Escape the heat at Mount Lemmon campgrounds
Posted by College Publication at Wednesday, May 06, 2009By Katie Cunningham
The spring semester will soon end and Tucson will clear out as snowbirds and university students leave town. That can only mean one thing: summer is almost upon us.
If you would like to join the exodus without traveling far, escape the heat by camping on Mount Lemmon.
Start your Mount Lemmon journey on the Catalina Highway in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains just north of Tucson. The scenic drive passes many varied and beautiful campsites located within the Coronado National Forest.
Temperatures drop as you climb the 9,000-foot mountain, and the terrain changes from desert to pine forest. The elevation levels provide many choices for camping experiences, and Mount Lemmon has more than 1,100 miles of trails to explore.
Wherever your Mount Lemmon adventure leaves you, the campsites provide space for cars, tents and recreational vehicles. All of the campgrounds have restrooms.
Coronado National Forest is bear and mountain lion territory, so campers should take care to secure their food.
Rose Canyon is the first major campsite you’ll pass during your drive. The campground has a seven-acre lake nearby and takes reservations if you want to secure a spot.
The next campground along the route is Spencer Canyon. It is a little more secluded, so does not take reservations.
Both Rose Canyon and Spencer Canyon cost $18 per night for up to 10 people in two vehicles. No fire permit is necessary at either site.
Other Mount Lemmon campgrounds cost $10 per night for up to 10 people in two vehicles.
Get out of the heat and don’t think about school… it’s summer time. Relax during your camping trip on Mount Lemmon.
FYI
Mount Lemmon campsites
Web site: www.recreation.gov
Phone: 576-1477
http://aztecpress.blogspot.com/2009/05/escape-heat-at-mount-lemmon-campgrounds.html
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