Catalina State Park Campground
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2021

Southern Arizona’s best State Park

This campsite is in the heart of the Sonoran Desert on the outskirts of Tucson. You are minutes from the city, but still tucked into the valley of the Catalina Mountains. The perfect place for a desert retreat! Across the street (5 min drive for the campsite) you’ll find in ‘n out, Walmart, and other retail stores. Just down Oracle Rd. you’ll find great local restaurants... El Molinitos, Guadalajara Grill, Tap and Bottle, Village Bakehouse, and Truland Burgers. There is so much to explore in Tucson, but this campsite alone is a destination. If you’re lucky enough to be around after mountain snowmelt, you can enjoy the water. Hiking baths are aplenty as are the birds for birding enthusiasts. Campsites are clean and spacious. There isn’t much shade in the desert, so plan accordingly. Stargazing is great here. This State Park is a hot spot for locals, so hit the trails early in the morning or just stick to the campground on the weekends to avoid the crowds. The park and the adjacent mountain range suffered greatly from a large fire in the summer of 2020. Deeper into the park on hikes you’ll notice the devastation and also see desert regrowth. Be sure to check before you go as some trails are still closed from the damage.

  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Catalina State Park Campground by Candy P., March 28, 2021
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