Rose Canyon
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates April through October, weather dependent. Half of the 73 sites are reservable through Recreation.gov; the rest are first-come-first-served. No fire restrictions are currently in effect. The campground store is open Thursday through Sunday. Check-in is 2 PM, check-out is 11 AM.
Marshall Gulch Area Closure
Marshall Gulch area closed during reconstruction of picnic area and trailhead
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…
About
Rose Canyon Campground is a high-elevation retreat at 7,000 feet on the slopes of Mt. Lemmon in the Coronado National Forest, just 17 miles northeast of Tucson via the Catalina Highway Scenic Drive. The campground offers 73 spacious sites spread across multiple loops including three designated for RVs. Sites are nestled among stands of ponderosa pine and Gambel oak, providing natural shade and a mountain atmosphere far cooler than the desert below. Each campsite includes a picnic table, grill, fire pit, and bear box for food storage. Rose Canyon Lake, a six-acre lake stocked with trout, sits at the lower end of the campground and offers fishing opportunities under Arizona Game and Fish regulations. A one-mile trail circles the lake, with a handicapped-accessible path leading to a floating dock near the dam. During monsoon season, Rose Creek flows through the campground to feed the lake. The campground store near the lake parking lot sells fishing supplies, camping gear, groceries, ice, and firewood. Half of the sites are first-come-first-served while the other half are reservable through Recreation.gov. The area closes for winter typically from November through March when gates are locked, water is shut off, and no services are provided.
Directions
From Tucson, take Catalina Highway (Arizona Route 39) northeast toward Mt. Lemmon. The campground is located between mile markers 17 and 18, approximately 17 miles from the city.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $31 - $51 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| 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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!