Molino Basin Campground is the first of a series of campgrounds along the Sky Island Scenic Byway, east of Tucson, also known as the Mount Lemmon Highway. Tucson Mountain Park (Gilbert Ray Campground) (520) 883-4200 or 877-6000 Located 3 miles south of Saguaro National Park (west) on McCain Loop Road. Bear boxes are provided. For the best of the best, see our comprehensive series of articles on hiking in the following destinations: Phoenix, Sedona, Prescott, and an overall look at the best hikes in Arizona. No problem. Gilbert Ray Campground inside Tucson Mountain Park is the place to stay if you’re wanting to stay close to Saguaro National Park and bring your furry pals. Plenty of things to do in nearby Tucson. A popular base camp for desert fanatics is Catalina State Park. While it seems a world away from the city, way up in the sky island, it is only 22 miles from Tucson. November 20, 2020 juley.torkomian 4 Comments. Benson KOA. The road hugs the mountainside, sometimes on bridges, and the canyon becomes quite narrow in some sections. Just minutes from the edge of Tucson, you can find campgrounds that are equal or better than the best you'll find in some states. Some sites have shade covers, but many do not. Not far from Mt. Tucson, AZ. The 12 Best Camping Spots Near San Francisco, California . Best Camping in Tucson on Tripadvisor: Find 550 traveler reviews, 291 candid photos, and prices for 22 camping in Tucson, Arizona, United States. After two nights at Hackle Road BLM near Soloman, AZ we pulled out for Tucson. Tucson, AZ is an oasis from the unoriginal and lets you explore without any boundaries. Stay in one of the new two-bedroom Deluxe Cabins with queen beds. Pretty much anything you need is within three miles, including grocery stores, restaurants, a Target, and a Super Walmart. 30 drive-in campsites. Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ 85706 (520) 202-2700 Mt. Lemmon! There is no water at this campground and only pit toilets. Small trees offer some privacy and attract birds. Two of the most popular hiking trails in the Tucson area leave from this region of the park and are just a five-minute drive from the campgrounds. Near me. Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered.You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.. Our community provides the best free camping information available. Tombstone, AZ. No RV? You can always pull up to one of many RV parks around Tucson, AZ. Toni S.’s Land. Located in the east section of the park, in the Rincon Mountain District, is the Saguaro Wilderness Area, with six backcountry campgrounds. Stampede RV Park . You can reserve online or by phone. Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Offers Striking Desert Scenery Without The Crowds. This is an incredibly popular campground. Lemmon Ski Valley, this campground is centered around scenic Rose Canyon Lake. Eight miles west of the city on Ajo Highway, the BLM land is along the edge of an Indian Reservation and close proximity to Tucson Mountain Park. Tucson, AZ. Speaking of which, Tucson is just 15 miles from Saguaro National Park. Find what you're looking for with our list of the best campgrounds near Tucson. Located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, Gilbert Ray Campground lies in the gorgeous Sonoran Desert. It's hard to say no to Rose Canyon Lake Campground—a refreshing summer getaway at 7,000 feet. It's also worth noting that tents and RVs coexist quite amicably in most of the campgrounds around Tucson. Discover Arizona's sweeping desert beauty from your Tuscon home base. Where you choose to camp may depend on the season. EXPERIENCE RESORT RV LIVING Located near shopping, restaurants and all that Tucson has to offer. The 100 campsites are a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. October 2, 2020 . Share. Official site: https://azstateparks.com/reserve/catalina/camping/, Rose Canyon Lake Campground | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Small to medium-size trees (oak and mesquite) are scattered around the campground, but the landscape is mostly long grass, often a golden color. You may want to book soon. Sites are huge, with flat parking pads. I had researched some BLM land just southwest of Tucson called Snyder Hill. It is difficult to find scenic and comfortable camping sites in Southern Arizona. With 5 tent-only campsites and 130 RV & tent sites, you can sleep amongst the Saguaros any way you’d like to! Learn more here. Large boulders are strewn about the landscape in among the trees and sites, and pine needles carpet the ground. Hiking in Arizona: You'll find no end to great hiking in Arizona. Official site: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/molino/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72131, General Hitchcock Campground | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. It is located about 4 miles south of Saguaro's Red Hills Visitor Center. Lemmon, or explore local hiking trails. Desert Boondocking: Four Months, Four Desert Ecosystems. Molino Basin Campground is the first of a series of campgrounds along the Sky Island Scenic Byway, east of Tucson, also known as the Mount Lemmon Highway. Opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding wait around every corner—or cactus. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, bear box, and barbecue. Camping Spots Near Tucson. % of the Hipcamps for your dates are already booked. Every RV site has a 30-amp hookup and has access to a dump station, too. Tent Camping Paradise in NE Tucson in La Hacienda Chuparosa, Arizona | Pitch your tent on our pea gravel pad with a breath taking view of the Catalina Mountains. The main park gate is locked nightly, no entrance or exit after hours. But if you're feeling adventurous, you can always find remote backcountry camping in Saguaro East. RV Parks. Official site: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/rose-canyon/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70583, Molino Basin Campground | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. In Sepember 2015, we stayed in our Motorhome at Sentinel Peak RV Park in Tucson, AZ. 5 Best Camping Spots Near Tucson, Arizona . The group site can be booked, the rest of the sites are first-come, first-served. Facilities are limited to pit toilets and central water taps. shopping and dining of Tucson. Tucson/Lazydays KOA is your desert oasis, featuring beautiful fruit trees abundant throughout the park, with plenty of good times to be had. We recommend camping at La Siesta Campground. There are plenty of wild spaces within and around the city set aside for nature to blossom and humans to explore. Official site: https://azstateparks.com/reserve/picacho/camping/, Douglas Spring Camp | Richard Bonnett / photo modified. Tucson Interagency Fire Center 2646 E. Commerce Center Pl. