The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Saguaro National Park

874 Reviews

Camping options around Saguaro National Park in southeastern Arizona range from developed sites with amenities to primitive backcountry locations. The area features established campgrounds like Rose Canyon and Molino Basin alongside dispersed camping at Redington Pass, approximately 15 miles east of Tucson. Accommodation types include tent sites, RV spaces with hookups at locations like Tucson-Lazydays KOA, and cabin rentals at Kartchner Caverns State Park, providing visitors with various comfort levels while exploring the iconic saguaro cactus forests.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly affect camping experiences in this desert region. The higher elevation sites like Happy Valley Saddle Campground (6,000 feet) remain cooler than lower desert areas but require substantial hiking to reach. "The hike up is BEAUTIFUL and not overly steep (but watch for snakes). The campground was great," noted one visitor about Happy Valley. Dispersed sites along Redington Pass require careful navigation on dirt roads with washouts and potholes, though most are accessible with standard vehicles when driven slowly. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons, while higher elevation sites like Rose Canyon often close from late October through mid-April.

Many campers appreciate the stark contrast between desert and mountain environments within short distances. The dispersed sites at Redington Pass provide panoramic views of Tucson and the surrounding desert landscape, though several reviews mention noise from off-road vehicles and shooting ranges, especially on weekends. One camper observed that "it is an absolutely beautiful area, and the views more than make up for some of the shortcomings of the site." Backcountry sites in Saguaro National Park offer greater solitude but require permits and substantial hiking effort. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities like toilets and picnic tables, while dispersed areas typically have no facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include coyotes, desert birds, and various reptiles, adding to the unique camping experience in this biodiverse region.

Map showing campgrounds near Saguaro National Park, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Saguaro National Park (184)

    1. Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    9 miles
    Website

    "The path leads up a mountain away from the city lights of Tuscon. It’s just a short drive away. There’s plenty of spots. Watch out for huge ants! We almost camped on a mound."

    "There was a lot of people parking next to me and unloading there off-road vehicles in the morning, so I decided to go further up."

    2. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    51 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 799-3701

    "It is a “resort” so it’s a little pricey, but we were just there for one night to visit Saguaro National Park. The sites are a little close together, but we were on the end, so we were not crowded."

    "When spending time on the road many times you will find campsite after campsite that is welcoming but not quite like home away from home."

    3. Rose Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 576-1477

    $31 - $180 / night

    "The lake was about a half mile walk from the campsite. There is also hiking trails close to the campground. Overall, the campsites are larger than normal and the sites are even."

    "The toilets were easily accessable and each had running potable water adjacent to the shelters. I would definately return again"

    4. Molino Basin Campground

    11 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $100 / night

    "We drove toward the back of the campground to explore open sites and selected walk up site 23."

    "A national campground on the edge of Tucson Arizona with spectacular views, mountains, hiking, and biking trails. Quiet and campers spaced far apart. Beautiful!"

    5. Catalina State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "The bathrooms were a pretty long walk from our site (there is only one bathroom facility for that loop). There are some trails in the park."

    "We stayed at this campground for 2 nights in late October 2020 while visiting Saguaro National Park. "

    6. Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park

    4 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    3 miles
    Website

    $8 / night

    "Happy Valley campground's name can be decieving.. its actually at 6,000' of elevation, 4.6 miles up the Miller Creek trail in the Rincon mountains east of Tucson."

    "It was so hot and the trail was a little confusing at times. Not many people so if you’re looking for some good exercise and solitude this is for you."

    7. Colossal Cave Mountain Park

    7 Reviews
    Vail, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 647-7275

    $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."

    8. Reddington Pass Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    "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 mile scenic drive on a 4x4 road, dispersed camping along the way. Extremely popular view to park off the road in the saguaros."

    9. Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-4100

    $50 - $129 / night

    "Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don’t take a tour into the caves. -Couple stores within 20miles for any forgotten items."

    "Nice that the trailheads are just a few min walk from the campgrounds. The foothills loop is easy and takes you all around the area without being too challenging."

    10. Spencer Canyon Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mount Lemmon, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $22 - $36 / night

    "Spencer Canyon Campground is a nice campground approx. 20 miles from Tucson up the General Hitchcock Highway(often called the Catalina Highway or Mt. Lemmon Highway)."

    "The drive alone is inspiring! There is a fee for camping which you should plan to leave in the box (yes, they do come around to check eventually)."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 184 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Saguaro National Park Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Saguaro National Park

142 Photos of 184 Saguaro National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Saguaro National Park

874 Reviews of 184 Saguaro National Park Campgrounds

  • R
    Nov. 6, 2025

    Voyager RV Resort & Hotel

    Many amenities

    There are a ton of things to do here, with tennis, pickleball, and many more.

    They have a wood shop which you can become a member of or bring them a project to do for you for only a donation. Great service!

