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Best Campgrounds near Oracle, AZ

688 Reviews

Camping options around Oracle, Arizona range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across diverse terrain and elevations. Peppersauce Campground, located directly in Oracle, provides year-round access with basic amenities including toilets and trash service. Mount Bigelow Dispersed camping area offers free primitive camping at higher elevations, while Catalina State Park Campground near Tucson provides more developed facilities with electric hookups, water, and reservable sites. The region includes both tent and RV-compatible areas with varying levels of accessibility.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Oracle area. Many campgrounds in the Catalina Mountains close during winter months, while others like Peppersauce remain open year-round. "The road going in is a dirt road and I would definitely not recommend trying it after a rain," noted one visitor about Peppersauce Campground. Higher elevation sites like Spencer Canyon Campground (open May to October) and Mount Bigelow Dispersed camping provide cooler temperatures during summer months when lower elevations experience extreme heat. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with many dispersed sites offering no connectivity. Permits are required for camping on Arizona State Trust Land, available for purchase online.

The Catalina Mountains provide scenic backdrops for many camping areas near Oracle. Campers report excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning "both mornings we woke up to the sound of wild turkeys checking out our setup" at Peppersauce Campground. Sites at higher elevations offer cooler temperatures and forest settings, while lower elevation areas showcase classic Sonoran Desert landscapes with saguaro cacti. Proximity to hiking trails represents a common feature across most campgrounds in the region. Developed campgrounds like Catalina State Park provide amenities such as showers and electric hookups, while dispersed areas offer more solitude but require self-sufficiency with no facilities. Weekend crowding affects the more accessible and popular sites, particularly during mild weather seasons.

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Best Camping Sites Near Oracle, Arizona (121)

    1. Catalina State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "This campsite is in the heart of the Sonoran Desert on the outskirts of Tucson. You are minutes from the city, but still tucked into the valley of the Catalina Mountains."

    "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."

    2. Spencer Canyon Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mount Lemmon, AZ
    13 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)."

    3. Rose Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 576-1477

    $31 - $180 / night

    "The lake was about a half mile walk from the campsite. There is also hiking trails close to the campground.

    Overall, the campsites are larger than normal and the sites are even."

    "The toilets were easily accessable and each had running potable water adjacent to the shelters.

    I would definately return again"

    4. Peppersauce Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oracle, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $50 / night

    "This campground is located about 12 minutes outside of Oracle, AZ and is a great place to go to disconnect (no cell reception). We spent two nights here and had a great time!"

    "Most spots are roomy and Shaded, temps were really nice for Arizona in June, due to the elevation. Met a few campers that had been staying there since Wednesday, and they were really nice people."

    5. Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 388-8300

    "We drove 3 hours from Phoenix for a weekend in the forest, new to town and learning the ways of Arizona camping, didn’t realize fires are some times allowed and some times not."

    "Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat."

    6. Cactus Forest Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    25 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."

    7. Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp

    3 Reviews
    Catalina, AZ
    8 miles

    8. Gilbert Ray Campground

    75 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    34 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!"

    9. Molino Basin Campground

    11 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $100 / night

    "We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in late February and were pleasantly surprised to find this first come, first serve campground nearly empty."

    "A national campground on the edge of Tucson Arizona with spectacular views, mountains, hiking, and biking trails. Quiet and campers spaced far apart. Beautiful!"

    10. Wishing Well RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Catalina, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 825-3361

    "The park is near a highway. There is no shade. You can see Mt Lemmon from the park but otherwise there is no scenery. There are restaurants, hardware store in walking distance."

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Recent Camping Photos near Oracle, AZ

136 Photos of 121 Oracle Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oracle, AZ

688 Reviews of 121 Oracle Campgrounds

  • Eric M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Clean sites

    Tons of sites make sure to lock up your food i had a skunk visitor

  • T
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Friendly Staff

    We booked last minute and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The campus seems nice enough, but has a few years on it and in a rough neighborhood.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Redrock Trail Head Dispersed

    Quiet and peaceful, but be aware of cholla cacti

    This is a nice spot to camp, whether it just be an overnight or for multiple days. It was peaceful and serene when I visited in April, with very few people around. The dirt road in is pretty short and smooth (my Toyota Corolla did just fine), and there were at least a few viable sites. I pitched a tent without any problems. There seems to be a shooting range somewhere nearby since I could hear what sounded like shots in the distance at times, but that was minimal and didn’t interrupt my stay.

