Best Campgrounds near Oro Valley, AZ

Looking for the best campgrounds near Oro Valley, AZ? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Oro Valley. Find the best campgrounds near Oro Valley, AZ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Oro Valley, Arizona (139)

    1. Catalina State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "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."

    "Very nice campground with great views of the mountains, hiking, and biking around Oro Valley on road bike. Easy access to the loop trail. It was low 30s in the mornings (February)."

    2. Gilbert Ray Campground

    73 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    17 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!"

    3. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    49 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 799-3701

    "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."

    "There were a handful of kiddos around, a couple walked through our site which we were okay with but if you’ree looking to avoid kids this might not be your spot."

    4. Spencer Canyon Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Lemmon, AZ
    14 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)."

    5. Cactus Forest Dispersed

    32 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    19 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."

    6. Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    32 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "The BLM land had several entrances. We went in towards the end of the road, but found the parking was more level at the third or forth turn off."

    "This BLM property, right off the Ajo highway near Tucson, is extremely convenient for a short or extended stay. Anyone can stay up to 14 nights, free of charge. "

    7. Rose Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    17 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"

    8. South Forty RV Ranch

    7 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 297-2503

    "Its location within the city limits makes it the perfect place for lodging while exploring Tucson, Green Valley, Tombstone and Tubac. "

    9. Ringtail Loop Campground — Catalina State Park

    3 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    4 miles

    $25 / night

    "There are amazing hiking trails and the nature in this park is stunning, especially the saguaros."

    10. Molino Basin Campground

    11 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    17 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Oro Valley, AZ

717 Reviews of 139 Oro Valley Campgrounds



Guide to Oro Valley

Camping near Oro Valley, AZ, offers a fantastic mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, especially around Gilbert Ray Campground. One camper mentioned, "The sites provide some privacy and aren’t right up on each other. Quiet and relaxing. Good accessibility to the NP."
  • Visit the Desert Museum: Located close to Gilbert Ray Campground, this museum showcases the unique desert ecosystem. A reviewer noted, "The chief amenity is the landscape and proximity to the Desert Museum."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Kartchner Caverns State Park shared, "The stars at night are beautiful!"

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Catalina State Park Campground said, "It provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Tucson - Lazydays KOA, are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer mentioned, "All the amenities were clean and in good condition."
  • Wildlife: Campers enjoy the chance to see local wildlife. A visitor at Cactus Forest Dispersed noted, "You can see saguaros everywhere! Plenty of sites big and small."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads. 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. For instance, Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area lacks drinking water and toilets, as one reviewer pointed out, "There are no facilities or even pit toilets."
  • Weather Considerations: Summer temperatures can be extreme. A camper at Kartchner Caverns State Park warned, "Our temp in June was 108."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Tucson - Lazydays KOA, which offers activities for kids. A reviewer said, "There are so many offerings including two pools, a hot tub, and a fitness center."
  • Plan for 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."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with plenty of snacks. A camper at Gilbert Ray Campground noted, "We showed up after hours and I felt the information at the Administration Office was really straightforward."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Tucson - Lazydays KOA mentioned, "We maneuvered to get our 10’ sewer hose to fit between our two dump valves."
  • Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly. A visitor at Catalina State Park Campground said, "It has however gotten EXTREMELY HARD to reserve a site."
  • Be Mindful of Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough. A camper at Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area advised, "Would recommend pulling in during the day when you have some sunlight."

Camping near Oro Valley, AZ, offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Oro Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Oro Valley, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Oro Valley, AZ and 33 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Oro Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oro Valley, AZ is Catalina State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 62 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oro Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 free dispersed camping spots near Oro Valley, AZ.

What parks are near Oro Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Oro Valley, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.