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Best Tent Camping near Oro Valley, AZ

562 Reviews

Tent camping options around Oro Valley, Arizona include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites in the surrounding mountains and desert terrain. General Hitchcock Campground offers tent sites tucked between pine trees on Mount Lemmon, while Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp provides dispersed camping opportunities closer to town. Several backcountry tent sites can also be found within Saguaro National Park's wilderness areas.

Most tent campgrounds in the region have basic amenities with varying levels of development. General Hitchcock features vault toilets, trash collection, and picnic tables, but no drinking water or showers. Dispersed camping areas like Pipeline Road and Charouleau Gap lack facilities entirely, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste. Sites are typically set on dirt or gravel surfaces, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. A review mentioned that Pipeline Road has "a pretty good little drop-down" that makes access difficult for larger vehicles.

The tent camping experience varies significantly with elevation and season. Mount Lemmon campgrounds sit at higher elevations, providing cooler temperatures during summer months when desert areas become extremely hot. Happy Valley Saddle Campground in Saguaro National Park requires a 4.6-mile hike to reach and sits at 6,000 feet elevation, offering a true backcountry experience. According to one visitor, "The hike up is BEAUTIFUL and not overly steep. The campground was great. We were the only ones there and used site 3. It was very secluded and had a nice big bear box and a nice fire ring." Many tent sites throughout the region offer excellent access to hiking trails, with some serving as starting points for longer backpacking routes through the Coronado National Forest or Saguaro National Park.

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Best Tent Sites Near Oro Valley, Arizona (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Oro Valley, AZ

10 Photos of 15 Oro Valley Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Oro Valley, AZ

562 Reviews of 15 Oro Valley Campgrounds

  • Ash C.
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Great campground clean bathrooms !

    While busy, this is a well ran and well managed campground. The hosts are diligent to touch base with everyone coming in (safety) and the campsites though somewhat close together, offer unique ways to capture some privacy. The mountain can get very cold and windy at night, so make sure you have a sleeping bag rated for freezing temps. This campground has some of the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen! Seriously! I don’t know how they do it!

    The camp hosts have fire wood for sale as well, you just have to flag them down when they drive by. Each site has a fire ring and grill. I also found several fresh water pumps within walking distance from my camp. The site is very easily accessible but some of the dirt roads can get pretty rutty, so use caution with lower profile vehicles.

  • Janet H.
    Mar. 18, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Catalina State Park campground is one to add to your trip itinerary

    Camped 14-15 March 2021 - Minutes from the hustle and bustle of Tucson and Oro Valley, but surprisingly quiet. Catalina State Park Campground has two campsite loops- A and B, as well as the Ringtail group tent site. I tent camped at site A16, which was a decent distance from the neighboring sites. The loops and parking slips are asphalt paved. Familiarize yourself with the site map, because most of the campsite numbers were on posts set back a distance from the road, making it tough to locate some of the sites, especially if you’re arriving after dark. Campsites are typical desert sand, with mesquite and palo verde trees. I had plenty of location options within the site for setting up my tent, but had to choose carefully, as to not sleep atop an access hole to the round-tailed ground squirrel burrows that are in abundance throughout the campground. The site had water, an electric hook up (which I didn’t need), a nice sized thermoplastic polyethylene coated metal picnic table (easy to clean), a raised BBQ grill and a beautiful view of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The restroom and shower facility in loop A was clean and adequate, with three toilet stalls (one of which was ADA compliant, as well as two showers (one being ADA compliant). Signage on ADA shower stall indicated adaptive equipment (shower chair, etc.) was available through the camp hosts. An open breezeway between women’s and men’s restrooms includes a sink, soft drink machine, a small “Take a book, share a book” cabinet, and informational bulletin boards. A posted sign indicated wifi password for the campground, but whenever I tried to connect, I got a prompt that it was unavailable. I had a strong Verizon signal. Per another sign posted in the breezeway, the 48-day Bighorn Fire of June 2020 burned almost 120,000 acres / 25% of Catalina State Park. Because of vegetation loss, the Canada del Oro wash (along the main road between the entrance/ranger station and the campground) is prone to flooding when it rains at higher elevations. The wash has been running black with ash, and for longer periods of time than before the fire. The ash coats the sand, preventing the rainwater from being absorbed, creating the potential for flash floods. The Romero Trail to Romero Pools has been closed since the fire, with signs indicating reopening in May 2021. There are still plenty of miles of beautiful desert trails to enjoy. There are two large grocery stores and two gas stations within five miles of the campground.

