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.
When it comes to activities at Patagonia Lake, camping is a must. The campground features 105 developed campsites with a picnic table, a fire ring/grill, and parking for two vehicles. Select sites also have a ramada. Sites have 20/30 amp and 50 amp voltage. Sites tend to fill up in the evening from May until November. Campsite lengths vary but most can accommodate any size RV. Quiet hours (no generators, music, or loud voices) are from 9 p.m. – 8 a.m. See Park Rules.
$25 - $119 / night
Next time you need a break in your busy life consider cool weather camping at Tucson Mountain Park's beautiful Gilbert Ray Campground, located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, a convenient 13 miles from Tucson. RV campers should access the park by way of Ajo Highway to Kinney Road and follow the signs to the campground.
The campground has 130 RV sites with individual 30-amp electrical hook-ups. The campground has 5 sites that are designated tent only, however tenters are welcome to camp in an RV site but are asked not to use the electrical hook-ups. It has centrally located water, picnic tables, modern restrooms, and an RV dumping station. Shower facilities are not available. There are handicap bathrooms.
There is a seven-day length of stay limit. The park's peak season is January 1st through March 31st. Camping fees are $10.00 per night for tents and $20.00 per night for trailers and RVs. Senior Pass/Golden Age Pass NOT valid. Due to limited tent sites you can tent in a RV site, however, during peak season the RV campsite fee applies. Wood fires are prohibited.
$10 - $75 / night
Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort is your desert oasis, featuring beautiful fruit trees abundant throughout the park, with plenty of good times to be had. The campground offers Pull-thru RV Sites with full 30/50-amp hookups, grassy luxury sites and NEW RV Sites with a Patio and a fireplace! No RV? No problem. Stay in one of the NEW two-bedroom Deluxe Cabins with queen beds. Whether you want to relax by one of the two pools, soak in the hot tubs, play a round on our nine hole putting green, or join in the fun activities, this KOA has something for everyone to enjoy. The completed installation of the two PowerParasols® solar shade structures now allows guest to camp, gather and even barbeque under a patented structure that produces clean solar energy. The structures shade more than two acres of the campground, giving visitors room to park RVs on 30 covered RV sites. Check out our NEW resort style activity park! Providing ample shade and sport courts to bring recreation, relaxation, family and friends together. Lazydays, a full-service RV dealership with a service department, is located next door. Other campground amenities include a bar& grill, meeting rooms, fitness center, three off-leash dog parks and complimentary Wi-Fi. Camping in Arizona is a breeze at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA. Pool: Open all year. Max pull thru: 73 feet.
Bog Springs offers some exceptional scenery, either right from your campsite or a short walk away. Many visitors unfamiliar with Arizona will be surprised by the high grasslands that climb the slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains, the thick oak woodlands, and the conifer forest that covers the mountain tops.
$20 / night
All campsites at Kartchner feature electric hookups and water. Your camping fee includes use of the shower/restroom, water, electrical and dump station facilities.
All campsites have a table, hose bib and power post. Each back-in site power post is 110 volt AC with a 30 amp RV connection and a 20 amp receptacle. Each pull-through site power post has a 220 volt 50 amp AC & an 110 volt 30 amp AC RV connection and a 20 AMP GFI receptacle. Sites vary in length from 35’ for the shortest back in sites to 60’ in the pull through sites; all sites are single width. Sites have ample room on the side areas for pull out units.
There are three handicapped designated sites (one is a pull through site), 12 pull-through sites and 43 other sites of varying sizes. Handicapped designated sites have paved access to the site and adjacent restroom, a paved pad, and wheelchair accessible table.
Waste bins and shower/restroom facilities are located on the upper west end of each campground. Restroom buildings have bottled water vending machines and dishwashing sinks located on the rear east side.
Important Note: At this park, the entrance gate is closed nightly at 10 p.m. The two-loop campground is located off of the main road past the Discovery Center on the southwest end of the park. Camping fees are payable with cash, Visa or Mastercard at the Contact Station the day of arrival, or at the Discovery Center the following day. Fees must be paid daily or in advance and there is a 14-day stay limit.
