The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Tucson, AZ

616 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Tucson area range from high-elevation forest settings to desert landscapes within Saguaro National Park. General Hitchcock Campground offers tent sites tucked between pine trees at cooler elevations on Mount Lemmon, while Happy Valley Saddle Campground provides a more remote backcountry experience within Saguaro National Park, requiring a 4.6-mile hike to reach the tent sites.

Most tent campgrounds near Tucson have basic amenities with varying levels of development. General Hitchcock features vault toilets and trash collection but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Sites typically cost $10-20 per night, with most operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Backcountry tent sites in Saguaro National Park require permits ($8 fee) and have strict regulations regarding fires. A camper noted, "The campground was great. We were the only ones there and used site 3. It was very secluded and had a nice big bear box and a nice fire ring." Many sites lack cell service, particularly in canyon areas and remote locations.

The tent camping experience varies significantly with elevation and season. Mount Lemmon sites sit at approximately 6,000 feet elevation, offering temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than Tucson proper—a welcome relief during summer months. Backcountry tent sites like Manning Camp provide unique experiences with dramatic landscape transitions from desert to pine forest. Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion but require more preparation. Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp provides dispersed tent camping opportunities with several spots accessible via dirt roads, though one review mentioned it's "highly used so make sure you plan ahead." Walk-in tent sites at Gordon Hirabayashi Campground provide easier access to hiking trails and climbing areas but experience more day-use traffic and dust from nearby trailhead parking.

Map showing campgrounds near Tucson, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Tucson, Arizona (16)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Tucson Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Tucson, AZ

11 Photos of 16 Tucson Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Tucson, AZ

616 Reviews of 16 Tucson Campgrounds

  • Dray S.
    Sep. 8, 2019

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Great, easy getaway if you don't mind company

    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). It is located approximately 3 miles past the Palisades Visitor Center and the entrance is marked well by a big brown sign as you approach. Phill and Denise, the friendly campsite managers will give you advice and suggestions about campsites that suite your needs. The photos attached to this review are from campsite#6, which is close to the Phill& Denise’s camper location and the highway- yes, we did hear road noise. Most campers chose locations deeper in the campground, but we were there on a busy weekend so most of those“deeper” campsites were occupied. All sites have a large bear box, concrete picnic table, charcoal grill and an iron fire pit. The picnic area of the site is level but the whole campsite is NOT so pick your location carefully if you want to pitch your tent on a flat, level plot. We did find some firewood left over from prior campers but recommend bringing your own, dry wood if you have room in your rig. In my observation, there is a rather nice, vessel toilet house strategically located to serve 6- 7 campsites. There is also a water faucet to be shared by 6- 7 campsites. Campsite#6 has its own faucet so others might also. There are 60+ campsites throughout Spencer Canyon and I would suggest that those“deeper” in the campground are more desirable. It should be noted that most of the campsites are close together, that is, about 50-75 feet apart, hence, my“... if you don’t mind company” comment. It should also be noted that Phill& Denise are really nice and helpful, the campsites are well maintained and clean, it is only 22 miles from Tucson and less than 6 miles from the mountaintop hamlet of Summerhaven, and is situated at approximately 7,900 fee of elevation. Thus, Spencer Canyon Campground is a great getaway from the Arizona heat and close enough to Tucson for a 1- 2 night weekend.

  • Ash C.
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Great campground clean bathrooms !

    While busy, this is a well ran and well managed campground. The hosts are diligent to touch base with everyone coming in (safety) and the campsites though somewhat close together, offer unique ways to capture some privacy. The mountain can get very cold and windy at night, so make sure you have a sleeping bag rated for freezing temps. This campground has some of the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen! Seriously! I don’t know how they do it!

    The camp hosts have fire wood for sale as well, you just have to flag them down when they drive by. Each site has a fire ring and grill. I also found several fresh water pumps within walking distance from my camp. The site is very easily accessible but some of the dirt roads can get pretty rutty, so use caution with lower profile vehicles.

  • Jered K.
    Feb. 25, 2019

    Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park

    Small & remote camp

    Happy Valley campground's name can be decieving.. its actually at 6,000' of elevation, 4.6 miles up the Miller Creek trail in the Rincon mountains east of Tucson. It lies within the Saguaro National Park so a permit is required ($8 fee). Up to 6 people per permit. There is 3 spots at the camp. Each spot has a fire ring, bear box, and some good size stumps to sit on around the fire. There is a vaulted toilet at the site as well. Water can be scarce in the Rincons so plan accordingly!

    Another 3.4 miles up the trail and you'll be at the summit of Rincon Peak (8,200'ish).

  • P
    Sep. 13, 2020

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Very Nice

    My grandson and I stayed in a tent campsite for two nights. There are only a 5 tent sites and they don't have a tent pad. After two passes we were able to find a site with a smooth spot without rocks for the tent, B5, a picnic table but no shade. I felt there could have been more bathrooms and water spickets but honestly I did not do much walking in the campground. It is the quiet time of year, before snowbirds come, so we were able to have our pick of electric or not sites. It was quiet; I think three trailers and one other tenter. No generators allowed and 7 day strict limit. The coyotes were very vocal at night, which I enjoyed.This is more of an RV campground but suited us fine for two days. We interacted with the hosts and they were very nice. We explored the trails, visitor center and Sonora Desert Museum, which we loved. Thirty minute drive to Tucson. We went to the Reid Park Zoo, which we thoroughly enjoyed; LOTS of animals for a small zoo. We drove the loop in East Saguaro National Park. Some things closed in West Saguaro park so be aware of that, like Old Tucson, but we found lots to do.

