Cabin camping near Cortaro, Arizona provides shelter from extreme desert temperatures that can reach 122 degrees in summer and drop below freezing in winter. Elevations in this region range from 2,300 to 2,500 feet, creating microclimates that affect overnight stays. Cabins typically rent from $50-120 per night depending on amenities and time of year.
What to do
Mountain trails access: Cabin stays near Mount Lemmon offer hiking opportunities. "If you travel through Tucson, Saguaro National Park's Desert Museum is a recommended place to go," notes a visitor at Justin's Diamond J RV Park. The park features "walking trails that lead to the Saguaro National Park" with native plants surrounding the RV park.
Wildlife viewing: Desert ecosystems support diverse species. "Love the Rincon parks in general even if it's just for a drive. Great wildlife! Tad poles in the wash with the biggest eyes I've ever seen!! A Gila monster just chilling," shares a reviewer of Rincon Country East RV Resort.
Bird watching: Forested areas provide habitats for various bird species. "Bird watching in this area is aplenty, as is stargazing," notes a reviewer of Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin. The cabin sits "nestled under the pine trees" at higher elevations on Mount Lemmon.
What campers like
Fresh eggs: Some cabin accommodations include unique food perks. El Pais Motel and Campgrounds offers "free chicken eggs from onsite chickens" and maintains a "communal fire pit every night" with "coffee every morning," according to a recent visitor.
Recreation facilities: Many cabin stays include activity options. "We went to do laundry... There is a mix of perm and transient RVs. Many use golf carts. There is a 9 hole golf course here as well," reports a guest of Voyager RV Resort & Hotel. Another visitor adds it has "swimming, tennis, pickleball, crafts, hobbies. An on site restaurant."
Vintage atmosphere: Unique cabin settings provide nostalgic experiences. "We love El Pais! So glad we found this hidden gem in Tucson. It's a beautifully renovated RV campground owned by a mother and daughter," writes a visitor who appreciated the retro styling and community feel of the property.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Cabin sites vary in proximity. "Small campground (gravel lot) with motel. Back in spots only," notes a Camp Saguaro visitor who added they have "friendly staff, very fast internet, free laundry, and free free-range chicken eggs." The camp features "nice hot showers, laundry facilities, dish washing stations, and fire rings."
Road and railway noise: Sound pollution affects some cabin areas. "There is road noise and frequent trains which didn't bother me. There is also a neighboring horse ranch which had loud music for a while," reports a Picacho-Tucson NW KOA camper. Another notes "noisy train that goes by a few times a night."
Age restrictions: Some facilities limit guest ages. Voyager RV Resort is described as an "Excellent 55+ resort" with "Too many things to do to list." Justin's Diamond J RV Park "doesn't allow credit card payment and doesn't have online reservations. It's adult only and had a bunch of restrictions."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select cabin sites based on noise preferences. "The sites by the playground and clubhouse area are noisy during the day with children playing as children do," explains a Picacho-Tucson NW KOA reviewer who recommends considering this when booking. "If you have children and enjoy a neighborhood/community atmosphere it's a great place to be."
Pool availability: Facilities for cooling off vary. "Your kids will never complain of boredom here. There is an unlimited amount of activities to keep them occupied," writes a Tucson Lazydays KOA visitor. For facilities with pools, timing matters as "the pool was too cold to swim in this time of year but we still had a nice stay," notes a April visitor to Picacho KOA.
Pet restrictions: Not all cabins welcome animals. "Justin's Diamond J doesn't allow credit card payment and doesn't have online reservations. It's adult only and had a bunch of restrictions. No use of washers/dryers in RVs, no streaming/skyping, no electric heaters. Breed restrictions on pets," reports a visitor, highlighting the importance of checking pet policies.
Tips from RVers
Neighborhood safety: Area security differs between locations. "It does have a security guard so we felt safe in the campground. However, it is not in the best location and we often heard gunshots at night," shares a Tucson Lazydays KOA visitor who stayed in a motorhome. They still rated it 5 stars and "would stay here again."
Hookup types: Electric, water and sewer connections vary. "The RV Park is clean and capably run. We really enjoyed our stay there and we would return again," notes a Justin's Diamond J RV Park guest who appreciated the staff's flexibility when no spaces were available: "I overheard them offering free dry camping until a spot opened up."
Site surfaces: Ground coverings affect comfort and setup. Rincon Country East RV Resort features "Beautiful grounds with kind staffing that are most helpful," though one RVer noted "site parking is a serious challenge unless 25 foot and under." They explained it took "an hour--serious obstacle course to parking--palm trees at curbs being a problem."