  • Thomas
    Nov. 2, 2025

    El Bosquecito

    Clean and Quite Campground

    Nice little get away campground. Only 4 RV spots here and it's first come first serve.  It was empty when we were there.  Operated and maintained by Colossal Cave Park and you will need to travel up to the Gift Shop to pay for the stay.  There is a road that leads up to more campgrounds, but vehicles/ camper over 20 Ft are not allowed and the road is for high clearance vehicles only.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Davis Monthan AFB FamCamp- Boneyard Vista

    Easy Campgrounds with a View

    Check-in was a breeze; the office is centrally located and has good rig parking. The Campground is big with multiple sections. He office was also very easy on the phone to confirm availability as it is entirely first-come, first-served. Really cool view in the older section of the aircraft boneyard.

    We used the main gate (Craycroft) and ignored the little detour that Google Maps gave us through the housing area. Just keep straight by the pool for an easier drive.

  • Amilyn W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Tombstone RV Park

    Close to historic Tombstone

    This campground has everything... full hook ups, great rec room with games and a full kitchen, pool, laundry, bathrooms/showers, shade, 2 pet play areas, basic play area for kids, even horse corals and long term rv storage. Stay in a tent site, pull through rv site, large sites next to horse corals, a building with 4 motel rooms or one of their cute cabins. Motel and cabins do not have bathrooms, but the communal bathrooms are clean and have showers. Only down side we experienced was Verizon cell service just ok and the free wi-fi is again, just ok. Minutes to historic downtown. Would stay again.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Nice park but expensive for a state park

    The park itself is very nice. The spaces are adequately far apart from each other. It does have several pull through spaces, which is nice. The showers were clean. Got to do a little hiking, although the trails were pretty rough. The visitor center was nice and informative. My complaint is that we have stayed at many state parks across the US and Arizona by far has the highest rates for state parks and they don’t give any kind of discounts for Seniors or residents . We paid $50 a night for just water and electric.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Nice little camping area, except for one small detail…

    We like this place, even though it’s somewhat limited in its access to water and sewer. However, that would not keep us from coming back, but their policy of no vehicles over 40 feet total length (end of camper to end of tow vehicle) are allowed anymore. There are plenty of spots here where they could fit no problem, as we did ours, but it’s now a matter of policy of Pima County to not allow any campers in any bigger than that.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Wells Fargo RV Park

    Right in Tombstone

    This RV park is right next to the OK Coral in Tombstone. The spot are level but pretty close together. It is located right next to the main road going through Tombstone so you will get road noise. There are some full timers here. They have some really cool covered wagons you can rent to stay in. I think if you had kids they would love that!! This campground gives you the ability to walk downtown have a beer or two and walk back to camp!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Shootout Arena RV Park

    Nice Spot in Tombstone

    We tried to stay but they were sponsoring a bull riding competition so they were full. It cleared out by Sunday evening.
    The campground is level and big…sites are close together but I imagine if she’s not full she’d spread people out. One spot even had their coral set up for their horse. You are right next to Tombstone so no need to drive to the local saloon for a beer….you can easily walk home! The stadium is only for bull riding and it is right up top from the camping area. There is a porta potty available and you can ride you ATV right onto BLM land from here.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful desert park

    If you like desert camping, this is a beautiful park tucked up against the Santa Catalina Mountains. The campsites have electric and water. They are spaced far apart. There are many hiking and mountain biking trails but not many have shade. So it is hot, even in late October. There are Ironwood trees in the campground so some sites have shade. Bathrooms are dates but clean. Showers ok - no adjustment for hot water but the water temp was ok. I would have liked it hotter but it wasn’t cold.

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

Is camping allowed inside Saguaro National Park?

No, Saguaro National Park does not allow developed camping within its boundaries. The park is primarily a day-use area. However, backcountry camping is permitted in the Saguaro Wilderness Area within the Rincon Mountain District (east section) with a permit. These primitive sites require hikers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. For those seeking developed camping near the park, Gilbert Ray Campground is located just outside the western district in Tucson Mountain Park and offers an excellent base for exploring the iconic saguaro forest.

What campgrounds are available at Saguaro National Park?

While Saguaro National Park itself doesn't offer developed campgrounds, it does have backcountry camping options in the Rincon Mountain District (east section) with a wilderness permit. For developed camping adjacent to the park, Molino Basin Campground is situated in the nearby Coronado National Forest with excellent access to the eastern district. This first-come, first-served campground provides a peaceful setting with basic amenities including toilets. Sites are typically available midweek, especially during the late winter season, making it a convenient base for exploring the park.

Where can I find camping options near Saguaro National Park?

Numerous camping options surround both districts of Saguaro National Park. For RV travelers, Desert Trails RV Park offers an adult-only resort experience on the edge of the park with full hookups and planned activities. Budget-conscious campers should consider Redington Pass Dispersed Camping, which provides free sites with mountain views overlooking the cacti. For those seeking a unique experience, Cactus Country RV Park provides a 55+ community environment minutes from the east section with convenient access to shopping and restaurants while still feeling remote.

Keep Exploring