Dispersed camping options near Sahuarita, Arizona range from BLM land west of town to developed campgrounds in the surrounding mountains. The area sits at approximately 2,800 feet elevation, with temperatures averaging 10-15°F cooler in the higher mountain campgrounds than in town. Winter nights can drop below freezing in December through February, while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in June through September.
What to do
Explore cave systems: Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offers proximity to spectacular limestone cave formations with guided tours available. "We stayed here for 5 nights at the end of March, 2023. The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up," notes one visitor who experienced the caves.
Mountain hiking: The General Hitchcock Campground provides access to Mount Lemmon trails with significant elevation changes. One camper explains, "This sky island campground in Mt Lemmon is perfect for a quick weekend getaway from Tucson. The weather here is 10-15 degrees cooler than the city."
Lakeside recreation: Patagonia Lake State Park Campground offers water activities including swimming, fishing, and boating. A reviewer shares, "This campsite is well maintained but very, very busy! There's access to the lake where you can swim, kayak, etc."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Tucson - Lazydays KOA maintains high standards according to campers. "Laundry room and showers were clean. RV sites were spacious in my opinion," notes one visitor who appreciated the well-kept grounds.
Wildlife viewing: The grasslands around Empire Ranch provide excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities. "Gorgeous Grasslands. Stay only at marked sites. Some are really big, others compact. The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes."
Desert camping convenience: Dispersed camping at BLM land off Valencia Road offers quick access to town amenities. A camper reports, "Good spot, level ground, lots of room. Any size camper will work. Turn north on the dirt road just west of the casino and follow the power lines north up a coupe hundred yards and you will see the camping area just off your right."
What you should know
Weather extremes: Mountain campgrounds offer relief from valley heat but require preparation. At Spencer Canyon Campground, one visitor noted, "Spencer Canyon Campground is a nice campground approx. 20 miles from Tucson up the General Hitchcock Highway. It is located approximately 3 miles past the Palisades Visitor Center."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (October-April). "This was our least favorite campsite in the Arizona State Park system so far in our travels. We shortened our trip and headed home early because it just wasn't for us," shared one Patagonia Lake visitor, highlighting the importance of researching before booking.
Limited yurt camping: Yurt camping near Sahuarita, Arizona is primarily available at private ranches and retreat centers rather than public campgrounds. While traditional yurt camping in Sahuarita, Arizona is limited, canvas structures are available at some glamping locations within 30 miles.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Patagonia Lake State Park Campground offers swimming and water recreation. "There's a store there with basics. We had a reasonable back-in site with electricity and water. Only stayed on night but would definitely consider returning," one camper shared about the amenities.
Educational opportunities: Kartchner Caverns provides ranger-led activities. "A large visitor center is near the park entrance and the cavern is up the hill behind the center. We reserved and did the Rotunda/Throne Tour. It was very cool and our 1st cave tour," reports a family that enjoyed the learning experience.
Activity centers: Tucson Lazydays KOA includes family-focused recreation areas. "Your kids will never complain of boredom here. There is an unlimited amount of activities to keep them occupied," explains a parent who stayed at the campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Cactus Country RV Park - 55+ offers level sites with utilities. "This is a well maintained facility. Friendly people. Close to Tucson. Cable and wifi. Pet friendly. Sites are close together but when we visited, we were spaced well," notes one RVer who appreciated the layout.
Service reliability: Check electrical connections before setting up. "We've now stayed here 3 separate times. The first time was pretty good. The second and third times, not as much. The shore power 30 amp showed reverse polarity and a faulty ground, so we used the 50 amp with a dog bone," warns a repeat visitor to Cactus Country.
Neighborhood considerations: Location affects security at some campgrounds. "We were surprised at how well maintained this campground is. It has lots of activities and the sites are spacious. You will find citrus trees on many of the sites. The only downside to this campground is its location. It does have a security guard so we felt safe in the campground," shared an RVer at Tucson Lazydays KOA.
