Best Tent Camping near Cortaro, AZ

Tent campers near Cortaro, Arizona have access to several established and dispersed camping options within driving distance. Garden of Peden offers five tent sites with amenities including fire rings and pet-friendly policies, while Pipeline Road BLM Camping provides more primitive dispersed tent camping with no facilities. General Hitchcock Campground in the Coronado National Forest offers a middle ground with vault toilets and trash service but limited amenities.

Most tent sites in the region require campers to be self-sufficient. Dispersed camping areas like Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp have no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. A recent review noted that "entrance to Pipeline Road is not marked and difficult to enter and exit safely," highlighting the importance of careful navigation when accessing these areas. Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry periods, particularly in summer months when wildfire danger peaks. Sites at established campgrounds like General Hitchcock typically include fire rings and picnic tables, while dispersed areas may have informal fire rings or prohibit fires entirely.

The tent camping experience varies significantly by location and elevation. Areas in the Rincon Mountains, like Happy Valley Saddle Campground in Saguaro National Park, require a 4.6-mile hike to reach tent sites at 6,000 feet elevation. A visitor commented that "the hike up is beautiful and not overly steep" but recommended watching for snakes. Most tent-only areas provide greater solitude than developed campgrounds, especially during weekdays. Higher elevation campgrounds like General Hitchcock offer cooler temperatures during summer months, making them popular escapes from Tucson's heat. Cell service is generally available at lower elevations near Cortaro but becomes unreliable in mountain camping areas. Campers seeking primitive tent setups should consider weather patterns, as desert temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night.

Best Tent Sites Near Cortaro, Arizona (14)

    1. Garden of Peden

    1 Review
    Marana, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 390-2029

    $13 - $20 / night

    "Check them out and share your trip on the Dyrt!"

    2. Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp

    3 Reviews
    Catalina, AZ
    16 miles

    "Some road noise."

    3. General Hitchcock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $10 / night

    "The weather here is 10-15 degrees cooler than the city. This campground is small, with tent sites tucked away between pine trees. A vaulted bathroom is at the center of the parking lot."

    "We camped at site 6, right across from the restrooms. Has some nice boulders to tuck your tent away in, and no really close neighbors."

    4. Pipeline Road BLM Camping

    2 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    18 miles

    "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."

    5. Gordon Hirabayashi Campground

    3 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    "However it sits away from the Highway so is a little quieter and has easy access to several hiking/mountain biking trails, horse trails, and a rock climbing area."

    "The hike from there is well worth doing, into sycamore canyon, though there are several other hiikes close by. Best used in early spring winter and late fall."

    6. Showers Point Group Site

    1 Review
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    22 miles
    Website

    $114 / night

    "The toilets were spotlessly maintained and running potable water was easiy available.

    there are lots of great hiking trails close by and each site had a Ramada with a fireplace for the group."

    7. Whitetail Group Site

    1 Review
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    21 miles

    8. Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park

    4 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    36 miles
    Website

    $8 / night

    "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 was very secluded and had a nice big bear box and a nice fire ring. I would definitely return! It was a bit chilly in December but slept comfortably."

    9. Manning Camp — Saguaro National Park

    2 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    33 miles
    Website

    "Despite close spaces to camp, it was a lot of fun. It was quiet and people were respectful. Land landscape is amazing and the cactus forests are beautiful."

    10. Empire Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    47 miles

    "Great location for Ground Tents, Roof Top Tents, and RVs"

    "The Dyrt coordinates took me to an area in which I did not feel comfortable pulling off the road because of the tall dry grass so I went to the campground."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Cortaro, AZ

523 Reviews of 14 Cortaro 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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!

  • Lisa S.
    Jan. 15, 2021

    Bog Springs Campground

    A Favorite

    What this campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for in its’ superb environment. Long grass, Mountain mahogany, pinion, oak,sycamore and juniper trees create a habitat for over 100 bird varieties and species. Deer roam around inside the campground perimeter and hiking trails lead directly out to miles of Mountain trails including to the top of 9427’ Mt. Wrightson.

    There are only seven back in or curb side sites, and five walk in tent sites. All have water, picnic tables and fire rings. There is a building with pít toilets.

    This is not a place for big rigs or glampers.

    There is a lodgings nearby where an array of feeders attracts dozens of birds for Public viewing and where there is also a gift shop.


Guide to Cortaro

Tent camping near Cortaro, Arizona offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the region. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking trails and breathtaking views at General Hitchcock Campground, where you can explore the scenic surroundings and cool off by the river.
  • Experience the beauty of Sycamore Canyon from Gordon Hirabayashi Campground, which provides access to several hiking trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • For a more secluded experience, Happy Valley Saddle Campground offers a moderate hike that leads to stunning views and a peaceful camping atmosphere.

Tips for tent camping near Cortaro

  • Be prepared for cooler temperatures at General Hitchcock Campground, which is located at a higher elevation than Tucson, making it ideal for summer escapes.
  • Pack essentials like water and food, as amenities are limited at Gordon Hirabayashi Campground, where you'll find basic facilities but no reservable sites.
  • If you're looking for a unique camping experience, consider Happy Valley Saddle Campground, where you can enjoy a rustic setting surrounded by tall trees and wildlife.

Campground amenities to consider

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cortaro, AZ is Garden of Peden with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Cortaro, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.