  • Jered K.
    Feb. 25, 2019

    Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park

    Small & remote camp

    Happy Valley campground's name can be decieving.. its actually at 6,000' of elevation, 4.6 miles up the Miller Creek trail in the Rincon mountains east of Tucson. It lies within the Saguaro National Park so a permit is required ($8 fee). Up to 6 people per permit. There is 3 spots at the camp. Each spot has a fire ring, bear box, and some good size stumps to sit on around the fire. There is a vaulted toilet at the site as well. Water can be scarce in the Rincons so plan accordingly!

    Another 3.4 miles up the trail and you'll be at the summit of Rincon Peak (8,200'ish).

  • Dray S.
    Sep. 8, 2019

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Great, easy getaway if you don't mind company

    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). It is located approximately 3 miles past the Palisades Visitor Center and the entrance is marked well by a big brown sign as you approach. Phill and Denise, the friendly campsite managers will give you advice and suggestions about campsites that suite your needs. The photos attached to this review are from campsite#6, which is close to the Phill& Denise’s camper location and the highway- yes, we did hear road noise. Most campers chose locations deeper in the campground, but we were there on a busy weekend so most of those“deeper” campsites were occupied. All sites have a large bear box, concrete picnic table, charcoal grill and an iron fire pit. The picnic area of the site is level but the whole campsite is NOT so pick your location carefully if you want to pitch your tent on a flat, level plot. We did find some firewood left over from prior campers but recommend bringing your own, dry wood if you have room in your rig. In my observation, there is a rather nice, vessel toilet house strategically located to serve 6- 7 campsites. There is also a water faucet to be shared by 6- 7 campsites. Campsite#6 has its own faucet so others might also. There are 60+ campsites throughout Spencer Canyon and I would suggest that those“deeper” in the campground are more desirable. It should be noted that most of the campsites are close together, that is, about 50-75 feet apart, hence, my“... if you don’t mind company” comment. It should also be noted that Phill& Denise are really nice and helpful, the campsites are well maintained and clean, it is only 22 miles from Tucson and less than 6 miles from the mountaintop hamlet of Summerhaven, and is situated at approximately 7,900 fee of elevation. Thus, Spencer Canyon Campground is a great getaway from the Arizona heat and close enough to Tucson for a 1- 2 night weekend.

  • P
    Sep. 13, 2020

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Very Nice

    My grandson and I stayed in a tent campsite for two nights. There are only a 5 tent sites and they don't have a tent pad. After two passes we were able to find a site with a smooth spot without rocks for the tent, B5, a picnic table but no shade. I felt there could have been more bathrooms and water spickets but honestly I did not do much walking in the campground. It is the quiet time of year, before snowbirds come, so we were able to have our pick of electric or not sites. It was quiet; I think three trailers and one other tenter. No generators allowed and 7 day strict limit. The coyotes were very vocal at night, which I enjoyed.This is more of an RV campground but suited us fine for two days. We interacted with the hosts and they were very nice. We explored the trails, visitor center and Sonora Desert Museum, which we loved. Thirty minute drive to Tucson. We went to the Reid Park Zoo, which we thoroughly enjoyed; LOTS of animals for a small zoo. We drove the loop in East Saguaro National Park. Some things closed in West Saguaro park so be aware of that, like Old Tucson, but we found lots to do.

  • KJ G.
    Feb. 16, 2025

    Pinal County Fairgrounds

    Quick practical spot

    We were dry /primitive campers saving our coins here and there camping! This was an easy quick $10 but I do recommend getting there before closing hrs. As you have to call the camp host to let you in. There is no designated camp zones it is a very dry area ofcourse being in the middle of Arizona. But we were prepared with sleeping pads and tent tarps for comfort. But for 10 bucks you can’t beat that! There was an animal 4H fair of some sort going on which we enjoyed even through all our sleep! The animals did seem to “sleep with us!” There is showers and easy convience to I-10/I20? Also Walmart/standard fast food defiantly more RV friendly but with the right gear you should be fine! I love supporting places like this over the hotel industry

  • S
    Dec. 29, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Tucson Beauty

    Beautiful state park campground. Huge, level, paved sites. All the sites in the B loops have water and electric( 20A, 30A, and 50A). Picnic table and bbq. No fire pits. 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. Plenty of space between sites and with clever positioning and trees, you have some privacy. Was very quiet (with the exception of the coyote's at sundown 👍) Nice clean bathrooms and showers. Many sites have some trees that may provide some needed shade in warmer months. Great hiking and biking in park. Bicycle paths in Oro Valley area are also awesome.

