Best Campgrounds near Catalina, AZ

Campgrounds surrounding Catalina, Arizona range from established facilities to dispersed sites across public lands. Catalina State Park Campground offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and water access, situated at the base of the Catalina Mountains. Other options include Mount Bigelow Dispersed camping for those seeking free primitive sites and Gilbert Ray Campground which provides electric hookups and sewer connections. The terrain varies significantly from desert landscapes dominated by saguaro cacti to higher elevation pine forests in the Mount Lemmon area.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping experiences in this region. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F in lower elevations, while higher elevation sites like Spencer Canyon and Rose Canyon campgrounds operate only from May to October. "This park is amazingly beautiful but not a summer campground. Summer months temperatures can exceed 100 degrees," noted one camper about Catalina State Park. Most dispersed camping areas lack drinking water, and several established campgrounds implement fire restrictions during dry periods. Winter and spring represent peak camping seasons at lower elevations when temperatures moderate, though higher mountain campgrounds may close due to snow.

The camping experience varies dramatically with elevation change. Developed campgrounds like Catalina State Park feature clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers that receive consistent praise in reviews. "The bathroom and showers are big, spacious and incredibly clean," one reviewer mentioned. Sites in Catalina State Park provide electric hookups that appeal to RV campers, while tent campers appreciate the designated flat areas. Hiking trails connect directly to several campgrounds, allowing for convenient wildlife viewing and scenic vistas. Mount Lemmon area campsites offer cooler temperatures and pine forest settings compared to the desert environment of lower elevation campgrounds. The proximity to Tucson provides easy access to urban amenities while still experiencing natural surroundings, with several campers noting the convenience of nearby shopping and restaurants in Oro Valley.

Best Camping Sites Near Catalina, Arizona (125)

    1. Catalina State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."

    "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."

    2. Gilbert Ray Campground

    76 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 724-5000

    $10 - $75 / night

    "The scenery here is perfect for Arizona. Great views of Tucson Mountain and surrounded by all kinds of hiking trails in the Tucson Mountain Park. The sites are gravel and mostly flat."

    "Fantastic place to stay in the Arizona countryside. Cacti everywhere! So cool!"

    3. Spencer Canyon Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mount Lemmon, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $22 - $36 / night

    "Spencer Canyon Campground is a nice campground approx. 20 miles from Tucson up the General Hitchcock Highway(often called the Catalina Highway or Mt. Lemmon Highway)."

    "The drive alone is inspiring! There is a fee for camping which you should plan to leave in the box (yes, they do come around to check eventually)."

    4. Rose Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 576-1477

    $31 - $180 / night

    "The lake was about a half mile walk from the campsite. There is also hiking trails close to the campground. Overall, the campsites are larger than normal and the sites are even."

    "The toilets were easily accessable and each had running potable water adjacent to the shelters. I would definately return again"

    5. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    51 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 799-3701

    "When spending time on the road many times you will find campsite after campsite that is welcoming but not quite like home away from home."

    "There were a handful of kiddos around, a couple walked through our site which we were okay with but if you’ree looking to avoid kids this might not be your spot."

    6. Cactus Forest Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    20 miles
    Website

    "However, watch where you step AND where you drive!!!!"

    "Not that far of a drive from a highway exit, I was pleasantly surprised by the peaceful seclusion."

    7. Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 388-8300

    "We drove 3 hours from Phoenix for a weekend in the forest, new to town and learning the ways of Arizona camping, didn’t realize fires are some times allowed and some times not."

    "Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat."

    8. Molino Basin Campground

    11 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $100 / night

    "Plenty of great trails that lead all throughout the Santa Catalina mountains. A lot of highly trafficked and we'll maintained trails."

    "We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in late February and were pleasantly surprised to find this first come, first serve campground nearly empty."

    9. Peppersauce Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oracle, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $50 / night

    "Most spots are roomy and Shaded, temps were really nice for Arizona in June, due to the elevation. Met a few campers that had been staying there since Wednesday, and they were really nice people."

    "Only about 1 hour outside of Tucson but completely in the country. Perfect area for kids to explore and see wildlife. We spotted both turkeys and deer and were visited by some cotamundi as well."

    10. Ringtail Loop Campground — Catalina State Park

    3 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    4 miles

    $25 / night

    "There are amazing hiking trails and the nature in this park is stunning, especially the saguaros."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 125 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Catalina, AZ

694 Reviews of 125 Catalina Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Nice little camping area, except for one small detail…

    We like this place, even though it’s somewhat limited in its access to water and sewer. However, that would not keep us from coming back, but their policy of no vehicles over 40 feet total length (end of camper to end of tow vehicle) are allowed anymore. There are plenty of spots here where they could fit no problem, as we did ours, but it’s now a matter of policy of Pima County to not allow any campers in any bigger than that.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful desert park

    If you like desert camping, this is a beautiful park tucked up against the Santa Catalina Mountains. The campsites have electric and water. They are spaced far apart. There are many hiking and mountain biking trails but not many have shade. So it is hot, even in late October. There are Ironwood trees in the campground so some sites have shade. Bathrooms are dates but clean. Showers ok - no adjustment for hot water but the water temp was ok. I would have liked it hotter but it wasn’t cold.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Benson KOA

