Molino Basin Campground

We ended up staying here after trying to camp higher up in the forest in february. It was very easy to get to - just off the main road. This also means there is some traffic noise but not too bad and ends fairly early.

We chose a site right next to a parking area but you could walk in to other sites. The only bad thing was some people were throwing a party and were loud until about midnight.

A very charming spot for tent campers. Individual spaces tucked around, often with rock walls, all with tables, grills and fire rings. 22 foot max for rigs. Close to trails and Tucson. There was some noise from the road which stopped at dark. The worst idiots on motorcycles taking the road at maximum speed. Altitude above the growth of most cactus so easy traveling with a dog.

We stayed at this campground because it was 10-20 miles from interesting places in Tucson and close to lots of great hiking. Free and secure camping is limited and far away from Tucson. The Coronado Forest District currently gives Inter-agency Annual Pass holders a %50 percent discount on camping here and free parking at the many trail heads along Mt Lemmon Highway. I would consider this campground primarily primitive because the majority of the sights are walk in tent sights with parking for cars. There are only 4-5 sights where small RV's and trailers can be parked. There are pit style toilets, trash bins, picnic tables and food storage bins and poles but no running water. Motorcycles and cars like to race up and down the highway above the campground making it very noisy, especially on weekends. Gordon Hirabayashi campground just up the road might be a bit more quiet as a small ridge helps block some of the traffic noise.