Tucson-area RV campgrounds near Summerhaven, Arizona sit at varying elevations, offering seasonal temperature differences from the desert floor. Temperatures can fluctuate 15-20 degrees cooler at Mt. Lemmon compared to central Tucson facilities. Most RV parks around Summerhaven require advanced reservations during January-April when seasonal occupancy reaches peak levels.
What to do
Mountain biking trails access: Rincon Country East RV Resort provides a central location for accessing nearby mountain biking trails. "The bike situation in Tucson is the finest we have encountered. Our electric bikes can run forever on the well paved trails all over the county," notes one visitor who appreciated the connectivity to regional pathways.
Air and space exploration: Crazy Horse RV Park puts visitors just minutes from aviation history. "The air and space museum is one mile down the road," mentions a long-term camper, making it convenient for RV travelers interested in aerospace attractions without extensive travel.
Cactus garden walks: Cactus Country RV Park - 55+ features on-site botanical exploration opportunities. "They also had a neat cactus garden to walk through," writes one reviewer who enjoyed the native plant showcases available right within the campground boundaries.
What campers like
Pool temperature options: Voyager RV Resort & Hotel offers multiple swimming options for different preferences. "The pools have different temps. So if you want a bath like experience it is here. The indoor pool is covered," explains a satisfied guest who appreciated the varying water temperatures.
Winter activities programming: Rincon Country West RV Resort provides extensive social calendars during peak season. "Many things to do, security is good. A couple times a week there is food carts and on Thursday is farmers market and craft things," reports a winter visitor highlighting the regular event schedule.
Community gatherings: South Forty RV Ranch creates welcoming social environments for travelers. "We were welcomed to a farewell feast on this our 2nd stay here; many of their 'snowbirds' were readying to leave until next fall," describes a reviewer who appreciated the community atmosphere despite not being part of the typical 55+ demographic.
What you should know
Parking challenges: Navigating larger rigs requires patience at some facilities. "While site parking is a serious challenge unless 25 foot and under the park is fantastic on most levels... With the help of friendly neighbors we parked our 35 foot Toy Hauler--took an hour--serious obstacle coarse to parking--palm trees at curbs being a problem," advises a Rincon Country East guest.
Urban setting realities: Sentinel Peak RV Park offers city convenience with corresponding urban characteristics. "Even pavement with FHU. Management was helpful after hour check in by texting information of site and gate code. That being said, it's close right next to a high traffic street with a large apartment complex across the street blasting loud music, airport, train tracks," notes one camper about the downtown-adjacent location.
Laundry payment systems: Various parks implement different laundry payment mechanisms. "We went to do some laundry and they have the system where you put money on a card, but can only use $5 bills. We only had a $20 so went to the office only to be informed that they don't give out change and we would have to go to their store and buy something to get change," warns a Voyager RV Resort visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Age restriction awareness: Most Summerhaven-area RV parks cater specifically to older travelers. "South Forty is meant to be, I think, 55+, but sensible exceptions are made (I'm in my 40s, traveling with my dad, no problem)," shares one guest who found flexibility at certain parks despite published age policies.
Child activity limitations: Prince of Tucson RV Park provides basic family amenities but minimal child-specific programming. "There is a good mix of long term residents and travelers here. Good, clean safe place to stay with our son and two dogs. My son LOVED the swimming pool. Not a fancy resort, but a very kind, homey environment," reports a family who found suitable accommodations despite limited youth offerings.
Public park proximity: When campgrounds lack green space, seek nearby alternatives. "Downside is that it's basically a parking lot with no grass (we have 2 dogs) but there's a big grassy park less than 2 blocks away," recommends a Sentinel Peak visitor who found solutions for family outdoor needs outside the RV park boundaries.
Tips from RVers
Electricity billing practices: Monthly stays often require additional utility payments. "For extended stays you will be responsible for your individual site Electric bill," notes a Voyager RV Resort guest, explaining the common practice for longer-term visitors during winter months.
RV assistance availability: Crazy Horse RV Park provides hands-on help for rig positioning. "Park staff does come and help you pull in during business hours," explains a winter resident who appreciated the parking assistance given the tight spacing between sites.
Site selection strategy: Choose upgraded spaces for improved comfort. "We had a 'deluxe' pull-through site, which got us a nice patch of grass, a charcoal grill, a picnic table, good water pressure, clean electricity and a site with two different dump spots. The more 'normal' spaces near us would have put you in much closer proximity to your neighbors," advises a Rincon Country West visitor who found the additional daily cost worthwhile.
