Welcome to the Santa Catalina Recreation Complex
Four campgrounds/day use areas make up the Santa Catalina Recreation Complex. They are Rose Canyon, Showers Point, Whitetail, and Spencer.
The entire complex is situated among the tall pines, with moderate temperatures during the daytime and cool temperatures in the evenings through the mornings. There are many hiking trails in the area. At the top of Mt. Lemmon there are several restaurants, great views, and some quaint shops.
At about 7,000 feet, Rose Canyon is at the lowest elevation of all of the areas. There are 68 first come first served individual family size campsites. Each has a table, grill, and fire ring. There are five family individual campsites that can be reserved. If you are planning a family reunion or other get-together with more than 8 people there is a group use area with a Ramada (shelter), Lizard Rock, which is for day use only. It can be reserved or if available may be rented upon arrival. It will accommodate up to 120 people -prices depend on the number of people visiting. Lizard Rock vehicles MUST park at Lizard Rock, not at the lake. Also, there are group sites at Showers Point and Whitetail group areas. Rose has three RV only camping loops. There are no RV hook-ups available. Rose Canyon Lake is a fishing lake only. No boating or swimming is allowed.
Showers Point camping/day use area has three group sites that will accommodate up to 25 people each. There is a large Ramada with a fireplace, grills, fire rings and areas for tent camping or day use at each site. No RV’s are allowed as there is not enough parking space available. These group sites are by reservation only.
Whitetail camping/day use area has five group sites accommodating between 40 to 90 people- prices are rated according to the site. There is a large Ramada, fire rings, grills, tables and electricity at each site. Electric is available for Ramada use only and not for RV use. There are no RV hook-ups available. These sites are by reservation only.
Spencer campground is at the highest elevation and has 68 first come first served sites. There are two group sites available that accommodate up to 18 people including children and visitors. If your RV fits at a site it is welcomed. There are no RV hook-ups available. Fire rings, grills, and tables are available at the sites.
All campgrounds have potable water and vault toilets. The maximum length of stay is 14 days. You must spend the first night in the campsite and occupy it once every 24 hours after that.
For reservations at Rose Canyon, Showers Point Group Use area, or Whitetail Group Use area call: 1-877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov If you are planning a day use or camping trip during the week you may call Showers Point-520-576-1325
Rose Canyon- 520-576-1477
Whitetail- 520-576-9198
to see if a site is available that day or the next day. Further ahead than that you need to make a reservation.
