Best Tent Camping near Catalina, AZ

The Santa Catalina Mountains surrounding Catalina, Arizona offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. General Hitchcock Campground provides tent-only camping tucked between pine trees at higher elevations, while Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp offers dispersed tent camping on public lands closer to town. Saguaro National Park's backcountry tent sites like Happy Valley Saddle Campground and Manning Camp provide more remote experiences for hikers willing to trek several miles with their gear. Garden of Peden offers a small established tent campground with just five sites near the western edge of the Tucson Mountains.

Most tent campsites in the region require careful planning for water needs. General Hitchcock Campground features vault toilets and trash collection but no drinking water, while dispersed areas like Pipeline Road BLM Camping and Charouleau Gap have no facilities whatsoever. Backcountry tent sites in Saguaro National Park require permits ($8 fee) and typically include bear boxes and fire rings, but water sources are unreliable. Seasonal considerations are important, as summer temperatures can be extreme at lower elevations while winter brings occasional snow to higher-elevation tent campgrounds. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in dispersed camping areas where vegetation is sparse.

Tent campers frequently note the dramatic temperature differences between Tucson and mountain campgrounds. According to reviews, General Hitchcock Campground can be "10-15 degrees cooler than the city" making it popular for weekend escapes. Happy Valley Saddle Campground requires significant effort to reach but rewards tent campers with solitude. One visitor reported, "We were the only ones there and used site 3. It was very secluded and had a nice big bear box and a nice fire ring." Backcountry tent camping in the region offers a unique opportunity to experience ecological transitions, with campers noting how landscapes shift from cactus-dominated lower elevations to pine forests at higher elevations. Walk-in tent sites throughout the region provide better privacy than drive-up options, though they require additional planning for gear transport.

Best Tent Sites Near Catalina, Arizona (13)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Catalina, AZ

537 Reviews of 13 Catalina Campgrounds


  • Ash C.
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Great campground clean bathrooms !

    While busy, this is a well ran and well managed campground. The hosts are diligent to touch base with everyone coming in (safety) and the campsites though somewhat close together, offer unique ways to capture some privacy. The mountain can get very cold and windy at night, so make sure you have a sleeping bag rated for freezing temps. This campground has some of the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen! Seriously! I don’t know how they do it!

    The camp hosts have fire wood for sale as well, you just have to flag them down when they drive by. Each site has a fire ring and grill. I also found several fresh water pumps within walking distance from my camp. The site is very easily accessible but some of the dirt roads can get pretty rutty, so use caution with lower profile vehicles.

  • Dray S.
    Sep. 8, 2019

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Great, easy getaway if you don't mind company

    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). It is located approximately 3 miles past the Palisades Visitor Center and the entrance is marked well by a big brown sign as you approach. Phill and Denise, the friendly campsite managers will give you advice and suggestions about campsites that suite your needs. The photos attached to this review are from campsite#6, which is close to the Phill& Denise’s camper location and the highway- yes, we did hear road noise. Most campers chose locations deeper in the campground, but we were there on a busy weekend so most of those“deeper” campsites were occupied. All sites have a large bear box, concrete picnic table, charcoal grill and an iron fire pit. The picnic area of the site is level but the whole campsite is NOT so pick your location carefully if you want to pitch your tent on a flat, level plot. We did find some firewood left over from prior campers but recommend bringing your own, dry wood if you have room in your rig. In my observation, there is a rather nice, vessel toilet house strategically located to serve 6- 7 campsites. There is also a water faucet to be shared by 6- 7 campsites. Campsite#6 has its own faucet so others might also. There are 60+ campsites throughout Spencer Canyon and I would suggest that those“deeper” in the campground are more desirable. It should be noted that most of the campsites are close together, that is, about 50-75 feet apart, hence, my“... if you don’t mind company” comment. It should also be noted that Phill& Denise are really nice and helpful, the campsites are well maintained and clean, it is only 22 miles from Tucson and less than 6 miles from the mountaintop hamlet of Summerhaven, and is situated at approximately 7,900 fee of elevation. Thus, Spencer Canyon Campground is a great getaway from the Arizona heat and close enough to Tucson for a 1- 2 night weekend.

  • Jered K.
    Feb. 25, 2019

    Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park

    Small & remote camp

    Happy Valley campground's name can be decieving.. its actually at 6,000' of elevation, 4.6 miles up the Miller Creek trail in the Rincon mountains east of Tucson. It lies within the Saguaro National Park so a permit is required ($8 fee). Up to 6 people per permit. There is 3 spots at the camp. Each spot has a fire ring, bear box, and some good size stumps to sit on around the fire. There is a vaulted toilet at the site as well. Water can be scarce in the Rincons so plan accordingly!

    Another 3.4 miles up the trail and you'll be at the summit of Rincon Peak (8,200'ish).