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Speaking of which, Tucson is just 15 miles from Saguaro National Park. A self-pay box at the front lets you drop your money in before setting up, and you can then stay for a total of seven full days. It’s basically a large triangle of land between some busy roads where you can dry camp for up to 14 days. 7 Fantastic Campgrounds Near Tucson, Arizona for Year-Round Camping. Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future. Each site has a picnic table, but shade is hard to come by. If your idea of camping involves throwing a backpack on your back and heading off into the wilderness for alone time, the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park has just what you're after. Colossal Cave Mountain Park Campground | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. You can find more drive-in campsites throughout Coronado National Forest in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Wood fires aren't permitted, but the Arizona night skies are all the light you need. © 2020 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. No problem. Cactus Country RV Resort is conveniently located north of exit 275, I-10, just east of Tucson, Arizona. Split into two sections on either side of Tucson, Saguaro is a haven for desert exploration. Many are perched on a small hill, out on their own. About Search Results. 100% — 2 Reviews. Arivaca AZ: This TINY town has a big creative vibe! Near Me. Stay in one of the NEW two-bedroom Deluxe Cabins with queen beds. The Green Mountain Trail, open to hikers and bikers, leaves from the campground. These secret spots can be great alternatives to Tucson or fun weekend getaways when staying in Tucson. Route type. Best camping trails in Tucson, Arizona. The campground has 30 sites and is primarily geared toward tent camping but can accommodate a limited number of RVs. May 18, 2020 . The best camping near Tucson, Arizona. Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. for your dates are already booked. Built in the Posta Quemada canyon by the Civilian Corp of Engineers in 1934, it's a shady place with historic features. Sites are a mix of first-come, first-served and reservable. Shari + Hutch . RVers who want to enjoy the natural surroundings don't need to limit themselves to an urban RV park, and tenters have a full range of options. Picacho, AZ. The campground has size restrictions: no trailers or RVs over 22 feet are allowed. The best ones that come to mind are, Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Mt. Clear . Enjoy nature... Recreate responsibly during COVID-19. Choose from two year-round developed campgrounds with grills and picnic tables. Temperatures are much cooler at these higher elevations. Cochise, … Camping Near Tucson. No RV? All sites are reservable for up to 14 days and should be booked well in advance. Water is available; comfort facilities consist of pit toilets. Seasonal water sources are available, but all water must be treated. Or you can try the grassy luxury sites! We love Tucson…but, there are a lot of hidden gems nearby that offer unique camping experiences. You can stay up to seven days and then must vacate for a minimum of seven days. This is one of the nicest campgrounds in the area. Opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding wait around every corner—or cactus. The campground at the base of the peak is a lovely retreat in the desert, close to interesting hiking trails and set among saguaros and other vegetation of the Sonoran Desert. Campgrounds in Tucson Arizona: Campendium has 419 reviews of Tucson RV parks, state parks and national parks making it your best Tucson RV camping resource. Facilities include: chemical toilet and water. Just 15 miles from the heart of downtown Tucson, on the northern edge of the city, Catalina State Park offers some amazing camping. We paid $20.00 per night and feel we received good value. The area is quite small with well established campsites. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. Picacho / Tucson NW KOA. Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered.You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.. Our community provides the best free camping information available. As a result, if you are just arriving without a reservation, you have a relatively good chance of getting in here. If you truly want to camp in the desert while still having the convenience of a designated campground, you can't beat the Gilbert Ray Campground. If you are heading north, learn more about where to camp with our piece on the top campgrounds in the Phoenix area. Hike To The Secluded Cibecue Falls Outside Of Phoenix. October 26, 2020 . Best Campgrounds in Tucson, AZ - Catalina State Park (89 reviews), Gilbert Ray Campground (15 reviews), Molino Basin Campground (1 reviews), Tucson / Lazydays KOA (83 reviews), Whitetail Campground (2 reviews), Tucson BLM Campground (1 reviews), Roadrunner RV Rental (6 reviews), Justin's Diamond J RV Park (9 reviews), Desert Trails RV Park (10 reviews), Rose Canyon Campground … Real-time Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watch Warnings help keep our community safe. … The campground has 70 sites and is the most developed of the five or six campgrounds in the area. Find a Free Campsite. Desert Sanctuary - Dry RV and Tent Camping. Another campground with a beautiful setting on the southeastern edge of Tucson is the Colossal Cave Mountain Park campground. © Copyright 2020 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. 