The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Picacho. Finding a place to stay in Arizona while traveling with your horse is easy. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Arizona horse camping excursion.
Catalina State Park camping is available in 120 electric and water sites. Each campsite has a picnic table and BBQ grill. Roads and parking slips are paved. Campgrounds have modern flush restrooms with hot showers, and RV dump stations are available in the park. There is no limit on the length of RVs at this park, but reservations are limited to 14 consecutive nights. Campgrounds are open all year. Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife.
$35 / night
$10 - $35 / night
If you want to set up a nice little camp on private property come on over! I have 5 acres available with some services . 55 plus neighborhood and only quiet,well behaved dogs welcome. There are trails and recreational areas right across the road to explore. Horses are allowed if you have your own set up.
$10 - $20 / night
Traveler
I’m Lisa, the volunteer camp host here from October through Easter. I’m often on-site and happy to help! Here’s what you need to know to enjoy your stay: • About the Park: This is a peaceful, primitive, and clean county-run park. We offer shaded picnic tables, six spotless port-a-jons, and a dumpster for trash (access the side doors, as the lid is locked). Please respect the 10 mph speed limit to minimize dust and maintain the park’s tranquility. Campfires are not allowed on the ground; please use your barbecue or an appropriate fire container. • Reservations: Reserve ahead during winter months as we often fill up. Large RVs should plan carefully as sites are limited. Smaller rigs, please select an appropriately sized site to help us accommodate everyone. For reservations, use the website, not the app (it doesn’t always show specific sites). Need help? Reach me on-site or call the office weekdays at (520) 866-6920. • Amenities in the Park: • A large, fenced area for off-leash dog exercise. • Shaded picnic tables and clean port-a-jons. • Nearby Amenities: • Gas Station/Showers: Less than a mile west at the I-8/84 interchange. • Dump & Fill: Wild West RV Park (4 miles east) offers self-serve for $20. • Stay Limits: Maximum 14-day stay. After that, you must leave for seven days before returning. • Nearby Services: • Stanfield (10 miles east): Dollar store, El Rancho market and restaurant (highly recommended), laundromat, post office, and Circle K. • Maricopa (20 minutes north) or Casa Grande (30 minutes east): Larger stores and provisions. • Local Highlights: • Dwarf Car Museum (5 miles north): Ernie’s handcrafted, ¾-scale classic cars are a must-see. Open daily, 9–4. • Rooster Cogburn’s Ostrich Ranch (Picacho Peak): One of my favorite spots for an inexpensive, fun day! Feed a variety of fascinating animals and enjoy the unique experience.
Wherever your journey takes you, may you be blessed and happy. 🙏💕✨
GuidePretty, some freeway noise from the 8, great camp host. Hiking trails. Just porta potties and dumpster, but you can dump and get water 4 miles away. Most any sized rig can fit. Dirt roads are in pretty darn good shape.
Scout
Would recommend this campground. Clean lots of trails to hike or bike. No sewer hookup but does have electric and water. Campground was full but still very quiet. I have already reserved again next month
ScoutGreat roomy spots. Terrible ant problem.
GuideHad a quick stay here but was still able to see some. It’s AZ so it’s always hot, just prepare for that. The hiking trails and history are amazing here. Showers and bathrooms well maintained. It did rain pretty good as we were rolling in so the ants were…insane. They were everywhere.
GuideI travel to Tucson from Phoenix on a regular basis. CSP is close enough to get to my destinations and it provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts in the same vicinity. Plus I can camp and do my astrophotography at the same time.
RangerWe've stayed here on 3 different trips to the SW, 2019,2020 & 2023. A very nice break from the remote, amenity-less places we usually camp. It's a great place to resupply, dine out, see the sights, clean up and relax in the Arizona sunshine while gazing a the Santa Catalina Mountains.
There is some hiking including guided Ranger led tours. Lots of birds, coyotes and a whole lot of giant saguaro cactus. In spring at least, there is water, sometimes a lot.
I find that some of the sites are well spaced, some with stunted trees which could provide more shade once they leaf out. We've never had that experience with all out visits coming in March or early April.
We're not much for big campgrounds or RV Parks but this one works for us. It has however gotten, like everywhere else, EXTREMELY HARD to reserve a site, especially one of the better ones.
One other note - Wood fires are not allowed!! We use a propane Firebowl there.
TravelerVery 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). Bathroom and showers in loop A were coolish.
LegendCatalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience. The campsite is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, with majestic saguaro cacti and rugged mountains providing a picturesque backdrop.
The well-maintained facilities and spacious campsites make it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced campers. What sets Catalina State Park apart is its remarkable proximity to the town of Tucson. Just a short drive away, campers can easily access the vibrant city to explore its cultural attractions, dine at diverse restaurants, and shop for supplies.
