Pima County Fairgrounds RV Park accommodates equestrians with full hookups at $30 nightly or $150 weekly. The fairgrounds serve as a practical staging area for horse owners, with a large gravel lot providing ample space for trailers. The clean facility includes showers, restrooms, laundry areas, and dog spaces with 24-hour security monitoring. Located southeast of Tucson, the grounds offer access to nearby riding areas and Saguaro National Park, plus a desert nature trail with interpretive vegetation signs suitable for short rides. The property regularly hosts equestrian events, allowing campers to watch competitions without traveling from camp. Some weekend events at the adjacent drag strip create occasional noise, while dust can be an issue during dry periods. The campground operates on a first-come basis without reservations.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Catalina State Park Campground offers excellent desert trail access. "There are many hiking and mountain biking trails but not many have shade. So it is hot, even in late October," notes Kim G. The park features diverse trail systems suitable for riders of varying experience levels.
Horse events and competitions: Fairground events provide entertainment without leaving your camping area. Tod S. shares that the Pima County Fairgrounds RV Park is "frequently busy with events, rodeos, etc, which may limit access to some amenities." These events offer horse enthusiasts regular viewing opportunities.
Desert exploration: The rugged terrain around Tucson provides scenic riding routes. Joshua M. reports that Reddington Pass Dispersed camping areas are "great 4x4 camping" with varied terrain. "You will want 4x4 to get up farther into the pass... It gets chilly in the fall and winter but it's great relief from the heat of Arizona."
What campers like
Private campsites: Many equestrian campers appreciate spacing between sites. At Catalina State Park, Carly E. notes: "We were in site B48 - this site was at the edge of the loop so it was nice and fairly private - but there was very little shade." Site selection can significantly impact your camping experience.
Dedicated equestrian facilities: Horse-friendly campgrounds provide specialized amenities. Tony C. praises Rancho del Nido: "The camp is peaceful and has fantastic views with horses, a fire pit, and hiking trails." This ranch caters specifically to equestrian needs with appropriate facilities.
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers find economical sites. Holly C. mentions that Colossal Cave Mountain Park "was only 10$ for a tent spot," making it one of the more affordable options near Tucson for camping with horses.
What you should know
Gate closure policies: Some campgrounds restrict nighttime access. Brad F. notes about Colossal Cave Mountain Park: "I understand their reasoning behind locking the gates however; bad humans out there that come in late at night and trash the place and don't pay the measly $7 a night to camp - so locking the gates prevents that."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat impacts camping conditions significantly. At Catalina State Park, Krista Z. advises: "Trust the temperature they tell you!" for cave tours, highlighting how desert temperature variations affect activities.
Water availability: Most horse campgrounds near Tucson require bringing your own water supply. Robbie B. mentions about Colossal Cave Mountain Park: "There is a group spot with a pavilion that has running water, and pit toilets," but such amenities aren't universal across all camping areas.
Terrain challenges: Triangle T Guest Ranch offers unique camping among rock formations. Sandi reports: "Beautiful site right off the interstate with amazing landscapes that make you feel like your a million miles away from it. Dry camping, electric only, or full hook ups available."
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with natural features: Children appreciate nature-rich camping spots. Jennifer H. says of Catalina State Park: "The camp is nestled into the mountains so it's so green and great for nature walks! We saw a pair of owls keeping their nest safe."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide learning experiences. Geraldine B. shares about Rancho del Nido: "This is horse ranch with great host and amazing views. They offer horse back riding which our kids loved."
Bathroom accessibility: When camping with children, consider bathroom proximity. Janet H. notes about Catalina State Park: "The bathrooms were a pretty long walk from our site (there is only one bathroom facility for that loop)."
Cultural experiences: Historical sites engage children. Cassandra J. describes Triangle T Guest Ranch: "The on-site saloon with the chili pepper lights, original mural, and massive bolder behind the bar will make you wonder why this place is not more packed."
Tips from RVers
Site positioning considerations: RV placement affects comfort and utility access. 07JKRedrock S. advises about Triangle T Guest Ranch: "If you make a reservation, choose either full rv #3 or #4. These spots back up to a huge boulder and offer wind blocking and shade for your rig or tent."
Hookup availability: Different RV sites offer varying utility connections. According to Eric G., Pima County Fairgrounds provides "Full hookups" where you can "Take showers. Do laundry. Empty tanks full water tanks. Garbage. Quiet. Lots of spaces."
Road condition awareness: Access roads challenge larger rigs. Cass G. warns about Reddington Pass: "I wouldn't recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we've seen them get stuck trying to turn around. The road is rough but if you don't mind driving slow over the holes and bumps then no big deal."
Weekend congestion planning: Popular horse campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. Cass G. notes: "The camping sites closer to the entrance get packed on the weekends" at Reddington Pass, suggesting arriving early or midweek for better site selection.
