Whitetail Campground

For Arizonans looking to host a memorable group camping trip, Whitetail Campground on Mt. Lemmon stands out as a premier destination. This campground, known primarily for its large, well-equipped group sites, has become a cherished tradition for many families and friends seeking a cool, mountainous escape from the desert heat. Located at a refreshing elevation of 8,000 feet, Whitetail offers a serene and picturesque setting among towering ponderosa pines. The unique design of the campground, with its focus on communal gatherings, makes it an ideal spot for family reunions, corporate retreats, and other large events. It's a place where you can enjoy the magic of the outdoors with the people who matter most.

The atmosphere at Whitetail Campground is consistently praised for its welcoming and well-maintained nature. A customer review describes the experience as "magical" and highlights the "Beautiful scenery, clean site/facilities, and a great camp host (Roger)." This sentiment is echoed in other reviews, which often mention the cleanliness of the sites and the helpfulness of the staff. The campground's design, which includes spacious group sites with amenities like a Ramada and large fire pits, is a major reason why it is so popular for large gatherings. The feeling is one of being in a private, well-equipped space while still being in the heart of nature. This balance of convenience and wilderness makes it a highly sought-after location, with many groups making it a yearly tradition.

Whitetail Campground is located at 11200 Whitetail Rd, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA. Situated approximately 30 miles up the scenic Catalina Highway from Tucson, its accessibility is a key advantage. The drive itself is a stunning journey, offering a transition from the Sonoran Desert floor to a cool, high-elevation forest. The campground is about five miles south of the small mountain town of Summerhaven and the summit of Mt. Lemmon, providing easy access to local amenities like the Cookie Cabin and various gift shops. While the road is paved, it is winding and requires cautious driving.

Accessibility is well-addressed at Whitetail. The campground features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. The group sites are designed to be accommodating for a variety of guests. A key point for planning is that the sites are often booked far in advance, as they are a favorite for large gatherings. While walk-ins are sometimes welcome if a site is not reserved, it is strongly recommended to book well ahead of time through the official reservation system to secure your spot. The on-site parking is a significant feature, with large group sites offering ample space for multiple vehicles, though some reviewers noted that parking can still be tight for many large rigs.

Whitetail Campground offers a host of services that cater to the needs of large groups and families, blending essential comforts with the natural environment.

• RV Hookups: Some sites offer RV electric hookups and RV water hookups, which is a significant convenience for those with trailers or motorhomes. This allows for the use of small appliances and ensures a comfortable stay. It is important to note that the maximum length for trailers is typically 22 feet.
• Running Water: The campground provides running water, with spigots conveniently located throughout the sites. This is a highly valued amenity, as noted in a customer review, and simplifies cooking and cleaning.
• Picnic Areas: Each group site features a picnic shelter, known as a Ramada, that can accommodate large groups. These shelters come with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a fire pit, providing a centralized hub for group activities and meals.
• Restrooms: The campground provides restrooms, which are consistently praised in reviews for being clean and well-maintained. As one reviewer noted, the bathrooms are "decent as long as all members of the group keep the lid down," highlighting the importance of group cooperation.
• On-site Parking: The group sites are designed with plenty of on-site parking, which is crucial for accommodating multiple families and their vehicles.
• Fire Pits and Grills: Large fire pits and grills are available at each site, providing a great space for cooking and gathering. However, campers should be aware of fire restrictions and may need to bring a propane grill during fire bans.

The features and highlights of Whitetail Campground are what make it a favorite among Arizona campers, offering a blend of natural beauty and practical convenience.

• Excellent for Large Groups: Whitetail is explicitly designed for large groups, such as family reunions and other multi-family gatherings. The spacious sites and dedicated Ramadas make it easy to set up a central meeting place.
• Friendly and Attentive Camp Hosts: Multiple customer reviews praise the camp hosts, with one specifically mentioning "Roger" as a great host who is "attentive, helpful, and yet also leave you to your camping." This personal touch significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Abundant Wildlife: A review mentioned seeing "various critters" like "deer, skunk, squirrels, scorpions." The natural environment offers opportunities for wildlife observation, and campers are advised to practice bear safety rules to ensure a smooth trip.
• Kid-Friendly: The campground is noted as being "good for kids," with "lots to explore nearby." The spacious sites provide a safe environment for children to play, and the availability of "kid-friendly hikes" makes it a perfect destination for families.
• Hiking: The surrounding national forest, including nearby Mt. Lemmon, boasts a variety of trails for different skill levels. This makes hiking and sightseeing popular activities for visitors.
• Peace and Quiet: Despite its focus on groups, the campground generally maintains a peaceful atmosphere. A review noted that "most groups observe the 10pm quiet time," which is a key factor for a relaxing stay.

For reservations and general inquiries, here is the contact information for Whitetail Campground.

Address: 11200 Whitetail Rd, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

Phone: (520) 576-9198

Mobile Phone: +1 520-576-9198

Choosing Whitetail Campground is an excellent decision for anyone planning a group camping trip in Arizona. Its primary value lies in its design and management, which are perfectly tailored for family reunions, scout troops, and other large gatherings. What makes it worth choosing is the consistent praise from customers about the cleanliness of the sites and facilities, as well as the friendliness and attentiveness of the camp hosts. The "magical" atmosphere and the ability to easily accommodate multiple families with a shared space like the Ramada set it apart from other campgrounds in the region. The presence of amenities like RV hookups and running water, while not universal across all sites, offers a level of convenience that is hard to find in a natural setting.

The fact that the campground is located on Mt. Lemmon provides a much-needed retreat from the summer heat and offers a wealth of activities, from kid-friendly hikes to wildlife viewing. The peace of mind that comes from knowing the campground is well-maintained and that the hosts are on-site to help with any needs is a huge plus. While some reviews mentioned minor issues like a lack of a toilet paper or the need for a high-clearance vehicle for certain sites, the overwhelming sentiment is one of satisfaction and repeat visits. For any Arizonan looking to create a cherished tradition of a group camping trip, Whitetail Campground is a destination that delivers on all fronts.

Whitetail Campground

11200 Whitetail Rd, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA