Best Campgrounds near Oracle, AZ

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.