Mount Lemmon offers glamping near Oro Valley, Arizona, with elevations reaching 7,900 feet, creating a temperature drop of 10-15 degrees compared to Tucson. The area transitions from desert to pine forest during the 45-minute drive up the mountain. Camping options range from developed sites with hookups to primitive backcountry locations throughout Coronado National Forest.
What to do
Explore Saguaro National Park: Located minutes from Cactus Country RV Park, the park provides access to iconic desert landscapes. "This park is minutes away from the east section of Saguaro National Park. It may look and feel remote, but good shopping, restaurants and attractions are very close," notes one camper who visited in 2022.
Visit Summerhaven: This small mountain community sits at the top of Mount Lemmon, about 6 miles from Spencer Canyon Campground. "If you want a break from camp food you can jet up to summerhaven it's not that far and grab lunch," a reviewer suggests. Another visitor recommends: "Be sure to travel to the top of the mountain for some fudge in the gift shop."
Hike mountain trails: The Catalina Mountains offer numerous hiking paths at cooler elevations. A visitor to General Hitchcock Campground mentioned, "Hiking trails are great and near campsite. Great views." Most trails connect to the campgrounds, eliminating the need for additional driving.
What campers like
Temperature relief from desert heat: General Hitchcock Campground provides a cooler alternative to Tucson's hot climate. "This sky island campground in Mt Lemmon is perfect for a quick weekend getaway from Tucson. The weather here is 10-15 degrees cooler than the city," writes a reviewer. The campground sits at higher elevation with tent sites positioned between pine trees.
Well-maintained facilities: Visitors to Picacho-Tucson NW KOA consistently mention the cleanliness. "We've stayed at a lot of KOAs across the country and this is the cleanest one I've ever been to. Excellent facilities- laundry, bathrooms, pool area, dog run, and clear tent spots," states one tent camper.
Desert landscape diversity: Empire Ranch provides exposure to a different ecosystem. "Gorgeous Grasslands. The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes," notes a reviewer. The area contrasts with the saguaro forests found elsewhere around Oro Valley.
What you should know
Weather extremes: Summer temperatures can be dangerous without proper preparation. A reviewer at Tucson Lazydays KOA reported, "Awesome place with lots of amenities. Feels very urban though. Really good pool. Went in July and it was 122 degrees." Winter visitors should prepare for cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations.
Limited parking at some campgrounds: Higher elevation sites have restricted vehicle access. According to a Spencer Canyon visitor, "Parking can be limited with only a few of the sites having adequate parking for trailers up to 22 feet. Your best bet for a good site for the weekend is to get there on Thursday or early Friday."
Security considerations: Some campgrounds near urban areas have security measures in place. A camper at Tucson Lazydays KOA noted, "The only downside to this campground is its location. It does have a security guard so we felt safe in the campground. However, it is not in the best location and we often heard gunshots at night."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Campgrounds with dedicated activities keep children engaged. "Your kids will never complain of boredom here. There is an unlimited amount of activities to keep them occupied," reports a visitor to Tucson Lazydays KOA.
Consider group sites for family gatherings: Coronado National Forest Whitetail Group Site accommodates larger family groups with specific amenities. "This campground boasts several group sites, complete with plenty of parking, large gazebos with multiple grills for your group gatherings, and tent pads scattered throughout," states a reviewer, adding that "Some sites are handicap accessible."
Choose sites with natural play areas: Campsites with open spaces provide better experiences for active children. A Spencer Canyon visitor recommends, "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
Verify site dimensions before booking: RV spaces vary significantly across the area. A visitor to Picacho-Tucson NW KOA noted, "Sites are close together and not private unless you have a patio site for an extra cost." At Tucson Lazydays KOA, a reviewer mentioned, "Lazydays offers just about anything you want, big small, covered, uncovered, just name it."
Research entry road conditions: Some dispersed camping locations have challenging access roads. A BLM off of W Valencia Road visitor advised, "Google Maps attempted to get us in off Sunset. Big dip in entry road would bottom out most RVs. We then followed directions to take the dirt road across from Casino on Valencia and made it in no problem."
Consider electrical requirements: Older campgrounds may have electrical issues. One regular visitor to Cactus Country RV Resort shared, "The shore power 30 amp showed reverse polarity and a faulty ground, so we used the 50 amp with a dog bone. The last time we stayed, we were given the same site and the electric had not been repaired...after reporting it 3 weeks prior!"