  • P
    Sep. 13, 2020

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Very Nice

    My grandson and I stayed in a tent campsite for two nights. There are only a 5 tent sites and they don't have a tent pad. After two passes we were able to find a site with a smooth spot without rocks for the tent, B5, a picnic table but no shade. I felt there could have been more bathrooms and water spickets but honestly I did not do much walking in the campground. It is the quiet time of year, before snowbirds come, so we were able to have our pick of electric or not sites. It was quiet; I think three trailers and one other tenter. No generators allowed and 7 day strict limit. The coyotes were very vocal at night, which I enjoyed.This is more of an RV campground but suited us fine for two days. We interacted with the hosts and they were very nice. We explored the trails, visitor center and Sonora Desert Museum, which we loved. Thirty minute drive to Tucson. We went to the Reid Park Zoo, which we thoroughly enjoyed; LOTS of animals for a small zoo. We drove the loop in East Saguaro National Park. Some things closed in West Saguaro park so be aware of that, like Old Tucson, but we found lots to do.

  • KJ G.
    Feb. 16, 2025

    Pinal County Fairgrounds

    Quick practical spot

    We were dry /primitive campers saving our coins here and there camping! This was an easy quick $10 but I do recommend getting there before closing hrs. As you have to call the camp host to let you in. There is no designated camp zones it is a very dry area ofcourse being in the middle of Arizona. But we were prepared with sleeping pads and tent tarps for comfort. But for 10 bucks you can’t beat that! There was an animal 4H fair of some sort going on which we enjoyed even through all our sleep! The animals did seem to “sleep with us!” There is showers and easy convience to I-10/I20? Also Walmart/standard fast food defiantly more RV friendly but with the right gear you should be fine! I love supporting places like this over the hotel industry

  • Amelio S.
    Jun. 30, 2021

    Rose Canyon Campground

    Gorgeous mountain top site

    Got here on a Sunday evening and were incredibly lucky to get a site close to the lake! The drive up to the campground is gorgeous and the campground is great as well. Spots are drive up with picnic tables, bear boxes, and space to set up a tent or two. There’s a camp store and public pit toilets. We arrived in the evening and left early so we didn’t use the camp store. Would definitely come again, not sure if we’ll get so lucky w our site again tho

  • Janet H.
    Mar. 18, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Catalina State Park campground is one to add to your trip itinerary

    Camped 14-15 March 2021 - Minutes from the hustle and bustle of Tucson and Oro Valley, but surprisingly quiet. Catalina State Park Campground has two campsite loops- A and B, as well as the Ringtail group tent site. I tent camped at site A16, which was a decent distance from the neighboring sites. The loops and parking slips are asphalt paved. Familiarize yourself with the site map, because most of the campsite numbers were on posts set back a distance from the road, making it tough to locate some of the sites, especially if you’re arriving after dark. Campsites are typical desert sand, with mesquite and palo verde trees. I had plenty of location options within the site for setting up my tent, but had to choose carefully, as to not sleep atop an access hole to the round-tailed ground squirrel burrows that are in abundance throughout the campground. The site had water, an electric hook up (which I didn’t need), a nice sized thermoplastic polyethylene coated metal picnic table (easy to clean), a raised BBQ grill and a beautiful view of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The restroom and shower facility in loop A was clean and adequate, with three toilet stalls (one of which was ADA compliant, as well as two showers (one being ADA compliant). Signage on ADA shower stall indicated adaptive equipment (shower chair, etc.) was available through the camp hosts. An open breezeway between women’s and men’s restrooms includes a sink, soft drink machine, a small “Take a book, share a book” cabinet, and informational bulletin boards. A posted sign indicated wifi password for the campground, but whenever I tried to connect, I got a prompt that it was unavailable. I had a strong Verizon signal. Per another sign posted in the breezeway, the 48-day Bighorn Fire of June 2020 burned almost 120,000 acres / 25% of Catalina State Park. Because of vegetation loss, the Canada del Oro wash (along the main road between the entrance/ranger station and the campground) is prone to flooding when it rains at higher elevations. The wash has been running black with ash, and for longer periods of time than before the fire. The ash coats the sand, preventing the rainwater from being absorbed, creating the potential for flash floods. The Romero Trail to Romero Pools has been closed since the fire, with signs indicating reopening in May 2021. There are still plenty of miles of beautiful desert trails to enjoy. There are two large grocery stores and two gas stations within five miles of the campground.

  • Candy P.
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Large campground in Mt Lemmon

    Spencer Canyon campground in Mt Lemmon is nestled under the pine trees and boasts a 15-20 degree drop in temperature from nearby Tucson. Bear boxes are provided as are vaulted toilets. I’ve seen trailers travel down the canyon, but I wouldn’t try it. The roads are steep and narrow. Perfect for tent camping

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Best Campsites for Snowbirds In Arizona

    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. But when you drive through Tucson, there is a mecca filled with winter bird campers and long term campers which create a home away from home.

    With only tent sites available on the facility, we were fortunate to find a site, however when we arrived we were so excited by the facilities we extended our stay by a day.

    Office staff immediately greeted us and let us know about the facilities, which happened to feature a mini golf course, an indoor events facility, 2 swimming pools and hot tubs, an indoor recreation area and multiple on camp fire chinineas. In addition there was a fishing pond and dog park area.

    Each of the 4 campsites were considered to be regular campsites instead of upgrade sites but when we arrived it was the most delux sites we had encountered along the way.