Access card keys for camper after-hours entering the park are administered by the four Campground Hosts.
$30 - $99 / night
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Boat-In Campsites
$25 / night
Mountain range within the Nogales Ranger District which lies just west of Interstate 19 and extends southward to the International border.
Guide
There are many places to camp on empire ranch. Many are dispersed camping but there is also a really great group site for reservation. Great location for Ground Tents, Roof Top Tents, and RVs
Guide
This area was pretty hard to get to rough road. It is a quaint little wooded area there are other spots before this one with better views but it was windy when I was there. Also probably better in the spring and summer months as there is ample shade.
ScoutThe host offered to help with anything we may have forgotten or needed. Great fires every night. Cool spot
Scout
Been here a couple of months and have enjoyed it
Scout
I stayed for 5 nights at this location. I took the time to explore the area and have this recommendation: When you pass through the entry gate, you will see a line of telephone polls and a road under them straight ahead. There is only a couple of mediocre sites on that road. About 150 yards in from the gate the road will split with a 2nd (Southwest/middle option) and a 3rd (Westward option). You will see a camping board/sign on the 3rd (West option) that provides info. If you continue along that road you will find a couple decent sites, but you will also find the road gets rutted a bit further on and is not a good place for trying to drag a trailer. The Westward road also gets a couple cars passing by during the day and night. My recommendation is that you take the middle, Southwest road to find the best options for camping. The Southwest road is better than the other two options (South and West) for pulling trailers and it has multiple locations to choose from. Eventually, you come to a point where the road turns right (West)... if you follow it you will come to another gate that marks the end of the BLM parcel. But, at that point you will also find a large, flat, open area to set up camp. Best of all is that it is about as secluded as you can get for this location.
Ranger
Drove in for a one night stay. Last 0.4 miles were rough. Road did not appear to have been maintained since the last rain which was last year.
There were a series of small campsites along the road starting where Google Maps said we had arrived. We went another .2 miles further and found a larger spot with an awesomely large fire pit.
There is a lot of traffic on the Sunday we we re there. Don't know if they are looking for a camp site or day hikers.
Overall this is better than most desert camping options if your vehicle can make it up bad roads.
GuideNot bad for a night or two. Cell service is 5g with 3 bars on Verizon. Not very scenic if you're looking for that.
Legend
Stayed here a few times in 2019. Crowded, dirty, highly patrolled. Don't think I will be staying anymore.
Scout
The owners/managers are very friendly and kind. They told us where else to explore down in this region. Their bird feeders and birding area has way more birds than just the Ramsey Cyn preserve. We saw lots of birds and very close. Also saw lots of turkey and Coos deer. They are also knowledgable about their birds. The wild life and birding opportunity is the reason to stay there. They charged full hook up but have only electric. We did not get a discount at Ramsey Canyon Preserve for booking at the Cabins, though we were told otherwise. The Cabins are not affiliated with the Nature Conservancey.
Guide
Great place to explore the trails right from your camp! Easy pull throughs all hook ups, clean bathrooms with laundry!! We were not looking for adult only but enjoyed it!
ScoutOnly spent the night here. The road in had about a mile of washboard but not too bad. The sites are simple and spread out. We took one of the first ones. Could see one other camper. Had a great sunset and a quiet night. There is an Ironwood sign at the gate and addition alsign with rules about 1/4 mile in on right.
ScoutFirst time at BLM. Crowded. Dirty. Lots of broken glass and I have dogs. Right off highway so car noise. Looking for a better spot.
GuideWe stayed two nights in this spot, visiting the Saguaro NP during the day. Only 2-3 other campers in the area while we were there. Fairly easy in and out. The road had some washboard but you could easily avoid by staying in the outer edges of the road. Very quiet with good views of the sky.
Scout
Great views! Great facility. The hosts were very communicative and helpful. Loads of wineries and hiking trails are a short drive away.
Scout
Great quiet park with views. Saw a lot of good birds out here.
ScoutBeautiful land and big lots. The kids and I used the hiking trails and played horseshoe toss. There are bathrooms, showers, and washing machines. Will visit again.
