WHITETAIL CAMPGROUND
federal · MT. LEMMON, AZ
- fuel station9.7 mi

ExplorUS · Data Source: Recreation.gov
About
Overview Whitetail Campground offers group campsites in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains of southeastern Arizona, 5 miles south of the town of Summerhaven and the top of Mt. Lemmon. Groups can enjoy picking, hiking, camping and wildlife watching while enjoying a cool respite from hot summer. The facility can accommodate groups for day or overnight use. Recreation Hiking and sightseeing are popular activities. The surrounding national forest boasts a variety of trails, including some on the 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon, for those who wish to venture away from the campground for the day. The University of Arizona runs an observatory just up the road, and visitors can also drive a few minutes to the small town of Summerhaven, which offers amenities and attractions on Mt. Lemmon's summit. Anglers can try for stocked trout at nearby Rose Canyon Lake. Facilities All five group areas have picnic shelters that can accommodate between 40 to 90 people each and come equipped with drinking water, electricity (small appliances only), trash collection and vault toilets. Natural Features Whitetail Campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains at an elevation of 8,000 feet. Because of its elevation, it can be much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The campsites are spacious and spread out among stands of big ponderosa pines The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities. Nearby Attractions Catalina Highway, also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway, is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range, offering a scenic day trip. Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.
Around this stay
Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.
- 9.7 mi
fuel station
Circle K
- 12 mi
propane
Propane
- 9.8 mi
grocery
Bashas'
- 1.1 mi
potable water
Potable water
- 0.7 mi
trailhead
Box Camp Trailhead
- 1.2 mi
attraction
Incinerated Ridge
- 1.9 mi
recreation site
Box Elder Picnic Site
No dump station found within ~25 mi. Plan dump access before you arrive.
Contact & access
- 11200 N. WHITETAIL ROAD · MT. LEMMON, AZ 85619
- 520-576-9198
Reservations & demand
August weekends are typically reserved about 185 days ahead.
Based on 27 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.
Source and verification
Last verified: 10/5/2026
See the Sources tab for provenance detail.