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.
Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 3:37AM MST until October 11 at 11:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* WHAT...A strong weather disturbance along the West Coast will get re-inforced by a decaying tropical system this weekend resulting in strong sustained south to southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to around 45 mph. The strongest wind gusts will occur near showers and thunderstorms. * WHERE...Baboquivari Mountains, Catalina and Rincon Mountains, Southeast Pinal County, Tucson Metro Area, and Upper Santa Cruz River Valley/Altar Valley. * WHEN...From 7 AM to 11 PM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Border Barrier Construction Closure
Going into or being upon the Described Area.
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
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