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.
$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."
$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!"
$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)."
$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"
"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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$25 / night
"There are amazing hiking trails and the nature in this park is stunning, especially the saguaros."
"The park is near a highway. There is no shade. You can see Mt Lemmon from the park but otherwise there is no scenery. There are restaurants, hardware store in walking distance."
TravelerEasy . 50$ for hookup water / electric. Communal Dumpstations on grounds. Coyotes and some weird desert squirrels . Trails for mountain biking . Grills
ScoutA few camps looked 'long term....' but the people all were considerant and to go i to town or the Nat'l park was super close. Were there about two weeks and would go back if in the area. Great place.
RangerPark is quiet and gated. there is a common area and a pool and even some pickle ball courts!. Very hot in the summer. next to the "loop" for hiking, biking or walking dogs.
RangerNice well kept sites. Pitt toilets, access to gila river. Very small camper vans or tents
RangerQuiet, very few campers. Prob fewer as it gets warmer. This will be a scorcher in the middle of summer but the sites do have tree cover for shade.
TravelerGoogle Maps attempted to get us in off Sunset. Big dip in entry road would bottom out most RVs. We then followed directions to take the dirt road across from Casino on Valencia and made it in no problem. Some trash and evidence of full-time living led to 3 stars vs. 4. Nice views of the mountains and close to town for supplies or Casino if you feel compelled to part with some cash.
RangerGreat spot. Very flat, can get a size RV in here. Only reason I’m giving 4 stars is there are a few people you can tell live here. Therefore, a little noisy with people coming in/out all day. No gate. Clear road to find. Felt safe.
ScoutWe had a reservation April 25th-April27th 2025 here at this campground. We left a day early, we were staying in campsite C6. We took our kids for a hike on the Brown Mountain Loop trail, after passing the picnic area, we got ambushed and shots were fired by someone in the nearby wash. At that point we ducked, ran for our lives, and it took us about 2 hours to hike the entire trail in despair, afraid, and ready to leave. We got back, packed up our campsite, trailer and left a night early. We called the local sheriff and filed a police report. I know this time of year there aren’t rangers, and very little authority. I think Pima County should know what’s going on, there are people preying on those hiking in the middle of nowhere. 4-6 shots were fired and whizzed by our children’s heads. The lack of presence here brings in criminal activity and we will not be staying again.
ScoutWe’ve stayed often and also full timed.
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.
Camping near Catalina, Arizona, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots 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.
Keep Exploring
