Best Campgrounds near Tubac, AZ

Tubac, AZ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Tubac is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Tubac camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Tubac, Arizona (122)

    1. Patagonia Lake State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Rio Rico, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 287-6965

    $25 - $129 / night

    "Right next to the Mexican border. Gorgeous park with sites on the water. Park is clean, with exceptional restrooms. Boat rides are offered on the weekends."

    "Most sites have a lake view. Seems like Arizona takes good care of her parks. Lots to do in the area."

    2. Bog Springs Campground

    11 Reviews
    Amado, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 281-2296

    $20 / night

    "Driving in you get a beautiful view of Mount Wrightson."

    "Deer roam around inside the campground perimeter and hiking trails lead directly out to miles of Mountain trails including to the top of 9427’ Mt. Wrightson."

    3. Tumacacori Mountains

    1 Review
    Tumacacori, AZ
    5 miles

    4. De Anza Trails RV Resort

    1 Review
    Amado, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 398-8628

    6. Proctor Road Dispersed Camping - Site 3b

    2 Reviews
    Green Valley, AZ
    13 miles

    "The moderately difficult access limits to trucks with off road trailers mostly."

    7. Patagonia Lake State Park Boat-In Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Rio Rico, AZ
    14 miles

    $25 / night

    "Visit the beach, walk the bridge, rent a boat, or fish the lake during your camping trip. I love this place. Different ambiance than most AZ lakes."

    8. Arivaca Lake

    1 Review
    Arivaca, AZ
    13 miles

    "There is an upper lot that you can camp at with fire rings and mediocre lake views."

    9. Gilbert Ray Campground

    75 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    42 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!"

    10. TerraSol in Patagonia, Arizona

    4 Reviews
    Patagonia, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 987-0770

    $25 - $30 / night

    "This property is ON the Arizona trail, so it's the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring. Check them out and leave them some love!"

    "Astral even recommended an amazing wild camp spot for our following evening, near the border. That evening, Mary made us a delicious dinner that nurtured our bodies, minds and souls."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 122 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Tubac, AZ

522 Reviews of 122 Tubac Campgrounds


  • Ben & Anna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Mescal Road Dispersed Site

    Decent Boondocking Close to Mescal Road

    We spent a week here in March and really enjoyed the spot as a home base. One afternoon we checked out the nearby Mescal Movie Set, which was a fun step back in time. Access-wise, we had to stick closer to N Mescal Road—the washouts on the trail further in looked a bit dicey for towing a trailer. If you’re in a van or just your truck, you could push back deeper without much trouble. You’ll definitely notice the trains rolling through, about a mile away. It’s part of the soundtrack of Arizona boondocking—low rumbles that become background noise after the first night. A few campsites further back were unfortunately trashed, which was disappointing. We also had a couple of vehicles come and go around 1–2am, but they kept to themselves and never caused any issues. Overall, it’s a decent free spot with some character—worth it if you want a quiet base near the Mescal area and don’t mind the trains.

    Large group of UTV trailers were parked near us when we setup camp, but didn't see them again the whole week.

    Don't forget your AZ Land Trust permit, someone did stop by to check we had them.

  • R
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    KOA

    One of the nicest RV parks we’ve ever visited. Clean, friendly, spacious. All the amenities you could imagine. We highly recommend this resort.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Laura S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    Directions were spot on. Easy inand out!

    A few camps looked 'long term....' but the people all were considerant and to go i to town or the Nat'l park was super close. Were there about two weeks and would go back if in the area. Great place.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Far Horizons Tucson Village

    nice park, mostly retired folks. quiet, but busy sometimes

    Park is quiet and gated.  there is a common area and a pool and even some pickle ball courts!.  Very hot in the summer.  next to the "loop" for hiking, biking or walking dogs.

  • Kathy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    BLM off of W Valencia Rd | Wild Camping

    Use Valencia directions

    Google Maps attempted to get us in off Sunset. Big dip in entry road would bottom out most RVs. We then followed directions to take the dirt road across from Casino on Valencia and made it in no problem. Some trash and evidence of full-time living led to 3 stars vs. 4. Nice views of the mountains and close to town for supplies or Casino if you feel compelled to part with some cash.


Guide to Tubac

Camping near Tubac, 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 Catalina State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trails and history are amazing here," making it a great spot for those who love to explore nature.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area, you can see a variety of wildlife. A reviewer noted, "Prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors," which adds to the charm of camping in this area.
  • Cave Tours: If you're up for a little drive, check out the Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups," making it a comfortable base for exploring the caverns.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Gilbert Ray Campground rave about the beautiful desert environment. One review stated, "Gilbert Ray campground integrates the beautiful desert environment seamlessly with the campsites."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground mentioned, "Clean restrooms, nice showers, friendly camp hosts," highlighting the well-maintained amenities.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the peacefulness of places like Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area. One camper noted, "Great little gas station close with water and propane refill stations," indicating convenience without the noise of a busy campground.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area, have no drinking water or electric hookups. A reviewer cautioned, "Don't go if it rained that day! Clay mud all over," so be prepared for the conditions.
  • Crowded During Peak Times: Popular spots can get busy, especially during weekends. A camper at Spencer Canyon Campground mentioned, "The campsites are a little too close together for my taste," so plan accordingly.
  • Wildlife Encounters: While wildlife is a highlight, it can also be a concern. 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, "Awesome park with plenty to do, hiking and boating," which can keep kids entertained.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand is essential. A visitor at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area enjoyed the peacefulness, stating, "I saw one other camper here, but never heard them," indicating a good environment for family bonding.

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," highlighting the importance of knowing your rig's dimensions.
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One visitor appreciated, "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups."
  • Plan for Noise: Some areas can be noisy, especially near roads. A camper at Gilbert Ray Campground mentioned, "Only issue with the site was traffic noise," so consider this when choosing your spot.

Camping near Tubac, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Tubac, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tubac, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Tubac, AZ and 33 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Tubac, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tubac, AZ is Patagonia Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 33 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 free dispersed camping spots near Tubac, AZ.