  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 17, 2020

    Bog Springs Campground

    Excellent weekend trip

    The sites are first come, first served but we didn’t have any issues finding a spot during the winter. Our site had plenty of space for 2 vehicles, 1x 3-person tent and 3x 1-person tents. The sites are well shaded with trees and each site has a fire pit and bear box.

    Lots of hiking trails available. Since it’s a wilderness area, they are all pet friendly. It is the perfect getaway from Tucson.

    The Ranger and camp host we meet were super friendly!

  • Candy P.
    Jun. 29, 2021

    General Hitchcock Campground

    Perfect tent camping spot

    This sky island campground in Mt Lemmon is perfect for a quick weekend getaway from Tucson. The weather here is 10-15 degrees cooler than the city. This campground is small, with tent sites tucked away between pine trees. A vaulted bathroom is at the center of the parking lot.

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Great Mountainside Campsite

    We have stayed here a couple of times on trips to the West Coast. The park is beautiful at the foot is the mountains overlooking Tucson. The elevation is fairly high up. So, the temps are quite moderate compared to Tucson. They have a mix of reservation and non reservation sites all ranges from large RVs to tent camper. Great showers and restrooms and good roadways all the way into the sites. Tucson is just minutes always and the State Park Entrance is near a residential neighborhood. The mountains are beautiful in the morning. I would highly recommend this site if you are wanting to camp near Tucson, Arizona.

  • Candy P.
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Large campground in Mt Lemmon

    Spencer Canyon campground in Mt Lemmon is nestled under the pine trees and boasts a 15-20 degree drop in temperature from nearby Tucson. Bear boxes are provided as are vaulted toilets. I’ve seen trailers travel down the canyon, but I wouldn’t try it. The roads are steep and narrow. Perfect for tent camping

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Best Campsites for Snowbirds In Arizona

    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. But when you drive through Tucson, there is a mecca filled with winter bird campers and long term campers which create a home away from home.

    With only tent sites available on the facility, we were fortunate to find a site, however when we arrived we were so excited by the facilities we extended our stay by a day.

    Office staff immediately greeted us and let us know about the facilities, which happened to feature a mini golf course, an indoor events facility, 2 swimming pools and hot tubs, an indoor recreation area and multiple on camp fire chinineas. In addition there was a fishing pond and dog park area.

    Each of the 4 campsites were considered to be regular campsites instead of upgrade sites but when we arrived it was the most delux sites we had encountered along the way.

    Pad sites were large and the first to actually accommodate our large tent and the ground was u like any we had seen before at a site. The soft mulch was similar to that of a modern day playground and made for a much more comfortable sleep over the two days we were there.

    In addition to the standard picnic table of most facilities, this campground offered a kitchen facility at each campsite including a large copper sink and food storage as well as electricity and overhead lighting in the pergola designed to allow shade from the harsh Arizona sun.

    It was the closest thing to glamping we had encountered by far!

    Then as an added bonus, fresh fruit trees abounded ready for the picking. The front desk informed us of the allowance to pick what you want as everything was in season! An amazing treat on the road!

    We spent many hours at the pool facility, enjoyed amazing neighbors, used the wifi and even did a load of laundry while in Tucson. The facility really was like a home away from home on the road.

    🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰

    If the scale went higher we would rank it more Bunnies. There were no real areas we could see for improvement. Staff was very accommodating, long term and short term residents of the facility were amazing and this was a desert oasis like no other!

Guide to Tucson

Tucson, Arizona, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a unique experience in nature. From scenic views to well-maintained facilities, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

Tips for tent camping near Tucson

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping sites in and around Tucson?

For exceptional tent camping near Tucson, head to General Hitchcock Campground on Mt. Lemmon, a perfect weekend getaway with temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than the city. This small campground offers tent sites nestled between pine trees, with some spots situated near a seasonal stream. For adventurous backpackers, Happy Valley Saddle Campground in Saguaro National Park provides a rewarding experience at 6,000 feet elevation after a moderate 4.6-mile hike. With only three secluded sites, each equipped with bear boxes and fire rings, it offers a true wilderness experience. Both locations provide access to scenic hiking trails and natural beauty that showcase the diverse landscapes around Tucson.

What are the affordable tent camping options near Tucson?

Budget-conscious campers will find excellent options at Gordon Hirabayashi Campground, which offers affordable sites with easy access to multiple hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails. Though somewhat busy due to the adjacent trailhead parking, it sits away from the highway, providing relative quiet. For those seeking free dispersed camping, Empire Ranch offers numerous no-cost spots suitable for ground tents. This area provides plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the desert landscape without the constraints of a developed campground. Both locations offer affordable alternatives to commercial campgrounds while still providing access to Tucson's natural beauty.

Is there tent camping near downtown Tucson or with water access?

While Tucson doesn't offer tent camping directly downtown, several options provide water access within a reasonable drive. Showers Point Group Site features running potable water and well-maintained facilities, making it convenient for larger groups. For a more secluded experience with water, Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest is just 10 minutes from Patagonia, though it lacks a direct water source. Most camping in the region requires a 30-45 minute drive from downtown Tucson, with the closest options being in the foothills surrounding the city. If water access is essential, camping at higher elevations on Mt. Lemmon typically offers the best opportunities for seasonal streams.

When is the best season for tent camping in the Tucson area?

The ideal season for tent camping around Tucson is late fall through early spring (October to April), when desert temperatures are mild and comfortable. Summer camping in the lower elevations can be dangerous with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. For summer camping, head to higher elevation sites like Manning Camp in Saguaro National Park or mountain campgrounds on Mt. Lemmon, where temperatures can be 15-20 degrees cooler than in the city. During winter, lower elevation sites provide pleasant conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s and cool nights. Spring (March-April) offers spectacular wildflower displays but can be windy, while monsoon season (July-September) brings spectacular storms but potential flash flooding.

Keep Exploring