Best Campgrounds near Catalina, AZ

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Catalina, AZ has a lot to offer. Catalina is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Catalina, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Catalina, Arizona (123)

    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

    74 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

    17 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

    49 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

    7 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 123 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Catalina, AZ

682 Reviews of 123 Catalina Campgrounds



Guide to Catalina

Camping near Catalina, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is home to several trails, including those near Picacho Peak State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "I enjoyed my stay here for 2 days. Had a great time hiking the Sunset Trail to Picacho Peak."
  • Exploring Caves: Visit the nearby Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground for a chance to tour stunning caves. A reviewer noted, "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up."
  • Wildlife Watching: The desert is alive with wildlife. One camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed shared, "I came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Gilbert Ray Campground said, "Gilbert Ray campground integrates the beautiful desert environment seamlessly with the campsites."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed mentioned, "Remote, private, and free but accessible. Not a standard RV parking lot campground but rather several campsites with ample space between them."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Catalina State Park Campground are noted for their cleanliness. One reviewer stated, "Showers and bathrooms well maintained."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads. A camper at Picacho Peak State Park Campground noted, "You can hear road noise from I-10, but you get used to it."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area remarked, "There are no facilities or even pit toilets."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife. One camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed warned, "Watch out for jumping chollas and keep your furry friends close."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Tucson - Lazydays KOA, which offers amenities like a pool and playground. A reviewer said, "The staff was great and the customer service was great."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Rose Canyon Campground mentioned, "Cool little lake, with river that was flowing when we were there in May."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A visitor at Gilbert Ray Campground suggested, "We reserved ahead of time... it was straightforward."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Catalina, Arizona, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Catalina, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Catalina, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Catalina, AZ and 23 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 23 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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.