  • Amelio S.
    Jun. 30, 2021

    Rose Canyon Campground

    Gorgeous mountain top site

    Got here on a Sunday evening and were incredibly lucky to get a site close to the lake! The drive up to the campground is gorgeous and the campground is great as well. Spots are drive up with picnic tables, bear boxes, and space to set up a tent or two. There’s a camp store and public pit toilets. We arrived in the evening and left early so we didn’t use the camp store. Would definitely come again, not sure if we’ll get so lucky w our site again tho

  • Candy P.
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Large campground in Mt Lemmon

    Spencer Canyon campground in Mt Lemmon is nestled under the pine trees and boasts a 15-20 degree drop in temperature from nearby Tucson. Bear boxes are provided as are vaulted toilets. I’ve seen trailers travel down the canyon, but I wouldn’t try it. The roads are steep and narrow. Perfect for tent camping

Guide to Oro Valley

Tent camping near Oro Valley, Arizona ranges from high-elevation forest sites to low desert terrain, with temperature differences of up to 30°F between mountain and valley locations. Camping areas in the Rincon and Santa Catalina mountains offer seasonal accessibility, with most sites closed during winter months due to snowfall at higher elevations.

What to do

Hike to backcountry sites: Happy Valley Saddle Campground requires a 4.6-mile hike with 16 miles on a dirt road to access. "A moderate 4.6 mile hike after 16 miles on a dirt road. The hike up is BEAUTIFUL and not overly steep (but watch for snakes)," notes one Happy Valley Saddle Campground visitor.

Escape summer heat: Mount Lemmon campgrounds provide relief from desert temperatures. "The campground is ok, but attracts all kinds of people some more raucous than others. The hike from there is well worth doing, into sycamore canyon, though there are several other hiikes close by. Best used in early spring winter and late fall," reports a camper at Gordon Hirabayashi Campground.

Target shooting: Some areas permit shooting on adjacent land. "Cell is good but adjacent target shooting on State Land is a constant issue," mentions a Pipeline Road BLM camper.

What campers like

Temperature variation: Manning Camp sits at higher elevation, offering cooler temperatures. "When the scenery changes you are met with large pine trees and such a different view, it is like night and day," explains a hiker at Manning Camp.

Solitude: Less-visited sites provide private camping experiences. "I came here maybe 4 yrs ago. I wasn't a big hiker but I was young and in good shape. It was so hot and the trail was a little confusing at times. Not many people so if you're looking for some good exercise and solitude this is for you," shares a solo female camper who visited Happy Valley.

Clean facilities: Maintained vault toilets are available at some sites. "Toilet was well maintained and stocked. There must have been a shooting range nearby because there were shooting noises from midnight to 3am. $20 per night," notes a winter camper at General Hitchcock Campground.

What you should know

Vehicle restrictions: Many roads require high-clearance vehicles. "Entrance to pipeline road is not marked and difficult to enter and exit safely, about .6 tens mile in from cattleguard on Avra Valley road. Sites are about 1/2 mile in till a big dip wash that restricts most TTs and RVs," warns a visitor at Pipeline Road BLM Camping.

Wildlife concerns: Bears are present in mountain areas. "The campground was great. We were the only ones there and used site 3. It was very secluded and had a nice big bear box and a nice fire ring," reports a Happy Valley camper.

Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack basic facilities. "Works for a quick one nighter. Not all sites have fire circle and if you don't have a toilet there are only a few bushes tall enough," mentions a camper at Charouleau Gap.

Tips for camping with families

Group sites available: Some campgrounds accommodate larger parties. "Shower Point group site is a wonderfuly maintained camping area that can support up to Three large groups at a time. The toilets were spotlessly maintained and running potable water was easiy available," notes a visitor at Showers Point Group Site.

Prepare for temperature swings: Desert nights can be cold even after hot days. "It was a bit chilly in December but slept comfortably," mentions a winter visitor to Happy Valley.

Proximity to trailheads: Some sites offer direct trail access. "There are lots of great hiking trails close by and each site had a Ramada with a fireplace for the group," reports a Showers Point camper.

Tips from RVers

Length limitations: Dispersed sites have limited space for larger vehicles. "Several spots off a dirt road that parallels the main road here. Accessed relatively easily (slowly) in my 23 Ft Class C. Some road noise," advises an RVer at Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp.

Site sharing options: Some campgrounds offer double sites. "Plus several of the sites are double - great for sharing a camp space with friends," mentions a camper who spent weeks at Gordon Hirabayashi Campground.

Water planning: No hookups are available at any tent camping sites near Oro Valley. "Spent a couple of weeks here. It's a busier campground, as there is trailhead parking at the end of the campground, so expect lots of dust," notes a visitor with a small trailer at Gordon Hirabayashi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oro Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oro Valley, AZ is Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Oro Valley, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Oro Valley, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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