Whitetail Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically operates April through October with weather-dependent opening and closing dates. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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
Whitetail Campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains at 8,000 feet elevation, approximately 5 miles south of Summerhaven and the summit of Mt. Lemmon. This group campground offers five reservable sites spread among stands of tall ponderosa pines, each designed to accommodate large gatherings such as family reunions, church groups, or corporate events. The sites range in capacity from 35 to 90 people and feature large ramadas with picnic tables, 120-volt outlets for small appliances, large fire pits, grills, bear boxes, and individual vault toilets. Sites are tents-only with no RV hookups. Drinking water is available via hand pump. The campground's high elevation provides a dramatic respite from desert heat, with temperatures often 30-40 degrees cooler than Tucson. The surrounding Coronado National Forest offers excellent hiking opportunities on trails leading to and around 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon. Nearby attractions include the University of Arizona's Mt. Lemmon Observatory, the village of Summerhaven with its shops and restaurants, and Rose Canyon Lake for trout fishing. The scenic Catalina Highway (also known as Sky Island Scenic Byway) provides the only paved access to the area and is itself a spectacular drive through multiple life zones. Sites must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov and often book a year ahead for peak season.
Directions
From Tucson, drive north on Catalina Highway approximately 30 miles to Milepost 20. Turn left on Whitetail Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $197 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 26ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 576-9198 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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