Manning Camp

A truly beautiful place. As many others have said the hike is no joke. The peaceful solitude is definitely worth the hike. There is a spring with water that can be filtered for drinking. We also enjoyed Spud Rock (about 30 min away from Manning Camp), which has an amazing view of Tucson.

A truly special place in Coronado National Forest high in the Rincons. There is truly no easy way to get there. It's at 8000ft elevation with no road access. There are campsites and a Ranger Station with some seasonal water spigots and a small horse stable. It's 15miles one way and 6000ft of climbing from Loma Alta Trailhead.

A visit to Manning Camp is well worth the challenging hike up. This backcountry camping area can only be accessed by foot or on horseback, and sits within sitting distance of the historic Manning Cabin, which is currently used administratively by the National Park service. From spring through fall, you may encounter the Manning Camp ranger, or other Park service staff who are friendly and knowledgeable. Otherwise, you are likely to have the place to yourself. Stop by the visitor center for a camping permit before you hike up, though. While camped at Manning, you will find ample opportunity to hike and explore the beautiful forest with it's long views, wild flowers, and wildlife. Be sure to walk out to the helispot for sunset over the Tucson basin!

Well maintained with a couple of spotless restrooms, there is a constant water source (although sterilization recommended) just behind the site from a few small waterfalls and pools. Most sites have fire rings and there are plenty of flat spots covered with pine straw to pitch tents. It is about 8000 feet so can get cold at night in winter/spring. There is a helipad which affords fantastic views of Southern Tucson and even as far as the Mexican border. The sunsets can be fantastic so bring a camera (posted a few pics).

Manning Camp was such a welcome sight by the time I got there. I have hiked there directly before, but this time I hiked from Alta Loma Trail Head through Happy Valley, stopped off at Rincon Peak and then took Heartbreak Ridge across to Manning. It was such an intense hike that by the time I got to Manning I was exhausted. Manning did not disappoint. I was able to relax and camp quite peacefully. The wind was whipping but the campground sits in a recessed area so it didn't bother me at all. The spring right there is great and is often flowing but just in case bring plenty of water. There are bear boxes up there that make it especially nice, but do not leave any trash in them. Always "pack it in, pack it out." Happy hiking.