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Camping near Saguaro National Park

845 Reviews

Near Tucson, AZ — with the city dividing the national park in half — visitors and residents can find some of the best camping in the state. Saguaro National Park is named for the large desert cactus that decorates the Arizona landscape. Along with camping among the gigantic cacti, you can explore the Tucson Mountain District, follow trails to petroglyphs created by the ancient Hohokam from your campsite, and enjoy stunning sunsets and starry night skies in the Rincon Mountains. Campgrounds accommodate RV and walk-in campers. Visitors can also find roomy cabins near Saguaro National Park to stay in comfort.

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Best Camping Sites Near Saguaro National Park (178)

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Recent Reviews near Saguaro National Park

845 Reviews of 178 Saguaro National Park Campgrounds

Guide to Saguaro National Park

Camping near Saguaro National Park, Arizona, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and iconic saguaro cacti. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a cabin, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. At Gilbert Ray Campground, one camper mentioned, "Sites have electric hook-ups and there is a bathroom, but no site water hook-ups and no showers." This makes it a great base for hiking adventures in the nearby Saguaro National Park.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area shared, "Prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors. Too many birds to count." This area is perfect for nature lovers.
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground noted, "The stars at night are beautiful!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Catalina State Park Campground said, "It provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts in the same vicinity."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Tucson - Lazydays KOA remarked, "All the amenities were clean and in good condition."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. A reviewer at Cochise Stronghold Campground stated, "There are a lot of small campsites all grouped together... but we had great neighbors."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Gilbert Ray Campground noted, "Traffic noise continues well into the night."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area mentioned, "There is no drinking water, no electric hookups, and no toilets."
  • Crowded Conditions: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A reviewer at Spencer Canyon Campground said, "The campsites are a little too close together for my taste."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. At Tucson - Lazydays KOA, one camper noted, "There are so many offerings including two pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, corn hole, putting green, basketball, and bike/surrey rentals."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A visitor at Rose Canyon Campground mentioned, "It is downhill when hiking to the lake so be prepared for the uphill trek on the way back."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially in nature. A camper at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground warned, "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some roads can be tricky for larger RVs. A reviewer at Cochise Stronghold Campground mentioned, "Bumpy road washed out farther up but the dispersed area was fine."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, make sure to choose the right campground. A camper at Tucson - Lazydays KOA said, "We maneuvered to get our 10’ sewer hose to fit between our two dump valves."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are. A visitor at Gilbert Ray Campground noted, "On our way out we drove to the dump station... and water was available at that location."

Camping near Saguaro National Park, Arizona, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and joys that come with it!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Saguaro National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Saguaro National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 178 campgrounds and RV parks near Saguaro National Park and 47 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Saguaro National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Saguaro National Park is Tucson - Lazydays KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Saguaro National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 47 free dispersed camping spots near Saguaro National Park.

  • What parks are near Saguaro National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Saguaro National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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