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 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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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
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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