    I recommend this spot, but be aware of the cacti, as it was kind of like a cholla forest. I visited with my dog and we definitely had to be cautious when setting up camp and just moving about. Walking on the road we drove in on was fine, but walking around the campsite itself was more of an issue since there were cholla balls scattered throughout. You should be fine if you’re careful, but I’d suggest reconsidering if you have a dog with you and that dog doesn’t have shoes/boots.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Cactus Forest Dispersed

    Beauty all around

    If you want to see blooming cacti, this is the place.

    Unreal sunsets too.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    If you need to get out of the heat

    It was packed on the weekends, but holy cow, was it gorgeous.

    Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2025

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Quiet, clean and pretty

    Easy to find. Very clean and quiet place. We are in the local Saguaro vegetation. Clean restrooms and a friendly outdoor dishwashing area.

  • J
    May. 31, 2025

    Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    Beautiful, however…

    We drove 3 hours from Phoenix for a weekend in the forest, new to town and learning the ways of Arizona camping, didn’t realize fires are some times allowed and some times not. We would have gone somewhere closer to home if this app had updated information that campfires (wood) are currently not allowed. :/

  • Annika D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2025

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Great location !

    Easy . 50$ for hookup water / electric. Communal Dumpstations on grounds. Coyotes and some weird desert squirrels . Trails for mountain biking . Grills

Guide to Oracle

Camping near Oracle, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, 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."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A visitor at Cactus Forest Dispersed shared, "I came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench."
  • Cave Tours: Don't miss the chance to visit Kartchner Caverns. A reviewer noted, "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up," making it a great base for exploring the caves.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper at Gilbert Ray Campground said, "Gilbert Ray campground integrates the beautiful desert environment seamlessly with the campsites."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Cactus Forest Dispersed mentioned, "Remote, private, and free but accessible. Not a standard RV parking lot campground but rather several campsites with ample space between them."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Catalina State Park Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer noted, "Showers and bathrooms well maintained."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Picacho Peak State Park Campground mentioned, "You can hear road noise from I-10, but you get used to it."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area pointed out, "There are no facilities or even pit toilets."
  • Weather Considerations: The desert can get hot during the day and chilly at night. A camper at Spencer Canyon Campground advised, "The mountain can get very cold and windy at night, so make sure you have a sleeping bag rated for freezing temps."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Tucson - Lazydays KOA, which offers amenities like a pool and playground. A reviewer said, "The staff was great and the customer service was great."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family enjoyed the hiking trails at Catalina State Park Campground, stating, "The hiking trails and history are amazing here."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially around wildlife. A camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed warned, "Watch out for jumping chollas and keep your furry friends close."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area noted, "Don't go if it rained that day! Clay mud all over."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Tucson - Lazydays KOA offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A reviewer mentioned, "The common areas were very nice including the several gas firepits."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is. A camper at Gilbert Ray Campground shared, "On our way out we drove to the dump station (located at a different loop) and water was available at that location."

Camping near Oracle, Arizona, provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp overnight at Oracle State Park in Arizona?

Oracle State Park does not currently offer overnight camping. For nearby camping options, consider Peppersauce Campground, located about 12 minutes outside of Oracle. This campground offers a great opportunity to disconnect (no cell reception) and provides basic facilities including bathrooms, running well water, bear safes, campfire rings, and picnic tables. Alternatively, Catalina State Park Campground is another popular option in the region with large, level, paved sites featuring water and electric hookups.

What are the best hiking trails in Oracle State Park?

Oracle State Park features several excellent hiking trails through diverse desert landscapes. Popular routes include the Granite Overlook Trail offering panoramic views, the Wildlife Corridor Trail connecting to the Arizona Trail, and the 1.2-mile Nature Trail perfect for families. The Arizona Trail passes through the park, providing longer hiking options. For additional hiking experiences nearby, Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed area provides access to various off-road trails. Wishing Well RV Park visitors often highlight the proximity to excellent hiking at nearby Catalina State Park, featuring trails through the beautiful Sonoran Desert.

What facilities and amenities are available at Oracle State Park?

Oracle State Park primarily serves as a day-use wildlife refuge and environmental education center. While the park itself doesn't offer camping facilities, it provides hiking trails, picnic areas, and the historic Kannally Ranch House. For nearby camping with amenities, Molino Basin Campground offers spacious sites with picnic tables and proximity to hiking trails. Another option is Spencer Canyon Campground, located approximately 20 miles from Tucson up the General Hitchcock Highway, which is well-marked with signage and offers a natural retreat setting.

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