Tucson summers are relentless. When it feels like the pavement is melting, the best solution is to head for higher ground.
At over 8,000 feet, Mt. Bigelow is one of the easiest places to find cool air without driving far from town.
We spent a few nights camping there, and it turned out to be one of the best spots in the Catalina Mountains.
If you want a quick, scenic escape from the heat, here’s what you need to know.
Why Camp on Mt. Bigelow?
The Catalinas have plenty of campgrounds, but Mt. Bigelow offers something a little different.
- The temperature can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than Tucson, making it perfect for summer camping.
- The forested landscape and sweeping views are a dramatic change from the desert below.
- It’s a short drive from Summerhaven, where you can grab supplies or a meal if you don’t feel like cooking.
- The area is ideal for stargazing, with dark skies and minimal light pollution.
- Unlike developed campgrounds, these are dispersed sites. That means they’re free and offer more privacy.
How to Get There
Take Catalina Highway toward Summerhaven. Before reaching the village, turn onto Mt. Bigelow Road. Follow the well-maintained gravel road until you find a site.
Most vehicles will have no problem reaching the camping spots, but a few areas have narrow turns and steep drop-offs.
If you’re towing anything larger than a small trailer, it may not be worth the risk.
What to Expect at the Campsites
These sites are completely undeveloped, so you’ll need to bring everything you need.
- Weekdays are quiet, but weekends get busy. Arrive early if you want a prime spot.
- There are no bathrooms, no water, and no trash services. Pack out everything you bring in.
- Because the sites are close to communication towers, cell service is excellent.
- Fire restrictions are often in place, so check before you go and bring a propane fire pit as a backup.
Things to Do Nearby
Mt. Bigelow is more than just a place to set up camp. If you want to do more than sit around the fire, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
If you’re lucky, you might spot deer, birds of prey, and other wildlife.
- Several hiking and biking trails weave through the area, offering everything from casual strolls to steep climbs.
- The elevation and clear skies make it one of the best places in the Catalinas for night sky photography.
- Summerhaven is a short drive away, with restaurants, a general store, and homemade fudge.
What We Loved (And What We Didn’t)
Camping on Mt. Bigelow was a great experience, but it wasn’t perfect.
What we liked: The temperature, the views, and the quiet weekday mornings. The stars were some of the best we’ve seen in southern Arizona.
What we didn’t like: Some campers left their dogs off-leash, which caused a few problems with hikers and other campers. One group rolled in at 11 p.m. and spent half an hour inflating an air mattress with a loud compressor. Once they got settled, they made it very clear they were enjoying the great outdoors in ways we didn’t need to hear.
Is Mt. Bigelow Worth Camping At?
If you want an easy way to escape the Tucson heat, this is a solid option. It’s close enough to town for a quick weekend trip but feels like a completely different world.
It’s not the most remote camping spot, but it’s quiet enough if you go at the right time. Weekdays are ideal, but if you’re going on a weekend, get there early to claim a site.
Bring plenty of water, follow fire restrictions, and pack out everything you bring in. If you do that, you’ll have a great time.
Still Here? You Must Be the Human Equivalent of Well-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan.
Most people give up early, like tourists who underestimate the Arizona heat. But not you. You’re built differently. So why not join us for a camping chair on Substack?
