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Best Campgrounds near Vail, AZ

838 Reviews

Camping options near Vail, Arizona include established campgrounds and dispersed sites within a short drive of Tucson. Colossal Cave Mountain Park offers 30 tent and RV sites with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The park serves as a convenient base for exploring the Arizona Trail and nearby attractions. Several RV parks in the surrounding area provide full hookups, including Cactus Country RV Park and Pima County Fairgrounds RV Park, both offering different levels of amenities for travelers. The region includes a mix of public and private lands with varying rules for overnight stays.

Road conditions and facilities vary significantly throughout the area, with some locations requiring high-clearance vehicles. Colossal Cave Mountain Park gates close at 4:00 PM, requiring campers to plan arrival times accordingly. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping. The monsoon season (July-September) brings afternoon thunderstorms that can affect road conditions and camping comfort. Winter nights can drop below freezing, though daytime temperatures remain mild. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods. A visitor noted, "The sites and restrooms needs some tlc. We were the only ones in the tent camping area which was a plus. This campground is good if you are doing tours in the day or just need a trip to get out."

Campers frequently mention the convenience of mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping. Colossal Cave Mountain Park receives varied reviews, with some campers appreciating its affordability and location. One camper commented, "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. Plenty of room and spots are not too tight and most had shade trees." Pima County Fairgrounds provides a practical base for exploring the eastern section of Saguaro National Park, though its fairground setting offers limited natural ambiance. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, while RV parks offer more comprehensive facilities including showers, laundry, and full hookups. Cell service can be limited at more remote sites.

Map showing campgrounds near Vail, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Vail, Arizona (190)

    1. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    50 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 799-3701

    "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."

    "There were a handful of kiddos around, a couple walked through our site which we were okay with but if you’ree looking to avoid kids this might not be your spot."

    2. Cactus Country RV Park - 55+

    8 Reviews
    Vail, AZ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 574-3000

    "This park is minutes away from the east section of Saguaro National Park. It may look and feel remote, but good shopping, restaurants and attractions are very close."

    "Terrific views and close to needed amenities. Shower and bathrooms very clean."

    3. Colossal Cave Mountain Park

    7 Reviews
    Vail, AZ
    4 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."

    4. Pima County Fairgrounds RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Vail, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 762-8579

    $45 / night

    "Great place to stay for visiting Tucson and surrounding area. We stayed for a week while visiting Saguaro NP. Cheap with full hook ups. Busy location as they hold rodeos and horse events regularly."

    "FCFS, no reservations Park is frequently busy with events, rodeos, etc, which may limit access to some amenities. Drag strip next door may add sweet but brief engine noise"

    5. Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    24 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."

    6. Gilbert Ray Campground

    75 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 724-5000

    $10 - $75 / night

    "The scenery here is perfect for Arizona. Great views of Tucson Mountain and surrounded by all kinds of hiking trails in the Tucson Mountain Park. The sites are gravel and mostly flat."

    "Fantastic place to stay in the Arizona countryside. Cacti everywhere! So cool!"

    7. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "We camped just past the cieneguita sites tucked back in the mesquite thicket."

    "Great space to walk the dogs around here. It’s gets a little windy at times and the cows can make a racket every so often, but we really like it here."

    8. Voyager RV Resort & Hotel

    5 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    9. Catalina State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views."

    "Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."

    10. Rincon Country East RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 886-8431

    $63 - $79 / night

    "Mount Lemmon is a short drive or bike ride away with snow capped top and great food offerings.  Skying is possible for those with young legs. "

    "Love the Rincon parks in general even if it's just for a drive. Great wildlife! Tad poles in the wash with the biggest eyes I've ever seen!! A Gila monster just chilling. SUCH beautiful sunsets!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Vail, AZ

136 Photos of 190 Vail Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Vail, AZ

838 Reviews of 190 Vail Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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!🐎🪦🌵

  • H
    Jun. 8, 2025

    FR228

    Escape from the Parker Canyon Lake heat

    We didn’t see a single soul until the morning we were packing to leave. Near the AZT trail intersection. We took an offshoot off of FR228. Several spots to pull of with flat clearings, existing makeshift fire rings. We drove far enough up the offshoot road until we got to some bigger trees for shade and to hang hammocks. This offshoot runs along side a seasonal water source that runs down the canyon. I believe this created a draw for wildlife and we were lucky enough to spot several wild turkeys and a couple of black bears. The bears scared off easily with some yelling and making ourselves big. We didn’t see them again. Nice solitude!

  • 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.

  • J
    May. 31, 2025

    Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    Beautiful, however…

    We drove 3 hours from Phoenix for a weekend in the forest, new to town and learning the ways of Arizona camping, didn’t realize fires are some times allowed and some times not. We would have gone somewhere closer to home if this app had updated information that campfires (wood) are currently not allowed. :/

Guide to Vail

Camping near Vail, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, especially around the 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 in the Saguaro National Park.
  • Birdwatching: At Patagonia Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy birdwatching. A reviewer noted, "I do really like the birdwatching area outside the visitor center."
  • Exploring Caves: The Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground is perfect for those interested in caves. One visitor shared, "Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don’t take a tour into the caves."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. One reviewer at Catalina State Park Campground said, "CSP is close enough to get to my destinations and it provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. A camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed mentioned, "This location is tranquil and wild."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. A visitor at Spencer Canyon Campground remarked, "The bathrooms are clean, and fire pits are great."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gilbert Ray Campground, have limited amenities. A reviewer pointed out, "No showers and no site water hook-ups."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways. A camper at Picacho Peak State Park Campground noted, "You can hear road noise from I-10, but you get used to it."
  • Wildlife Caution: Keep an eye out for wildlife. One 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 for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Tucson - Lazydays KOA, which offers amenities like a pool and playground. A reviewer said, "The staff was great and the customer service was great."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Patagonia Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There are also some hiking available."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at Cactus Forest Dispersed suggested, "Bring plenty of water and snacks for the hikes."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Tucson - Lazydays KOA noted, "We maneuvered to get our 10’ sewer hose to fit between our two dump valves."
  • Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly. A visitor at Catalina State Park Campground mentioned, "It has however gotten... EXTREMELY HARD to reserve a site."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Dust can be an issue in some areas. A camper at Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area advised, "Don't go if it rained that day! Clay mud all over."

Camping near Vail, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Vail, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Vail, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 190 campgrounds and RV parks near Vail, AZ and 51 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Vail, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vail, AZ is Tucson - Lazydays KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 50 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Vail, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 51 free dispersed camping spots near Vail, AZ.

What parks are near Vail, AZ?

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

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