This accessibility makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the serenity of the outdoors without sacrificing the convenience of urban amenities. Whether you're into hiking, stargazing, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Catalina State Park offers it all. The stunning natural beauty combined with its proximity to town makes it a top-notch choice for a camping adventure in Tucson, Arizona.
RangerWell kept Campground north of Tucson. We stayed in 3 different sites because we made last minute reservations. Great hiking and biking. Birds everywhere, fun to watch.
Traveler
Arrived early Saturday morning. Place was very small and not very inviting. Area was very scetchy looking. We ended up leaving and finding a spot to boondock on blm land.
TravelerThis park was so beautiful and so well kept the host was amazing and so helpful. She took care of everything we needed and answered all our questions. Also the support through their email was also very helpful and answered all my questions flawlessly. The bathrooms were clean and stocked and were a great amenity I will stay here whenever I need that fix to go camping again :)
GuideThis place is the best!! Paved sites, clean bathrooms , showers (free) great walking trails Loved everything about this place
ScoutStayed for a full week in March 2022. Sites had water and electricity (30 amp). Spaces were large, open, had fire ring and picnic bench. Paved, level. The views are spectacular! The advantage of this campground is that it is close to urban amenities, there is a shopping center just across the road from the park entrance. Hiking, biking & horse trails abound. On Saturdays there are nature camp events in the park. Will stay here again when in Tucson area.
TravelerAbsolutely love this campground. Quiet, peaceful, beautiful views, friendly staff.
RangerWe had a wonderful visit at our large site set up for a big group. But it still only costs $10. We had a very large ramada with 3 picnic tables, and built into west wall were 4 bbq grills. #22 is all by itself on the corner of the outside loop. It’s kinda close to 1-8 but it wasn’t bothersome. It gives you something to watch as you soak in the sun. Beautiful desert landscape with nearby mountains and blm land for biking and hiking. The Dwarf Car Museum is nearby and a must see for free. The camp host is a delightful, helpful woman that assisted us to keep our site when we had to extend our stay waiting for a package. Nearby circle K in Stansfield has an Amazon drop box if you need it.
TravelerIt’s a really nice spot, not the best amenities but there’s so much to explore, you can drive ahead this campground and take the dirt road to some of the most wonderful places, I was able to get really deep with a road motorcycle so you don’t really need an 4*4 but I would definitely recommend taking one
LegendClose to I8 and the BLM Sonoran National Monument. This is a Pinal County park and there are about 19 sites, most are nice large pull thru sites. Well maintained dirt gravel roads. 14d limit and $10 nite for standard site with a shade cabana, table and bbq grill. Camp host on site. However there is NO potable water, no electric and no RV dump. There are dumpsters and scattered potta-potties for toilets. Cell service is excellent on all carriers. There is a huge cattle feedlot about 6 mi to east and east winds will be smelly. Also the truck traffic on I8 will be noticable at night. No services for fuel, water and food except in Stanfield 10 miles away and that is just a Circle K and a Family Dollar. Three stars due to lack of water, smelly feedlots, interstate truck noise. Note: locals told me they go to Maricopa for groceries and fuel.
LegendI have stayed here a twice and enjoyed both visits. Bathrooms are clean and all sites are well maintained. No wood fires are allowed but you can bring a propane fire pit. Plenty of trails are nearby.
ScoutBeautiful 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.
GuideStayed closer to highway bc kids make a lot of noise and we didn’t have to worry about bothering anyone. Views are great and sites well maintained.
TravelerSeparate dry (area a) and hook up areas (area b) first come first serve. $ 30 full hook up includes entry fee. Showers. Lots of birds. Little free library. Friendly folks all round.
GuideWalmart nearby DOES NOT allow overnight. Did not check out amenities but the campground had roomy sites and is very well groomed. Everyone was friendly. Filled fresh tank at campsite. Dump station very clean. Great mountain biking-50 mile trail- in park.
LegendI planned on staying about 5 miles away on some public land but upon arrival, I didn’t have service (remote worker) so I quickly found this place. Arrived in the dark and pulled up the reservation site (all online). It’s $10/night plus a $2 processing fee. Spots were spacious, had a picnic table with an awning over it and a grill. There’s porta potty’s throughout the area if you need them. There’s also a trash bin in the very back. Had excellent cell service and felt very safe. Met the host upon arrival and she was very kind. Amazing stargazing and close to the Highway. If you decide to tent camp, you’ll hear road noise but in my camper van, barely heard it. Definitely would stay again!
TravelerPeaceful, quiet, and some of the best hikes ever. The view amazing each morning.
TravelerGreat location in the park with full hookups. Just be warned off its rains heavy, roads will flood.
GuideEasy to find great access large sites
Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the companionship of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Picacho, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Picacho, AZ is Catalina State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 60 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Picacho, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Picacho, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