35’ limit on RV’s. Lemmon is located in the Coronado National Forest and is ideal for summer activities like hiking, birding, rock climbing, picnicking, camping, sky rides at Ski Valley, fishing and touring. Permits are required and can be booked online up to six months in advance on a rolling date basis. Facilities at the campsites include pit toilets and hitching rails for horses. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, check in at the Cave Shop first. This campground is extremely convenient to shops and services. You can expect to see vermillion fly catchers, hear owls hooting at night, possibly spot a bobcat, and almost trip over prairie dogs everywhere in the campground. Benson, AZ. As well, have a look at the best places to camp in Sedona and Prescott. Standing much higher than anything in the surrounding area, the angular peak is particularly eye-catching from a distance. Official site: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/upload/Saguaro-Wilderness-Modified-for-2015-7.pdf. Recreate responsibly during COVID-19. See also: Where to Stay in Tucson: Great Alternatives to Camping, Gilbert Ray Campground, Tucson Mountain Park | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. There are no restaurants or services within walking distance but groceries etc just a short drive away. The desert landscape means most campgrounds have little to zero shade. Tucson Mountain Park's (Gilbert Ray Campground) is the closest public camping to Saguaro National Park - Western District. Only a few sites have shade covers; almost all are in full sun. Facility 10: Restrooms 10: Appeal 10: VIEW WEBSITE External Link LEARN MORE about this facility. Mt. Cabin Camping near Tucson, AZ. RV campers should access the park by way of Ajo Highway to Kinney Road and follow the signs to the campground. You'll be surprised what you find around this metropolitan area, including lakefront campsites. Note that the link below is very helpful, but the reservations procedure for the permits changed in 2020. Area Status: Open While most other campgrounds in the Catalina District are closed in winter and open in summer, Molino Campground and Picnic Area has a season that is just the … Another hot spot is Gilbert Ray Campground. 100% — 107 Reviews. Campsites have tables and barbecue grills. About Search Results. This location has just 12 tent-only campsites, all first-come, first-served, but the setting here is beautiful. This is a primitive campground with no electrical sites and limited restrooms and water. Pets are welcome. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Difficulty. These are not just simple walk-in sites, these are sites you must hike into on foot or with livestock to access, and many have serious elevation gains. The campgrounds are located at altitudes that range from 4,800 feet to 9,000 feet, high up in the pine forest. 150 drive-in campsites. Located 40 miles northwest of Tucson on Interstate 10, Picacho Peak is hard to miss. Elevation gain. This campground, only 13 miles from Tucson, puts you right on the doorstep of the west section of Saguaro National Park. All sites are first-come, first-served. There is the streetcar pick up 1/2 mile away that takes you through downtown Tucson, the University of Arizona- football/basketball games, numerous restaurants, late night entertainment, shopping, Tucson Convention Center shows, Music Hall for concerts and more. You simply can't miss Seven Falls at Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and Mt. Facilities are limited to pit toilets and there is no drinking water at this campground. Next time you need a break in your busy life consider cool weather camping at Tucson Mountain Park's beautiful Gilbert Ray Campground, located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, a convenient 13 miles from Tucson. sites with individual 30 amp electrical hookups. (Big rig drivers rejoice—there's no limit on RV length). If you are looking for a quick weekend camping getaway from Tucson during the warmer months, Rose Canyon Lake Campground is a wonderful destination. More filters (1) Clear filters. Are you looking to camp easy? You can reach the trailheads at several different access points. The arid plain beneath the Santa Catalina Mountains is Arizona at its finest. Directions. Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort is your desert oasis, featuring beautiful fruit trees abundant throughout the park, with plenty of good times to be had.The campground offers Pull-thru RV Sites with full 30/50-amp hookups, grassy luxury sites and NEW RV Sites with a Patio and a fireplace! Official site: http://colossalcave.com/camp-picnic/, Picacho Peak State Park Campground | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. It can accommodate tents and RVs and has 30-amp electrical hookups. Have a picnic with prairie dogs while soaking in views of Mt. Camping in Tucson, AZ CCPA. Find the best places to go camping, Tuscon, AZ rentals, and outdoor activities, here! Molino Basin Campground has 37 campsites and is best suited to tents and small trailers. Amiee Maxwell . Higher regions make great escapes in the summer but are too cold for camping in winter. El Pais Motel & Campgrounds . Lemmon Campgrounds, Bonita Canyon in the Chiracahuas, Reef Campground in Carr Canyon, Riggs Flat and Soldier Campgrounds on Mt. There are dump stations, water & electrical hook-ups, plus picnic tables. The main park gate is locked each night, so no entrance or exit is allowed after certain hours. Best Camping in Tucson on Tripadvisor: Find 549 traveller reviews, 291 candid photos, and prices for 22 camping in Tucson, Arizona. Scenic hills surround the area, sites are well spaced and offer plenty of privacy, and most sites are level. , Tucson is just 15 miles from Tucson: Lana Law streetlights of Tuscon, AZ we pulled out Tucson! 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