Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Picacho? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Picacho, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Picacho, Arizona's most popular destinations.
Connect with nature when camping with friends
Peden is connecting individuals of all ages and fueling love for wildlife and nature herself.
Occasional free campouts with activities and special guests are hosted to encourage outdoor exposure and experiences.
Peden is a cherished land which has been certified as protected Wildlife Habitat. A place for humans, nature, and animals to coexist.
Be mindful of the animals who share the environment and respect that you are a guest in their home during your stay.
Please clean up and care for nature so we can continue to offer respite for the community and our beloved travelers within the garden of peden.
Thank you for booking us!
$13 - $20 / night
The site is located along the Gila River upstream from the town of Winkelman, Arizona. The Shores recreation site is minimally developed to provide access to the river for river-related recreation opportunities. River flows during the spring and summer are suitable for river floating activities through outstanding canyon scenery with diverse desert wildlife habitat. Generally, stream flows over 300 cubic feet per second provide small craft floating opportunities, including inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubing. Floating hazards include a fence across the river upstream from the Shores site with an opening for small floating crafts to pass. A permit is not required for private, non-commercial use of the sites. Use of the sites in connection with commercial recreational use requires a BLM Special Recreation Permit. Target shooting is not allowed in developed sites. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not necessary to access the site or to maneuver into driveways and parking turnouts at the recreation site. However, due to the narrow passages, motor homes and trailer RVs are not suitable in the area. The restrooms are wheelchair accessible; however, access to other recreation opportunities is limited because of uneven ground surfaces, loose soils, steep slopes, and dense vegetation. Primitive camp sites are available at the site. Facilities include parking, fire pits, and vault toilets. The camp site is not suitable for motor homes bigger than a small pickup camper. Lodging is available at hotels and campgrounds in the nearby communities of Winkelman, Kearny, Superior, Mammoth, and Globe. Winkelman has a river park with camping, water, toilets and other facilities available for public use. Restaurants, grocery, fuel and convenience stores are available in the Towns of Winkelman and Mammoth. The nearest medical facilities are in Globe at the Cobre Valley Community Hospital, and in Oro Valley at the Oro Valley Hospital. The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Access across private land requires the land owner’s permission. Please respect private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department before driving across state lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for hunting or fishing.
The cool shade of tall ponderosa pines and an overlook of Palisade Canyon from the campgrounds edge make Showers Point Group Site a popular place for groups to spend a weekend or an afternoon. Visitors can relax in shaded campsites, picnic at nearby Rose Canyon, hike and mountain bike on nearby trails or take a scenic drive on Catalina Highway.
Within easy walking distance from Showers Point is one of the most scenic overlooks in the Santa Catalinas. From this towering bluff visitors can see the lower slopes of the Santa Catalina Range and the Santa Cruz Valley stretching toward Mexico. Tall, pyramid-shaped Mt. Wrightson of the Santa Rita Mountains stands prominent on the horizon. Visitors enjoy hiking through the Santa Catalina backcountry, via the Palisade Trail that departs near the campground. The trail drops down the southwestern slopes of the mountain range to the popular Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Fishing is also available at the nearby six-acre Rose Canyon Lake. A day-use fee is applicable at Rose Canyon
Showers Point Group Campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains at 7,700 feet. Because of its elevation, it can be much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The campsites are spacious and spread out among stands of big ponderosa pines and clusters of Gambel oak. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.
For facility specific information, please call (520) 314-0069.
Catalina Highway, also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway, is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic highways in the southwest and provides a popular day trip. Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.
$95 - $103 / night
Whitetail Campground offers group campsites in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains of southeastern Arizona, 5 miles south of the town of Summerhaven and the top of Mt. Lemmon. Groups can enjoy picking, hiking, camping and wildlife watching while enjoying a cool respite from hot summer. The facility can accommodate groups for day or overnight use. Hosts live on site. This campground is designed for large groups such as church, corporation, family reunions, etc. Sites are often booked a year in advance through reserveamerica.gov. On occasion a site may not be booked and walk-ins are welcome, however, the cost of the site is the fee. Whitetail Group Campsites have large firepits, large grills, tables, ramadas and bear boxes. Each site has a clean, stocked restroom.Each site has a ramada with picnic tables, a 120 volt outlet to plug in a coffee pot, crockpot, etc.
