Molino Basin Campground, northeast of Tucson, Arizona, is approaching its November operating season. In the Santa Catalina Mountains of Coronado National Forest, it runs from November through the following April, unlike summer campgrounds at higher elevations. The official Forest Service page still listed it as closed when checked on October 28, however, so travelers should confirm that it has opened before setting out.
Individual Sites Are First Come, First Served; Groups Reserve Ahead
Individual sites are first come, first served, while the group camping and picnic area can be reserved through Recreation.gov. The group area provides a covered picnic space, tables, grills, food-storage lockers and tent space. Finding the group area in the reservation system does not mean ordinary RV sites can also be reserved. The official operating season is expressed by month and should not be treated as a confirmed opening on a particular date.
The Forest Service lists individual sites at $20 per night. The group area is $100 per night plus $10 per vehicle per night. Cash and checks are accepted on site. For a group reservation, check the final total and cancellation terms after selecting dates in the booking system.
RVs Must Be Under 22 Feet; Bring Water and Expect No Hookups
Only RVs and trailers under 22 feet are allowed, and there are no electric or water hookups. Drinking water is not provided, so bring water for drinking and cooking. The campground has vault toilets, with a limit of two vehicles and 10 people per site. The annual stay limit is 14 days, and quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
From Tucson’s Tanque Verde Road, take Catalina Highway 4.2 miles to the national forest boundary, then continue another 5.7 miles to the campground. Campground roads are paved. At about 4,500 feet, the landscape is scrub oak country. Molino Creek generally carries water after rain or snowmelt and should not be counted on as a camping water supply.
The Arizona Trail passes through the campground, and Molino Trail leads into the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Bicycles are not allowed in the wilderness, and dog restrictions apply in nearby bighorn sheep protection areas. Before visiting, check Forest Service opening and closure notices and the group area’s reservation status. If the schedule remains unclear, contact the Santa Catalina Ranger District at 520-749-8700.
Sources: Forest Service Molino Basin operations and facilities, Recreation.gov Molino group area information and reservations. Checked October 28, 2026.
Photo: Katja Schulz, Molino Basin. Photographed February 22, 2016. Original photo and terms of use · CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia-supplied reduced image used without changes to composition or color.
