Spencer Canyon Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens in April and operates through October, weather dependent. The access road is gated and not plowed during winter. Contact the concessionaire at +1 (520) 576-9198 for current conditions.
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Mount Graham Inclement Weather Road Closure
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads within the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, (“Described…
Fuelwood Sales
The minimum charge for a firewood permit is $20. Depending on the location and availability, for $20 you can select up to 10 cords of softwood or hardwood ($2/cord). The dates listed in the table below are subject to change depending on conditions and availability of wood. We recommend you…
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure
No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area
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).
Jacobson Fire
In response to the Jacobson Fire that started on 5/26, areas are closed to visitor access. Inciweb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azcnf-jacobson-fire
Stronghold Fire
Stronghold Fire information is available at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-stronghold-fire.
Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-005 (Phase 2)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-004 (Phase 1)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
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…
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.
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.
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…
Rose Canyon Lake Closure Order 03-05-05-23-022
The Coronado National Forest is renewing the closure of the surface of Rose Canyon Lake. The overall recreation area remains open and fishing from the shore is allowed.
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure Order 03-05-05-23-019
The purpose of this Order is to protect riparian ecosystem and water quality from the impacts of heavy recreation use in the Described Area. Recreation activities such as camping or offroad motor vehicle use can cause soil compactions and erosion, which is difficult to repair and can lead to…
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
Spencer Canyon Campground occupies a historic complex location at 8,180 feet in the Santa Catalina Mountains of Coronado National Forest. The campground's 66 sites are arranged in a rugged, rustic layout across multiple small detached camping areas at the head of a shallow, forested canyon. Each site comes equipped with a concrete table, fire pit, BBQ grill, and bear box for food storage in this active bear habitat. The campground faces Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley, with several sites offering spectacular panoramic views through openings in the forest canopy, including beautiful night views of the city lights below. Located just a short distance from the hamlet of Summerhaven, the facility provides clean, stocked vault toilets in each camping area and on-site hosts who sell firewood. Drinking water is available from hand pumps when the campground is operating. Access is via the paved Catalina Highway, though winter conditions can require chains or four-wheel drive. The roads within the campground are dirt but suitable for passenger vehicles. The location accommodates tents, trailers up to 22 feet, and small motorhomes, but no hookups are available. Dogs are permitted in the campground but are prohibited in portions of the adjacent Pusch Ridge Wilderness from January to April for bighorn sheep protection.
Directions
From Tucson, travel east on Tanque Verde Road, then north on Catalina Highway. Drive 4.2 miles to the Forest boundary at Mile Post 0, then continue 21.5 miles to Spencer Canyon Campground on the left (west) side of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $31 - $49 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 576-9198 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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