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Camping near Saguaro National Park

858 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 (182)

    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

    50 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. 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."

    6. Catalina State Park Campground

    61 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. "

    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

    43 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)."

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Recent Camping Photos near Saguaro National Park

142 Photos of 182 Saguaro National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Saguaro National Park

858 Reviews of 182 Saguaro National Park Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views

    It was a little rough going up with a travel trailer. I didn’t see the trailer parking to unhook and scout. I found a pull off on the left after mile marker 5. You cannot camp until you pass mile maker 4.6. They have some nice trails too. As far as the noise it’s most busy on weekends but where I was it wasn’t constant just people going by on dirt bikes, side by sides and vehicles. Wasn’t that big of a deal to me. They actually did come work on the washouts while I was there so leaving wasn’t as rough

  • Eric M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Clean sites

    Tons of sites make sure to lock up your food i had a skunk visitor

  • T
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Friendly Staff

    We booked last minute and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The campus seems nice enough, but has a few years on it and in a rough neighborhood.

  • Rush C.
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    a profound sense of peace and connection with nature.

    Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada. Known for its otherworldly landscape, this remote site offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking solitude, vast horizons, and stunning sunsets. The flat, cracked playa surface stretches endlessly in all directions, creating a sense of open freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. Camping here is truly off-grid— there are no amenities, no marked spots, and no shade— just you, the wind, and the desert sky. color rush

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Cactus Forest Dispersed

    Beauty all around

    If you want to see blooming cacti, this is the place.

    Unreal sunsets too.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    If you need to get out of the heat

    It was packed on the weekends, but holy cow, was it gorgeous.

    Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat.

  • GoldDust D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Tombstone RV & Campground

    Pick a tombstone & be welcomed by the buzzards!🪦

    We embraced the WildWest and chose to stay at Tombstone RV park. The whole trip didn't disappoint! This place is so nice. We were welcomed and escorted to our plot🤣, got settled, and were welcomed by a donkey and its owner that were visiting as well. Bathrooms and showers are clean, and it was nice to do laundry. The pool was crystal clear and refreshing in the AZ heat. We pulled up our boot straps and mounted the 4WD pony and headed to town, which was just up the road. There is a boothill cemetary and the legendary downtown Tombstone and the OK Corral. We even got to ride in a stagecoach! We absolutely loved our stay, and we'll be seeing y'all real soon!🐎🪦🌵

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2025

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Quiet, clean and pretty

    Easy to find. Very clean and quiet place. We are in the local Saguaro vegetation. Clean restrooms and a friendly outdoor dishwashing area.

  • michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2025

    Mount Hopkins Road

    Nice desert camping

    Nice spot, flat and easy parking. A little traffic in the morning but not that much.

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.

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