Looking for the best campgrounds near Cortaro, AZ? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Cortaro. Find the best campgrounds near Cortaro, AZ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$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!"
$50 / night
"Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views."
"Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."
"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."
"The BLM land had several entrances. We went in towards the end of the road, but found the parking was more level at the third or forth turn off."
"This BLM property, right off the Ajo highway near Tucson, is extremely convenient for a short or extended stay. Anyone can stay up to 14 nights, free of charge. "
"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."
"Its location within the city limits makes it the perfect place for lodging while exploring Tucson, Green Valley, Tombstone and Tubac. "
"There is a closed gate at the entrance, you’re allowed to open it, just close it behind you. Not a ton of spaces to set up camp but very peaceful and quiet."
"There’s several spots and it’s literally next to Saguaro NP! It was a little muddy, but there were paths around the mud. Very private and nice."
"We spent about a month at the Tra-Tel and found the grounds well kept, the staff very friendly, the rates reasonable, and the location ideal. We’d definitely stay here again if coming through."
"This was my first real Arizona camping experience. I actually came back a second time and my make it back some more. There are very easy dirt roads for awhile."
"If you want the environment you expect Arizona to be, this is the place. Plenty of spots to choose from, open to all types of camping. I chose to tent here, but the majority of people were in RVs."
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.
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.
LegendWe stayed while visiting family. It wasn’t crowded as snowbirds had left. Wide sites and a lot of resort amenities, including two pools, fitness gym, pickleball courts. Bathrooms clean and modern. It is just too big for us an could imagine how crowded it would feel if it were full. However, we would stay again.
TravelerNice little campsites available for free. Relatively easy to get to. My Subaru Outback handled the roads without issue. It’s a bit crowded but not terrible.
Camping near Cortaro, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning desert landscapes and convenient amenities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for outdoor adventures, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Cortaro, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful desert surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Cortaro, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Cortaro, AZ and 34 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cortaro, AZ is Gilbert Ray Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 73 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Cortaro, AZ.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Cortaro, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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