Best Campgrounds near Summerhaven, AZ

Summerhaven is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Arizona camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Summerhaven and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Summerhaven, Arizona (139)

    1. Catalina State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    9 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."

    2. Rose Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    6 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"

    3. Spencer Canyon Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Lemmon, AZ
    3 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)."

    "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. Also it doesn’t seem to fill up as fast as the top sites."

    4. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    49 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    21 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."

    5. Molino Basin Campground

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

    $100 / night

    "We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in late February and were pleasantly surprised to find this first come, first serve campground nearly empty."

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

    6. Gilbert Ray Campground

    74 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    26 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. Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 388-8300

    "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."

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

    8. General Hitchcock Campground

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

    $10 / night

    "Has some nice boulders to tuck your tent away in, and no really close neighbors. Seems like the rest of the sites you have neighbors right next to you, basically sharing a camp."

    "This campground is small, with tent sites tucked away between pine trees. A vaulted bathroom is at the center of the parking lot."

    9. Peppersauce Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oracle, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $50 / night

    "Most spots are roomy and Shaded, temps were really nice for Arizona in June, due to the elevation. Met a few campers that had been staying there since Wednesday, and they were really nice people."

    "Only about 1 hour outside of Tucson but completely in the country. Perfect area for kids to explore and see wildlife. We spotted both turkeys and deer and were visited by some cotamundi as well."

    10. Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 139 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Summerhaven, AZ

783 Reviews of 139 Summerhaven Campgrounds



Guide to Summerhaven

Camping near Summerhaven, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and the cool mountain air of the Catalina Mountains. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is surrounded by beautiful trails. Many campers enjoy the proximity to Saguaro National Park, which offers breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. One reviewer of Gilbert Ray Campground mentioned, "The chief amenity is the landscape and proximity to the Desert Museum and SNP."
  • Wildlife Watching: The desert is alive with various species. Campers at Cactus Forest Dispersed have spotted coyotes and other wildlife, with one camper noting, "You’ll be just fine with desert wildlife, birds and coyotes singing."
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in this region make for excellent stargazing opportunities. A visitor at Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument shared, "Very dark sky with lots of stars."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Catalina State Park Campground are praised for their stunning mountain views. One camper said, "It provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts."
  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites. A review for Cactus Forest Dispersed highlighted, "The spots are a little close together, but it’s a beautiful spot."
  • Amenities: Campgrounds like Tucson - Lazydays KOA offer great facilities. A visitor mentioned, "The staff was great and the customer service was great."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or shooting ranges. A camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed noted, "There is an outdoor shooting range close enough to hear semi-autos all day."
  • Limited Facilities: Many sites, especially dispersed ones, lack amenities like water and toilets. A review for Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area pointed out, "There are no facilities or even pit toilets."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife, including cacti that can cause injuries. One camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed warned, "Watch out for jumping cholla cactus and keep your furry friends close."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and restrooms. Catalina State Park Campground has been noted for its well-maintained facilities, making it a good choice for families.
  • Plan Activities: Engage kids with hiking and wildlife watching. A family at Gilbert Ray Campground enjoyed the "quiet and relaxing" environment, perfect for family bonding.
  • Safety First: Always supervise children, especially around wildlife and cacti. A solo camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed felt safe, saying, "I was in a secluded area, which was nice."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument mentioned, "The road isn’t too bad. Was quiet, breezy."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with hookups if needed. Tucson - Lazydays KOA offers full hookups and various amenities, making it a popular choice for RVers.
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Spencer Canyon Campground advised, "Get there early and be rewarded with a good site."

Camping near Summerhaven, Arizona, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for all types of campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Summerhaven, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Summerhaven, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Summerhaven, AZ and 36 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Summerhaven, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Summerhaven, AZ is Catalina State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 62 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Summerhaven, AZ.

What parks are near Summerhaven, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Summerhaven, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.