Spencer Canyon Campground
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates from approximately April through October, weather dependent. Operated by a concessionaire and may close at any time in October based on 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,…
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
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
Spencer Canyon Campground is a high-elevation mountain campground located at 8,180 feet in the Santa Catalina Mountains of Coronado National Forest. Positioned at the head of a shallow, forested canyon just off the Catalina Highway, the campground faces Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley, both visible as a distant panorama through openings in the forest canopy. Several sites offer spectacular night views of the city lights below. The campground has 66 sites spread across a rugged, rustic layout close to the hamlet of Summerhaven. Each site is equipped with a concrete picnic table, fire pit, BBQ grill, and bear box for food storage. Vault toilets are clean and well-stocked, and potable water is available seasonally from a hand pump. Campground hosts live on-site and sell firewood. The Catalina Highway providing access is paved but can be snow-covered in winter, potentially requiring chains or 4-wheel drive. The campground accommodates tents and trailers up to 22 feet, with small motorhomes permitted. Dogs are allowed in the campground but are restricted from the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Sheep Closure Area from January through April.
Directions
From Tucson, head east on Tanque Verde Road, then north on Catalina Highway. Drive 4.2 miles to the Forest boundary (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 | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $31 - $49 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 749-8700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!