    Nice Spot right off I10

    Loved this KOA. It was clean and quiet. Level ground and every spot had a picnic table. I didn’t see fire rings in every spot but someone down the way from us did have a fire so maybe some sites have them OR these people had their own that they broke out. The laundry looks like it was just re-done. The machines are new and the dryers actually worked! Bathrooms are clean and showers are perfect!
    The sites are level and graveled. They have tons of activities for families. Corn hole, horseshoes, pool table in the game room and a great play ground. They do have a pool and hot tub but it was closed because it too is new to the resort so although it looked ready the sign said they were doing the final touches. My only complaint was we had a back in spot in the back but they called around 4 wanting to know our ETA we said close to 5:30. She told us that they were going to move us to another spot because backing in in the dark can be problematic. We were fine with that and had no problem with the new site which was in front of the KOA building. However they put in street lamps that are blinding at night. I had to find towels to clip up in the window so we could sleep. Not a big deal at all but if you come in late ask or they call to move you ask to be away from the football stadium lights 🤪 I would most definitely stay here again!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    LS5 Ranch

    Great location close enough to do a little of everything

    Just spectacular

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Picacho Peak RV Resort

    Top Notch Place

    Friendly staff and full timers, super clean, beautiful view of Peak and amazing hiking trail. I could definitely see myself spending winters here. So many activities for residents

  • Michelle O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Voyager RV Resort & Hotel

    This is a wonderful place to stay

    The community is huge. Very nice staff. They have everything you need here. The pools have different temps. So if you want a bath like experience it is here. The indoor pool is covered. We enjoyed the warmest water there. I would highly recommend this park.

  • Ben & Anna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Mescal Road Dispersed Site

    Decent Boondocking Close to Mescal Road

    We spent a week here in March and really enjoyed the spot as a home base. One afternoon we checked out the nearby Mescal Movie Set, which was a fun step back in time. Access-wise, we had to stick closer to N Mescal Road—the washouts on the trail further in looked a bit dicey for towing a trailer. If you’re in a van or just your truck, you could push back deeper without much trouble. You’ll definitely notice the trains rolling through, about a mile away. It’s part of the soundtrack of Arizona boondocking—low rumbles that become background noise after the first night. A few campsites further back were unfortunately trashed, which was disappointing. We also had a couple of vehicles come and go around 1–2am, but they kept to themselves and never caused any issues. Overall, it’s a decent free spot with some character—worth it if you want a quiet base near the Mescal area and don’t mind the trains.

    Large group of UTV trailers were parked near us when we setup camp, but didn't see them again the whole week.

    Don't forget your AZ Land Trust permit, someone did stop by to check we had them.

  • Stacy R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    High Chaparral RV Park

    100 Out of 10 – The Ultimate Adult RV Community in Arizona!

    We stayed 4-months last winter as snowbirds at High Chaparral RV Resort, and all I can say is this place is a 100 out of 10! This isn’t just an RV resort—it’s a full-on adult community bursting with FUN and SUN. The management here goes above and beyond to keep everyone entertained. From casino nights with real tables, dealers, and prizes, to bingo nights, live concerts, unbelievable cookouts, pickleball tournaments, frisbee golf, ladies’ luncheons, and the guys’ morning coffee gatherings—there is ALWAYS something happening. It’s impossible to be bored here. The 24-hour pool and spa was perfect for relaxing any time of day, and the whole community vibe makes you feel like you’re part of one big family. The staff is beyond amazing—friendly, helpful, and genuinely fun to be around. High Chaparral is hands-down the best adult RV community in Arizona. If you’re looking for sunshine, friendship, endless activities, and memories that will last a lifetime, this is the place to be. We can’t wait to come back!

  • R
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    KOA

    One of the nicest RV parks we’ve ever visited. Clean, friendly, spacious. All the amenities you could imagine. We highly recommend this resort.


Guide to Catalina

Camping near Catalina, Arizona ranges from forested mountain hideaways at 8,000 feet to desert dispersed sites surrounded by saguaro cacti. Temperature differences between these areas can exceed 25°F, with higher elevations providing relief during summer months. Many campsites require advance planning, with Mount Lemmon's Spencer Canyon and Rose Canyon typically opening in May and closing before November.

What to do

Explore biking trails: Catalina State Park offers mountain biking options amid desert scenery. "Trails for mountain biking. Grills," notes Annika D. about this accessible recreation area just north of Tucson.

Fish for trout: Rose Canyon Campground features a stocked lake that draws anglers. "Rose canyon lake is stocked with trout for some easy and fun fishing and camping. Gets crowded during times when lake is stocked," advises Tanner H.

Wildlife viewing: The varied elevations support diverse wildlife encounters. "We saw (and heard) coyote, prairie dogs, and a rattlesnake eating a prairie dog along a trail right behind our campground loop!" reports Carly E. about her stay at Catalina State Park.

Stargazing: Gilbert Ray Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing without light pollution. "When night time came, the stars were amazing. No light pollution there with unobstructed views of the night skies," shares Chet W.