Guide
This dispersed camping area was a lot more secluded and quieter than I expected. My friend and I were looking to camp overnight before going on a gravel bike ride in the area.
Harshaw Road was already along the bike route, so this was an ideal location. Bonus that this is pretty close to Patagonia which came in handy when we couldn't make coffee in the morning.
We drove a little further than the GPS marker to find a camping spot that was tucked in from the main road. There were plenty of spots for a large group with rock fire pits. As someone mentioned, there was an area further back that was clearly the bathroom spot.
Assume that this spot could get full in the shoulder seasons, but again was pleasantly surprised to be the only ones there.
TravelerMet some friends here. We had a fire in the fire pit and hiked around. Dog park was nice and the bath house had clean showers and facilities. WiFi was free and good. Site was clean, level and pull through.
TravelerOff the beaten trail a bit but we really enjoyed our stay here. Hiking trail entrances right in the park and it’s close to the San Pedro river.
There is a laundry/mail room with a restroom and then a separate bathhouse near the front. Nice little dog park for our pooch to run around too and we used the public firepit.
Kiddos said there were horseshoes to play.
Scout
stayed for 1 night in December. very easy to reserve online, paid $36/night. neighbors were quiet and respectful. bathroom very clean and well stocked with soap and paper towels. can hear coyotes at nighttime. perfect place to watch the sunset. fires not allowed unfortunately. had water spouts here and there for washing dishes.
Scout
The owner and host are friendly and helpful. They have nice hot showers, laundry facilities, dish washing stations, and fire rings. My spot had a hummingbird feeder. Would stay here again!
TravelerSome spots vary is size so make sure your rig can fit. Also some more difficult to back up into.
Great staff and clean bathrooms.
Also many spigots dispersed so filling you tanks or getting water not too much an issue. I used 100 ft of hose to refill
LegendSNYDER HILL BLM DISPERSED.
Recently posted basic camping info about this place close to Tucson west side at Ajo Hwy 86. . Some commenters got upset that I had mentioned this spot on a FB dispersed camping page, as if it was a secret or a pristine location! Hah!
REALITY update: This place is a 100% CRAP HOLE and should be shutdown by the BLM. Full of marginal rundown vehicles and homeless tent campers. Trash and glass everywhere. Hwy 86 noise 24/7, recreational shooters constant adj somewhere.
Note that the State of AZ closed and fenced off their adj section two years ago, and another BLM parcel to east past the fire station was closed to camping last year. Time for this crap hole place to be shutdown, imo.
Some pics of the trash noticed.
TravelerThe hosts are lovely and the mercantile is adorable. The grounds are exceptionally well kept and everything is clean and tidy. There is a community fire pit for campers to enjoy together or fire pits at each site to enjoy on your own. Showers, restroom, laundry, and water! Lovey Dovey was a little tight for my 9.5 Ft tall 21 Ft long campervan but it was a wonderful spot. I think all the spots might be nice though!
TravelerKim & Dan are wonderful hosts. The property is on the side of a slope with expansive views. Spotlessly clean porta potty. Safe. Peaceful. Horses and cows. I booked 2 nights and as soon as I set up camp I booked two more. So glad I did. Great location. Delicious well water.
Traveler
Stopped here along a 400 mile bikepacking route through southern az. We were immediately welcomed and given a tour by Astral, who quickly became our friend. 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. There was plenty of room for tents, as well as tent pads to help keep you warm throughout the night. The bathrooms, showers and laundry were an extra perk after a couple days worth of riding. This will be a regular stop for me anytime I visit Patagonia, which will be often ❤️
Guide
I love Tucson. The big plus about this park (other than the really nice people) is that is borders park land and there are SO many acres and miles of trails right out of the campground. The grounds and the surrounding desert have an abundance of interesting succulents and cacti and gorgeous mountains all around. Most of the folks here are long termers- we only stayed for 4 days. The sites for short termers are by the road and not the best, just gravel sites with full hookups, but sufficient for our needs. No picnic tables. No public toilets. Laundry facilities and a gathering room.
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.
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 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Tubac, AZ and 29 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 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tubac, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Tubac, AZ.
What parks are near Tubac, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Tubac, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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