Marana, Arizona offers multiple glamping options beyond standard tent sites with temperatures averaging 85-95°F in summer and 65-75°F in winter. Located northwest of Tucson, the area combines desert landscape with mountain views where campers can experience dramatic temperature drops at sunset. Camping options range from full RV resorts to wilderness sites in the nearby Coronado National Forest.
What to do
Explore mountain trails: Mount Lemmon in Coronado National Forest provides hiking opportunities with significant temperature changes from the desert floor. "[Spencer Canyon] is the highest National Forest campground on Mount Lemmon and your best bet for cooler temps during the summer," notes Christina C. about Spencer Canyon Campground.
Visit nearby attractions: The Ostrich Ranch near Picacho makes for an unusual side trip. "10 minutes from Picacho Peak hiking and don't miss the Ostrich Ranch!" recommends Rae M. about her stay at Picacho-Tucson NW KOA.
Relax in mountain towns: The small community of Summerhaven offers dining and treats. Paul S. mentions during his stay at General Hitchcock Campground, "We chose this spot because our normal spot at camp molina basin campground was closed for the summer," showing how campers adapt to seasonal closures while still accessing mountain amenities.
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: While some mountain campgrounds close seasonally, many sites remain open throughout the year. "We tent camped here one night. We've stayed at a lot of KOAs across the country and this is the cleanest one I've ever been to," shares Rae M. about Picacho-Tucson NW KOA.
Natural shade options: Some campgrounds offer relief from the desert sun. "Spencer Canyon Campground is a nice campground approx. 20 miles from Tucson up the General Hitchcock Highway," explains Dray S., adding that it's "situated at approximately 7,900 feet of elevation," making it "a great getaway from the Arizona heat."
Pool facilities: Swimming pools provide welcome relief during hot months. At Cactus Country RV Park, Kaylene H. reports, "We all enjoyed the super nice pool & hot tub. They also had a neat cactus garden to walk through."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience regular train disturbances. Meagan B. notes about Picacho-Tucson NW KOA: "It was perfect and quiet except the trains which is not the fault of the facility."
Neighborhood context: Urban-adjacent campgrounds may have security considerations. "The only downside to this campground is its location... it is not in the best location and we often heard gunshots at night," reports Rick B. about his stay at Tucson Lazydays KOA.
Seasonal considerations: Many facilities operate limited schedules. According to The Dyrt's listing, Picacho-Tucson NW KOA operates from "September 1 to June 1," while Spencer Canyon Campground runs from "May to October," requiring campers to plan accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer activities specifically for children. Lisa H. mentions about Tucson Lazydays KOA: "Your kids will never complain of boredom here. There is an unlimited amount of activities to keep them occupied."
Swimming options: Pools provide recreation for children during hot weather. Alecia E. from Prince of Tucson RV Park shares: "My son LOVED the swimming pool. Not a fancy resort, but a very kind, homey environment."
Space for play: Some sites offer more room for children to explore. Suzanne P. recommends Spencer Canyon: "I prefer to go all the way to the very bottom of the campground. There is a lot of open area for my boys to run around and build a fort while I read a book next to the stream."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For better experiences, consider location within the campground. Ted S. notes about Tucson Lazydays KOA: "Lazydays offers just about anything you want, big small, covered, uncovered, just name it. The sites are well set up with a table and benches and they are clean."
RV size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. Christina C. advises about Spencer Canyon Campground: "Parking can be limited with only a few of the sites having adequate parking for trailers up to 22 feet."
Electrical concerns: Check power supplies before settling in. HandL C. reports about Cactus Country RV Park: "The shore power 30 amp showed reverse polarity and a faulty ground, so we used the 50 amp with a dog bone."