    Pad sites were large and the first to actually accommodate our large tent and the ground was u like any we had seen before at a site. The soft mulch was similar to that of a modern day playground and made for a much more comfortable sleep over the two days we were there.

    In addition to the standard picnic table of most facilities, this campground offered a kitchen facility at each campsite including a large copper sink and food storage as well as electricity and overhead lighting in the pergola designed to allow shade from the harsh Arizona sun.

    It was the closest thing to glamping we had encountered by far!

    Then as an added bonus, fresh fruit trees abounded ready for the picking. The front desk informed us of the allowance to pick what you want as everything was in season! An amazing treat on the road!

    We spent many hours at the pool facility, enjoyed amazing neighbors, used the wifi and even did a load of laundry while in Tucson. The facility really was like a home away from home on the road.

    🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰

    If the scale went higher we would rank it more Bunnies. There were no real areas we could see for improvement. Staff was very accommodating, long term and short term residents of the facility were amazing and this was a desert oasis like no other!


Guide to Catalina

Tent camping near Catalina, Arizona ranges from established campgrounds at cooler elevations to primitive backcountry sites requiring permits. The region's elevation varies dramatically from 2,500 feet to over 8,000 feet in the Santa Catalina Mountains, creating distinct temperature zones and ecosystems. Dispersed camping options on BLM land provide alternatives for campers seeking more remote experiences without facilities.

What to do

Hike to backcountry sites: Happy Valley Saddle Campground requires a 4.6-mile hike with 6,000 feet of elevation gain. "The hike up is BEAUTIFUL and not overly steep (but watch for snakes)," notes Nicole J. who camped at Happy Valley Saddle Campground.

Explore ecological transitions: Manning Camp offers views of dramatically changing landscapes. "When the scenery changes you are met with large pine trees and such a different view, it is like night and day," writes Crystal C. about her trek to Manning Camp.

Access nearby trails: Many sites serve as gateways to extensive trail networks. Gordon Hirabayashi Campground provides "easy access to several hiking/mountain biking trails, horse trails, and a rock climbing area," according to Linette G.

What campers like

Temperature relief: General Hitchcock Campground offers escape from Tucson's heat. "No service on campground very nice place to get away and relax if the campground is busy sometimes it gets loud," reports Pedro G. about General Hitchcock Campground.

Solitude: Remote sites provide peace and isolation. "We were the only ones there and used site 3. It was very secluded and had a nice big bear box and a nice fire ring," Nicole J. writes about her December visit to Happy Valley Saddle Campground.

Accessible dispersed camping: Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp offers easy-to-reach primitive camping. "Several spots off a dirt road that parallels the main road here. Accessed relatively easily (slowly) in my 23 Ft Class C," reports Ian T. about Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites have minimal amenities. At Pipeline Road BLM Camping, "Sites are about 1/2 mile in till a big dip wash that restricts most TTs and RVs. Cell is good but adjacent target shooting on State Land is a constant issue," warns Greg L.

Seasonal planning essential: Winter brings cold temperatures at elevation while summer can be dangerously hot at lower elevations. "It was a bit chilly in December but slept comfortably," reports a camper at Happy Valley Saddle.

Water availability: Pipeline Road BLM Camping and most dispersed areas have no water sources. Pack everything you need, especially for backcountry camping where "Water can be scarce in the Rincons so plan accordingly!" advises Jered K.

Permit requirements: Backcountry sites in Saguaro National Park require advance permits. Happy Valley Saddle "lies within the Saguaro National Park so a permit is required ($8 fee). Up to 6 people per permit," explains Jered K.

Tips for camping with families

Consider established sites: Garden of Peden offers more amenities than dispersed camping. With only 5 sites available, this established campground near Saguaro National Park provides a more contained experience for families with young children.

Pack extra water: Garden of Peden and most area campgrounds don't have drinking water available. Calculate at least one gallon per person per day, plus additional for cooking and cleaning.

Space between neighbors: General Hitchcock Campground has mixed reviews on site privacy. "There are 11 sites and are spaced pretty close together so privacy is a no in this campground," notes Jasmine L.

Pet policies vary: While many dispersed camping areas allow pets, backcountry sites in Saguaro National Park prohibit them. Gordon Hirabayashi Campground is pet-friendly but one camper noted, "I have stayed there multiple times, and every time that i have people bring their dogs to run in the woods. No leashes and no poop bags."

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Pipeline Road access requires careful navigation. "Entrance to pipeline road is not marked and difficult to enter and exit safely, about .6 tens mile in from cattleguard on Avra Valley road," warns Greg L.

Size limitations: Gordon Hirabayashi Campground works better for smaller rigs. One camper notes it's "Easier to pull in with a tiny travel trailer than the Molino Canyon (Site space). Plus several of the sites are double - great for sharing a camp space with friends."

Clearance concerns: Access roads to dispersed camping can be challenging. At Pipeline Road BLM Camping, Silas T. warns, "there's some pretty good dips in the main road going further back that big bridge are not going to like nor long trailers if you're at a vehicle you'll be all right."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Catalina, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Catalina, AZ is Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Catalina, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Catalina, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.