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Rose Canyon Campground

Rose Canyon campsites are spacious and attractive, spread out among stands of large ponderosa pine and clumps of Gambel oaks. Even during the hottest summer day in the deserts below, Rose Canyon stays cool. Rose Creek meanders through the area over a colorful bed of boulders lined with clumps of red-osier dogwood to Rose Canyon Lake at the lower limit of the campground.

The 7-acre lake, tucked away among tall ponderosas and granite outcrops, offers a nice setting for a woodland walk, a lakeside time-out, or an afternoon of fishing for stocked rainbow trout. There is a one-mile trail leading around the lake that provides access for anglers and others. It passes by some excellent spots for taking photos of the surrounding trees, rocks, and sky reflected in the quiet waters.

When the campground closes in October, gates are locked, drinking water is turned off, and garbage service is curtailed. However, fishing and picnicking are still allowed for those willing to walk in. If you visit during this off-season, you must pack out everything you pack in.

The campground is operated and maintained by a private concessionaire under the auspices of the USDA Forest Service.

Prices for day-use group sites: (reservations required) $40-$85 for Ramada 1, and $40 for Ramada 2. For day-use group site reservations call National Recreation Reservation Service at 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777; International: 518-885-3639). Do not call the district office to make reservations.


 The Basics

Location: Northeast of Tucson on the Catalina Highway
Operator: National Forest Service
Total Sites: 74 units
Elevation: 7,200 feet
Season: May - October 31
Activities: Fishing
Hiking
Price: $18
Mailing Address: Santa Catalina Ranger District
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Tucson, AZ 85750
Phone: 520-749-8700
Reservations: 877-444-6777

 Amenities


  • Drinking Water
  • Flush Toilets
  • RV Sites

  • Convenience Store
  • Cooking Grills
  • Picnic Tables

  • Group Sites Available
  • Pets Allowed

 Pricing Details

$18.00 per night first vehicle
$8.00 second vehicle.
Day-use: $8.00/vehicle for picnic site;
$8.00/vehicle for lake day use parking.


 Some More Things to Know

The 7-acre mountain lake is stocked with trout. No boats are allowed in the lake. No swimming. Pets must be leashed at all times. Pack and saddle stock not permitted within the campground or picnic area. Rose Canyon Lake Trail #37 (1 mile long) has a difficulty rating of moderate. Use levels are heavy. Trail is not barrier-free.


 Directions

From Tucson, take Tanque Verde Road east to the Catalina Highway. Turn left (north) onto Catalina Highway, and drive 4.2 miles to the Forest boundary . Then continue up the scenic Highway 17.5 miles. Turn left off the Catalina Highway into the Campground. Proceed to the ticket booth to pay fees.



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