Spencer Canyon Campground
This mountain campground is located at the head of a shallow, forested canyon a short distance off the Catalina Highway. Spencer Canyon faces the city of Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley, both of which are visible as a distant panorama through openings in the forest canopy.
Spencer Canyon Campground has 66 sites. Each site has a concrete table, firepit, B-B-Q and bear box for food storage. A beautiful night view of Tucson can be seen from several sites. Spencer is rugged, rustic in layout and close to the hamlet of Summerhaven. Each camping area has clean, stocked vault toilets. Campground hosts live on site. Firewood may be purchased from the hosts.
The Catalina Highway is paved, but it can be snow covered in winter when chains and/or 4-wheel drive may be required.
General Information
April - October
Open April to October weather dependent. Campground is run by Recreation Resource Management, a concessionaire under permit with the Coronado National Forest. Check-in is at 2 pm and check-out is at 11 am. Day use ends at 3pm. Quiet time is 10pm to 6am.
No hook-ups. Tents, trailers to 22’, and small motor homes permitted. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. A large area of nearby Pusch Ridge Wilderness is closed to dogs from January to April for the protection of desert bighorn sheep. Though dogs are allowed in the campground, you are not allowed to take them on hikes into the Sheep Closure Area of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness from January to April.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $31 per night (up to 6 people)
Double Site: $49
Additional Vehicle Fee: $11 per vehicle per night (up to 2 vehicles per site)
Extra persons, walk-ins, and bicycles: $1 each
Firewood: $10 per bundle
Buy a pass online, or purchase a day pass on-site with cash or check. Proof of payment, or a valid Coronado National Forest Annual Pass or Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, including the Annual, Senior, Access, or Military Pass, must be displayed on the driver's side of the vehicle dashboard. Learn more about accepted passes.
Camping discounts apply only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not any additional campsite(s) occupied by the pass holder's party.
Address: 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85750
Phone: (520) 749-8700
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 32.41666667
Longitude: -110.7401
Directions
From Tucson, E. on Tanque Verde. N. 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.
Parking
Yes
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Water is available when the campground is operating. No water available during the off season.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.