coronado National Forest boundary, then continue 5.7 miles to the campground entrance between mileposts 5 and 6. All campsite roads are paved and accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $100

Vehicle

Max RV Length 22ft
Max Trailer Length 22ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (520) 388-8300

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Day use picnic site.
Wally the friendly camp ground host, with assistant Cyclone. He can answer your questions and help you find a campground!
Bellota Trail. Be careful when crossing this road!!! Watch for bikes and vehicles and pedestrians.
Group area with multiple benches and a firepit.
Day use information and pay station.
Reserve the group campground for Big spacious meeting spaces surrounded by designated tent pads.
Arizona Trail
On-site vault toilets.
A map of the vast campground is at the pay station, just past the camp host pad. There is clear information for accessible campsites, RV sites, and more.
Sheltered group picnic area
Path to site 25
Wheelchair accessible raised tent pad at the group campsite.
Reserve the group campsite to use this beautiful large ramada! Use for training, or outdoor group gathers.

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