The site is located along the Gila River upstream from the town of Winkelman, Arizona. The Christmas recreation site is minimally developed to provide access to the river for river-related recreation opportunities. River flows during the spring and summer are suitable for river floating activities through outstanding canyon scenery with diverse desert wildlife habitat. Generally, stream flows over 300 cubic feet per second provide small craft floating opportunities, including inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubing. Floating hazards include a fence across the river upstream from the Shores site with an opening for small floating crafts to pass. A permit is not required for private, non-commercial use of the sites. Use of the sites in connection with commercial recreational use requires a BLM Special Recreation Permit. Target shooting is not allowed in developed sites. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary to access the site or to maneuver into driveways and parking turnouts at the recreation site. However, due to the narrow passages, motor homes and trailer RVs are not suitable in the area. The restrooms are wheelchair accessible; however, access to other recreation opportunities is limited because of uneven ground surfaces, loose soils, steep slopes, and dense vegetation. Primitive camp sites are available at the site. Facilities include parking, fire pits, and vault toilets. The campsite is not suitable for motor homes bigger than a small pickup camper. Lodging is available at hotels and campgrounds in the nearby communities of Winkelman, Kearny, Superior, Mammoth, and Globe. Winkelman has a river park with camping, water, toilets and other facilities available for public use. Restaurants, grocery, fuel and convenience stores are available in the Towns of Winkelman and Mammoth. The nearest medical facilities are in Globe at the Cobre Valley Community Hospital, and in Oro Valley at the Oro Valley Hospital. The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Access across private land requires the land owner’s permission. Please respect private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department before driving across state lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for hunting or fishing.
Scout
The campgrounds are surrounded by coyote song throughout the night. Hardly any light pollution and the hosts are incredible!!! Sinks with drinkable water. Showers. They provide a tote full of goodies like plates and what not. There's a pen type area for the dogs to play in. And Tim and Victoria are so sweet!!! Highly recommend.
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.
Scout
I came here at the beginning of September 2024 and stayed for one night only. My spot has Shore Power (15,30,50), but you need to fill up your water tank before parking your trailer. If you select a site near a water source, that's fine, which I did. All roads are one way, and that's why they called a loop. I stayed at Loop A. Make sure you make your reservation online before going there. I bet this campground is packed in wintertime. By the way, their office is closed during off-season. If you arrive during this period, you'll help yourself locate your campground number. And you can just go online and pay your fees.
Scout
Be sure to read the fine print and/or ask questions before booking.
ScoutBe sure to read the fine print and ask questions.
Scout
I want to know if there are any dangerous animals in such mountains and forests. My group of friends and I are planning to come here to explore among us.
Scout
Awesome views, secluded spots. Just make sure you have 4wd and go all the way to the back
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.
ScoutVery crowded on the weekend but the crowd is friendly and respectful. Great way to escape the summer heat of Tucson! Bring your hats and gloves!
Ranger
Good place to pull off in a pinch for free. You do hear road noise. Close to Arizona Trail, where it crosses 60 so you can hike both directions if you decide to, or take the trail up to the top of the mountain. Very beautiful area
Scout
Not freen 55 plus
ScoutEasy to find- road isn’t too bad. Was quiet, breezy- and just what we were looking for.
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.
RangerGilbert Ray campground integrates the beautiful desert environment seamlessly with the campsites, which are very generous in size. Some reviews seem to suggest that sites are really backcountry and private, but I wouldn’t say that - most of the landscaping is low so you definitely see your neighbor and you can hear the cars on the nearby road.
We reserved ahead of time (I didn’t have a problem with the online system, but I did read a lot of complaints). We showed up after hours and I felt the information at the Administration Office was really straightforward, but I got stuck behind two sets of campers who couldn’t figure out what to do or where to go and seemed to expect me to walk them through the after-hours process. In general, most of the campers were older and we didn’t see a single family.
That may be in part because the chief amenity is the landscape and proximity to the Desert Museum and SNP. Sites have electric hook-ups and there is a bathroom, but no site water hook-ups and no showers. On our way out we drove to the dump station (located at a different loop) and water was available at that location.
The only other consideration is be careful what route you choose to enter the park. We started traveling according to directions only to realize it wasn’t recommended by the Park that RVs over 24 feet take that particular road.
Traveler
Great easy little spot that is highly used so make sure you plan ahead. Not all sites have fire circle and if you don’t have a toilet there are only a few bushes tall enough. Works for a quick one nighter.
Legend
This is a great little camping spot nestled below Picacho Peak just north of Tucson. The campground is spread through the saguaros, and other cactus so you are right in with them. There isn’t much shade so the campground is only open September thru May. It closes during the hot months of summer. Several sites did have covered picnic tables. Sites have water and electricity, some have sewer. There is a dump station also. The sites are level. There are modern showers and bathrooms. Convenient to several hiking trails. In
Guide
Easy to find an spot and lots of space for privacy. Got a rainbow
GuideI enjoyed my stay here for 2 days. Had a great time hiking the Sunset Trail to Picacho Peak.
PROS - large campsites, picnic tables and fire pits on each site. Some sites have a covered pavilion. Great hot showers. Separate dish washing station. Clean facilities. Electric hookups.
CONS - No hot water or trash cans at the dishwashing station. Can hear road noise from I-10, but you get use to it
RangerAnother newer, paved State Park CG with 85 sites, all electric. No water or sewer hook-ups. Restrooms with flush toilet, showers also available. You can see and hear the traffic on I-10 about a half mile to the east. Some sites are spaced further apart then others but overall, decently distanced.
We stayed 2 nights in March of 2019. planned to climb the peak but ended up biking around on the the hilly roads.
Amazing sunsets!!
TravelerThis campground is so cool!!! I prefer to be in nature while camping and this is it! You really feel like you’re in the desert. Sites provide some privacy and aren’t right up on each other. Quiet and relaxing. Good accessibility to the NP. I would definitely return.
TravelerThe amenities at this place are great for the price. Nice pool, hot tub, laundry, bath & showers. There is a mix of full time residents, part time, and traveling campers. Apparently not the best place if you have kids though… not even sure if they “allow” them. Sites are typical RV park style… not much to them/no privacy… but if this is what you’re after I’d imagine you’ll be happy.
GuideEnjoyed this campsite and all it has to offer - electrical hookup for our RV, a dump station, several drinking water spigots around the loop, and hiking trails all around. Easy to get to, easy to park and level. Our rig is about 38 feet total. So close to the national park & easy to ride in for hikes or exploring! Would definitely return.
GuideLoved this spot for a night. Practically in the NP, hard to tell the park bounds of Saguaro. Camp hosts were orderly and extremely friendly and available. Grounds were tidy! Bathrooms were clean. Felt really safe as a solo camper. Tent only sites are secluded to themselves. I was in B2 and I’d book that one or B3 if I ever go back. This tent site cluster has a little shade whereas the other two tent sites down the road are pretty exposed.
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.
Traveler
Great raised up spot that allows for a full vista of the surrounding mountains and thousands of saguaros. Not a single person drove past the site during the weekend. Overlooks the Pinal County Airport and plane graveyard (this can be seen on the drive in, or with binoculars directly from the site). Adequately lifted 4x4 needed to reach.
Camping near Picacho, Arizona, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and iconic saguaro cacti. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Picacho, Arizona, offers a blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike. Just be prepared for the unique desert environment and enjoy the stunning views!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Picacho, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Picacho, AZ is Garden of Peden with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Picacho, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Picacho, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
