Best Campgrounds near Marana, AZ

Camping near Marana, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and convenient amenities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, especially around Picacho Peak State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "I enjoyed my stay here for 2 days. Had a great time hiking the Sunset Trail to Picacho Peak."
• Exploring Cacti: The area is filled with iconic saguaro cacti. Campers at Cactus Forest Dispersed rave about the scenery, saying, "If you want saguaros this is the perfect place for you."
• Visiting Kartchner Caverns: Just a short drive from Marana, Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offers tours of stunning caves. A visitor noted, "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups."

What campers like:

• Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Gilbert Ray Campground. One review states, "Sites provide some privacy and aren’t right up on each other. Quiet and relaxing."
• Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Catalina State Park Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A camper shared, "Showers and bathrooms well maintained."
• Natural Beauty: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Picacho Peak State Park Campground highlights, "Great views and epic sunsets."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area, can be noisy. One camper mentioned, "I can’t say for sure because there is a posted 14-day limit but it looked like many of the people were living there on a permanent basis."
• Limited Amenities: Campgrounds such as Cactus Forest Dispersed lack facilities. A review warns, "It has no facilities or even pit toilets."
• Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife. A camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed noted, "Watch out for jumping chollas and keep your furry friends close."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Tucson - Lazydays KOA, which offers amenities for kids. A review states, "The staff was great and the customer service was great."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Catalina State Park Campground mentioned, "The hiking trails and history are amazing here."
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially around wildlife. A camper at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground advised, "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Gilbert Ray Campground mentions, "Be careful what route you choose to enter the park."
• Use Amenities Wisely: Campers at Tucson - Lazydays KOA appreciate the amenities. One noted, "This KOA is a true resort with major amenities, such as a pool, putt-putt golf course, pickleball."
• Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground mentioned, "On our way out we drove to the dump station."

Camping near Marana, Arizona, offers a variety of experiences, from serene desert landscapes to family-friendly amenities. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy.