Saguaro National Park sits adjacent to Tucson, Arizona at elevations ranging from 2,180 to 8,666 feet. The park features two distinct districts separated by 30 miles of urban Tucson. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, making seasonal camping considerations essential for comfort.
What to do
Desert hiking trails: Spencer Canyon Campground offers access to multiple trail networks with cooler morning temperatures. A camper notes, "There is a lot of open area for my boys to run around and build a fort while I read a book next to the stream."
Cave tours: Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground provides immediate access to remarkable cave systems. "We reserved and did the Rotunda/Throne Tour. It was very cool and our 1st cave tour. I would suggest reading the rules for tours before reserving," shares one visitor.
Stargazing spots: The minimal light pollution around Tombstone RV & Campground creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Lots to see and do in area. Sierra Vista is about 18 miles with excellent shopping. Bisbee is a fun drive through mountains," notes a recent camper.
What campers like
Pool access during hot months: Tucson - Lazydays KOA provides cooling options during extreme heat. "Awesome place with lots of amenities. Really good pool. Went in July and it was 122 degrees," reports one visitor.
Clean facilities: Cleanliness ranks high among General Hitchcock Campground visitors despite its rustic setting. A recent visitor mentioned, "Toilet was well maintained and stocked."
Dog-friendly sites: Cactus Country RV Park accommodates pet owners with dedicated spaces. "Dog park is all dirt but large with fresh water," notes one reviewer.
What you should know
Temperature extremes: The Sonoran Desert experiences significant temperature fluctuations. At General Hitchcock Campground, a camper advises, "If you go prepared with winter gear you won't be cold."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate seasonally due to extreme heat. Spencer Canyon Campground runs from May to October, with one visitor noting, "This is the highest National Forest campground on Mount Lemmon and your best bet for cooler temps during the summer."
Wildlife awareness: Empire Ranch visitors should secure food properly. "Stay only at marked sites. Some are really big, others compact," advises a camper who appreciated the area's "amazing diversity of landscapes."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer family-oriented facilities. At Tucson - Lazydays KOA, one visitor reported, "Your kids will never complain of boredom here. There is an unlimited amount of activities to keep them occupied."
Educational opportunities: Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground combines camping with learning. "The visitor center was nice and informative. Got to do a little hiking, although the trails were pretty rough," shares one family.
Safety considerations: Parents should be vigilant about local wildlife. "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench," warns a Kartchner Caverns visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Finding level sites matters for RV stability. At Tombstone RV & Campground, a visitor noted, "Level and clean gravel sites. About 5 minutes from the town of Tombstone."
Utility connections: Prince of Tucson RV Park provides full hookups. A visitor explained, "Has sewage and electrical hook-ups" but advised it's "really a long-term RV park with plenty of park model campers."
Big rig accessibility: Not all roads accommodate larger vehicles. At El Bosquecito, a camper warns, "Vehicles/campers over 20 Ft are not allowed and the road is for high clearance vehicles only."
