Catalina State Park Campground, near Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the desert. With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and electric hookups, it’s a comfortable place to set up camp and enjoy the stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms and showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking. Many campers have raved about the hiking trails, with one noting, “The hiking trails and history are amazing here.” You’ll find plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and even guided ranger-led tours, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Catalina State Park is just a short drive from Tucson, so you can easily access urban amenities while still enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. Whether you’re into stargazing, hiking, or simply soaking up the sun, this campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience. Just remember, wood fires aren’t allowed, but you can bring a propane fire pit to enjoy those cozy evenings under the stars.

Catalina State Park camping is available in 120 electric and water sites. Each campsite has a picnic table and BBQ grill. Roads and parking slips are paved. Campgrounds have modern flush restrooms with hot showers, and RV dump stations are available in the park. There is no limit on the length of RVs at this park, but reservations are limited to 14 consecutive nights. Campgrounds are open all year. Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife.

Catalina State Park Campground

We were pretty much just looking for a place to rest our heads for the night after being in the car for 5 hours from White Sands. This place was very nice and we had it all to ourselves. We were even treated to a lightning storm- which was amazing with the thunder bouncing off the mountains. Clean facilities, dog friendly, lots of hammock trees. 

Stumbled upon this gem

Lots of hiking in the area, from easy trails through the cacti to steep canyons nearby. There are group hike events with expert naturalists, really worth it. TONS of wildlife, including a bobcat and great birding. Amazing sunsets like nowhere else I've traveled. As for the campsite, it's really clean with nice standard amenities. Good privacy and pretty large individual sites. Shade varies. We couldn't have fires, so bring a gas backpacking stove to cook. Reservations recommended since it's so close to Phoenix and Tucson. Absolutely lovely campground setting. 

Saguaro wonderland near Tucson 

Excellent campground during cooler months. Summer months temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. Great hiking trails all around the park. Campsites are very nice and very clean. 

Not a summer campground

Another super clean and new Arizona state park.  Free hot showers in a beautiful location.  

Reviews

4.5

Stumbled upon this gem

Saguaro wonderland near Tucson

Not a summer campground

Right at the base of catalina state park