Best Campgrounds near Cortaro, AZ

Camping options around Cortaro, Arizona range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The area includes Gilbert Ray Campground with RV and tent sites, Catalina State Park Campground with full hookups, and several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping areas like Snyder Hill and Ironwood Forest National Monument. These sites are situated within the Sonoran Desert landscape, characterized by saguaro cacti and mountain views, approximately 10-15 miles from Tucson.

Road conditions vary significantly between developed campgrounds and dispersed areas. While state park and county campgrounds offer paved access roads suitable for all vehicles, BLM dispersed sites often require high-clearance vehicles and careful navigation. A camper noted, "Entrance to pipeline road is not marked and difficult to enter and exit safely," highlighting the challenges of accessing some free camping areas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during daytime hours but can drop dramatically at night, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Cell service is generally good near established campgrounds but becomes spotty in more remote BLM areas. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, while dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with typical 14-day stay limits.

The Sonoran Desert setting provides distinctive camping experiences with unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Catalina State Park receives consistently high ratings for its mountain views and proximity to amenities. According to reviews, "The park is beautiful at the foot of the mountains overlooking Tucson. The elevation is fairly high up, so the temps are quite moderate compared to Tucson." Dispersed camping areas offer more solitude but fewer amenities. Several visitors mentioned hearing coyotes at sundown as part of the desert camping experience. Sites with shade are particularly valuable during warmer months, as tree cover is limited in the desert environment. Proximity to hiking trails represents another common highlight in camper reviews, with many sites offering direct access to desert and mountain paths.

Best Camping Sites Near Cortaro, Arizona (131)

    1. Gilbert Ray Campground

    76 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    10 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!"

    2. Catalina State Park Campground

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

    $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."

    3. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    51 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    17 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."

    4. Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    34 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "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. "

    5. Cactus Forest Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    19 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."

    6. South Forty RV Ranch

    7 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 297-2503

    "Its location within the city limits makes it the perfect place for lodging while exploring Tucson, Green Valley, Tombstone and Tubac. "

    7. BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "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."

    8. Prince of Tucson RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 887-3501

    9. Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "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."

    10. Spencer Canyon Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mount Lemmon, AZ
    21 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)."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 131 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Cortaro, AZ

712 Reviews of 131 Cortaro 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.

  • 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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views

    It was a little rough going up with a travel trailer. I didn’t see the trailer parking to unhook and scout. I found a pull off on the left after mile marker 5. You cannot camp until you pass mile maker 4.6. They have some nice trails too. As far as the noise it’s most busy on weekends but where I was it wasn’t constant just people going by on dirt bikes, side by sides and vehicles. Wasn’t that big of a deal to me. They actually did come work on the washouts while I was there so leaving wasn’t as rough


Guide to Cortaro

Campsites near Cortaro, Arizona range from 3,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, providing distinct temperature variations even within short driving distances. Nighttime temperatures in higher elevation campgrounds can be 20-30°F cooler than valley locations, making mountain sites particularly valuable during summer months. Vehicle requirements vary significantly between paved campground access roads and rough dispersed camping routes requiring high clearance.

What to do

Hiking accessible trails: Catalina State Park Campground offers multiple trails directly from camp, ranging from easy to challenging. "There are some trails in the park. We saw (and heard) coyote, prairie dogs, and a rattlesnake eating a prairie dog along a trail right behind our campground loop," notes one visitor.

Stargazing under dark skies: Cactus Forest Dispersed camping area provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. A camper reported, "Absolutely beautiful landscape to walk around with Saguaros and Chollas everywhere... beautiful desert scenery with view of mount lemmon."

Mountain exploration: Spencer Canyon Campground sits at 7,900 feet elevation and offers forest hiking unlike the desert below. "The drive alone is inspiring! With so many views, trails, and photo ops, you couldn't ask for more. But if you do anyway, be sure to travel to the top of the mountain for some fudge in the gift shop," shares a frequent visitor.

What campers like

Campsite privacy: Many campers value the separation between sites at Gilbert Ray Campground. "Has electrical hook ups and a dump station down the road. When night time came, the stars were amazing. No light pollution there with unobstructed views of the night skies," commented one reviewer.

Desert wildlife viewing: Catalina State Park Campground provides frequent wildlife encounters. As one camper noted, "The campsite was totally packed, lots of kids but a good environment. There are camp supervisors that keep the camp in line. But my favorite part was all the trails!"

Temperature advantages: Spencer Canyon Campground provides significantly cooler temperatures. "Beautiful campground nested in the trees on Mount Lemmon. Great escape from Phoenix. The breeze was amazing and the trees gave a lot of shade," reports one camper who appreciated the climate difference.

What you should know

Site differences matter: Campground sections vary greatly in privacy and amenities. At Gilbert Ray Campground, "Some spots vary in size so make sure your rig can fit. Also some more difficult to back up into. Great staff and clean bathrooms."

Weather impacts access: Monsoon season (July-September) can make roads to dispersed sites impassable. At Ironwood Forest BLM, "Watch for rain in the forecast…the desert floor turns to mush and you might find yourself stuck until it dries out."

Limited services: Most dispersed camping areas have no amenities. At Snyder Hill BLM, a camper explained, "No water, electricity, or dump. For $15 you can dump and fill at right on San Joaquin at Justin's RV park or there are free options in town (20 minute drive)."

Target shooting nearby: Several dispersed camping areas report gunfire noise. At Ironwood Forest, "One negative issue is the constant target shooting from adjacent State lands," which can be disruptive during daylight hours.

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: Tucson - Lazydays KOA offers secure camping with amenities. "Your kids will never complain of boredom here. There is an unlimited amount of activities to keep them occupied. Laundry room and showers were clean. RV sites were spacious in my opinion," reports a family visitor.

Wildlife education: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities. At Spencer Canyon, "The bathroom reading on bees is superb," showing that even basic facilities include educational components.

Heat protection: Shade is critically important when camping with children in lower elevations. "We were in site B48 - this site was at the edge of the loop so it was nice and fairly private - but there was very little shade. I probably wouldn't pick that site again in the warmer months," warns a Catalina State Park camper.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: South Forty RV Ranch offers different site types. "I had a back-in site that had so much width to the side that I could set up my 'patio' with awning, chairs and a picnic table beside my RV, park my car along side that and still have room to fit another vehicle in, if necessary. Some of the longer pull-through sites were narrower, but used for big rigs of 35' to 45'+."

Level sites: At dispersed camping areas, finding level ground can be challenging. "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," explains a visitor to Catalina State Park.

Access road considerations: Check routes carefully before traveling to free BLM sites. "The washboard road getting to the coordinates is worse than the road within the dispersed camping area! There are a few good rolling bumps and small ditches but going slow will help," advises an RVer who visited Ironwood Dispersed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cortaro, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cortaro, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Cortaro, AZ and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cortaro, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cortaro, AZ is Gilbert Ray Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 76 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Cortaro, AZ.