What campers like

Accessibility to urban amenities: The proximity to Tucson provides convenience while maintaining natural surroundings. "Camped 14-15 March 2021 - Minutes from the hustle and bustle of Tucson and Oro Valley, but surprisingly quiet," explains Janet H. about Catalina State Park Campground.

Temperature variation: Higher elevation camps provide summer relief from desert heat. "This campground is walk up only with over 60 sites to choose from. Several sites are double or group size. This is the highest National Forest campground on Mount Lemmon and your best bet for cooler temps during the summer," explains Christina C. about Spencer Canyon Campground.

Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer adequate spacing despite popularity. "The sites were huge, very big-rig friendly, and private. Additional signage for numbered sites would have been helpful, but it's not hard to find your spot using the power of deduction," reports Kristin S. about her Catalina State Park experience.

Wildlife encounters: Local fauna adds to camping experiences across elevations. "Perfect place to watch the sunset. Fires not allowed unfortunately. Can hear coyotes at nighttime," notes Helen W. about her Gilbert Ray Campground visit.

What you should know

Seasonal fire restrictions: Rules change throughout the year based on conditions. "We drove 3 hours from Phoenix for a weekend in the forest, new to town and learning the ways of Arizona camping, didn't realize fires are some times allowed and some times not," cautions Jenn L. about her experience at Mount Bigelow Dispersed.

Cactus hazards: Desert locations require special precautions. "My only advice here is that it's not fun for dogs. (And maybe not fun for kids either?) It's incredibly prickly everywhere. Imagine that, prickly in the cactus forest? You'll want to avoid wearing sandals too," warns Will about Cactus Forest Dispersed camping.

Water availability: Water sources vary by location and season. "At the time of this writing, the water was not working because the previous years fire melted the water supply line to the camp but the ranger indicated that it was being fixed in the next couple of months," reports Robert G. about Peppersauce Campground.

Advance reservations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations during January for a short-term (2 night) stay were surprisingly easy to obtain via their online booking tool. Longer stays should book far ahead of time," advises Kristin S. about Catalina State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with exploration space: Some campgrounds offer open areas for children. "I've camped here several times. I prefer to go all the way to the very bottom of the campground. There is a lot of open area for my boys to run around and build a fort while I read a book next to the stream," suggests Suzanne P. about Spencer Canyon.

Consider accessibility to facilities: The distance to restrooms varies widely between campsites. "Bathrooms were a pretty long walk from our site (there is only one bathroom facility for that loop)," notes Carly E. about her Catalina State Park experience.

Look for wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to observe desert and mountain species. "Great place to escape! Only about 1 hour outside of Tucson but completely in the country. Perfect area for kids to explore and see wildlife. We spotted both turkeys and deer and were visited by some cotamundi as well," shares Brianna W. about Peppersauce Campground.

Check weather forecasts: Temperature swings can be significant. "Very crowded on the weekend but the crowd is friendly and respectful. Great way to escape the summer heat of Tucson! Bring your hats and gloves!" advises Dynamical Thunder D. about Mount Bigelow.

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions matter: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "Some spots vary is size so make sure your rig can fit. Also some more difficult to back up into," warns Peter S. about Gilbert Ray Campground.

Plan dump station timing: Facilities can get congested during peak checkout times. "No sewer hookups and the dump stations were crowded when we left at 11:45am on checkout day," reports Kristin S. about Catalina State Park.

Consider road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. "The road was fine for our 17' trailer and spots are spread out well. A few other campers and some shooting in the distance but overall an excellent and free option," explains Emily A. about her experience at Cactus Forest Dispersed.

Group site limitations: Group camping areas may not offer the expected amenities. "This is a beautiful park! If you are reserving a campsite, beware! Ringtail loop does not have electricity or water hookup and it is not that easy to tell this on the reservation system," cautions Mary about Ringtail Loop Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are RV rentals available for camping in Catalina, Arizona?

While there aren't dedicated RV rental facilities specifically in Catalina, Arizona, the area has several RV-friendly campgrounds where you can bring a rented RV. Catalina State Park Campground offers well-maintained sites suitable for RVs with modern amenities and beautiful desert views. For a more traditional RV park experience, Wishing Well RV Park provides typical RV accommodations in Catalina. You'll need to rent your RV from vendors in nearby Tucson and drive to these locations. The mild winter weather makes this area particularly popular for RV camping during the cooler months.

What are the best camping spots in the Catalina Mountains?

The Catalina Mountains offer several excellent camping options. Spencer Canyon Campground is located about 20 miles from Tucson up the Catalina Highway, providing beautiful mountain views despite somewhat close-together sites. For higher elevation camping, Rose Canyon Campground offers a cooler retreat with good amenities including water and toilets. These mountain campgrounds are particularly popular during summer months when campers seek relief from Tucson's desert heat, while offering stunning views and access to numerous hiking trails throughout the Santa Catalina range.

What camping is available near Catalina, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Catalina, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Catalina, AZ and 24 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Catalina, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Catalina, AZ is Catalina State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 62 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Catalina, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Catalina, AZ.

What parks are near Catalina, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Catalina, AZ that allow camping, notably Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest.