Tucson, AZ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Tucson is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$50 / night
"The park is beautiful at the foot is the mountains overlooking Tucson. The elevation is fairly high up. So, the temps are quite moderate compared to Tucson."
"Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."
$45 / night
"Great place to stay for visiting Tucson and surrounding area. We stayed for a week while visiting Saguaro NP. Cheap with full hook ups. Busy location as they hold rodeos and horse events regularly."
"FCFS, no reservations Park is frequently busy with events, rodeos, etc, which may limit access to some amenities. Drag strip next door may add sweet but brief engine noise"
$10 - $15 / night
"I want to give this place 5 stars but not having a natural water source and locking the gates at night don’t get ya 5 stars 🤓 ...I understand their reasoning behind locking the gates however; bad humans"
"Nice spot just off the AZT, stayed while on a bike trip on the trail. Camped in the La Selvilla section in the back of the canyon."
"40 mile scenic drive on a 4x4 road, dispersed camping along the way. Extremely popular view to park off the road in the saguaros."
"It’s a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn’t recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we’ve seen them get stuck trying to turn around."
$40 - $50 / night
"There were horse trails all around and you can bring your horses too. Dog friendly, and the owners were available if needed.
Come for the stars,if nothing else."
"This is horse ranch with great host and amazing views. They offer horse back riding which our kids loved."
"Beautiful site right off the interstate with amazing landscapes that make you feel like your a million miles away from it. Dry camping, electric only, or full hook ups available."
"It has history and character all around. Even though it's only a quarter mile from the 10, the noise is very minimal.
We showed up while they were hosting a wedding there."
"The weather is cooler than Tucson and the views are amazing. My favorite place to camp."
$35 - $50 / night
LegendWe have stayed here a couple of times on trips to the West Coast. The park is beautiful at the foot is the mountains overlooking Tucson. The elevation is fairly high up. So, the temps are quite moderate compared to Tucson. They have a mix of reservation and non reservation sites all ranges from large RVs to tent camper. Great showers and restrooms and good roadways all the way into the sites. Tucson is just minutes always and the State Park Entrance is near a residential neighborhood. The mountains are beautiful in the morning. I would highly recommend this site if you are wanting to camp near Tucson, Arizona.
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.
GuideGreat place to stay for visiting Tucson and surrounding area. We stayed for a week while visiting Saguaro NP. Cheap with full hook ups. Busy location as they hold rodeos and horse events regularly.
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.
LegendThis campsite is in the heart of the Sonoran Desert on the outskirts of Tucson. You are minutes from the city, but still tucked into the valley of the Catalina Mountains. The perfect place for a desert retreat! Across the street (5 min drive for the campsite) you’ll find in ‘n out, Walmart, and other retail stores. Just down Oracle Rd. you’ll find great local restaurants... El Molinitos, Guadalajara Grill, Tap and Bottle, Village Bakehouse, and Truland Burgers. There is so much to explore in Tucson, but this campsite alone is a destination. If you’re lucky enough to be around after mountain snowmelt, you can enjoy the water. Hiking baths are aplenty as are the birds for birding enthusiasts. Campsites are clean and spacious. There isn’t much shade in the desert, so plan accordingly. Stargazing is great here. This State Park is a hot spot for locals, so hit the trails early in the morning or just stick to the campground on the weekends to avoid the crowds. The park and the adjacent mountain range suffered greatly from a large fire in the summer of 2020. Deeper into the park on hikes you’ll notice the devastation and also see desert regrowth. Be sure to check before you go as some trails are still closed from the damage.
Guide40 mile scenic drive on a 4x4 road, dispersed camping along the way. Extremely popular view to park off the road in the saguaros. But I’d recommend cactus forest north of Tucson in blm land if you want that. Farther in you hit the mountains. We stayed off an off roading rock crawler trail. Def the path less taken. Super quiet and relaxing.
RangerSo close to Tucson! Take in a game at U of A. Go shopping. Explore the area. This park is in a prime location. Large sites, hiking trails for all levels.
GuideTucked at the base this is a great way to experience both Tucson and the great mountain!
Great location for both riding and hiking.
Campsite is clean and very easy to reserve ahead of time on the supported website which is very easy to use and see all the items open.
Extra bonus for this Campground, should you need to, you can cancel your reservation up to 1-2 days out.
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.
Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best horse-friendly RV camping sites in Tucson?
Pima County Fairgrounds RV Park is ideal for horse-friendly RV camping, offering full hookups at reasonable rates. The fairgrounds regularly host rodeos and equestrian events, making it perfect for travelers with horses. Triangle T Guest Ranch provides another excellent option with electric-only or full hookup sites. This beautiful ranch setting offers horseback riding opportunities and is conveniently located right off the interstate while maintaining a secluded feel. Both locations provide the necessary facilities for both your RV and equine companions.
Where can I go horseback camping near Tucson, Arizona?
Catalina State Park Campground is excellent for horseback camping near Tucson, offering dedicated equestrian facilities and trails. The park provides a perfect setting at the base of the Catalina Mountains with multiple riding routes through scenic desert landscapes filled with saguaro cacti. For a more rustic experience, Reddington Pass Dispersed offers primitive camping with opportunities for horseback riding along a 40-mile scenic route. The area features varied terrain from desert lowlands to higher mountain elevations, making it ideal for equestrian adventures.
When is the best season for horseback camping around Tucson?
The ideal seasons for horseback camping around Tucson are late fall through early spring (October to April). During these months, temperatures are moderate and comfortable for both riders and horses. Colossal Cave Mountain Park offers year-round riding opportunities but is particularly pleasant during winter months when temperatures typically range from 50-70°F during the day. Summer months (May-September) can be extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F, making horseback activities challenging and potentially dangerous for animals and riders. Many locals recommend planning rides for early morning during warmer months to avoid the intense midday desert heat.
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