Best Cabin Camping near Vail, AZ

Several campgrounds within driving distance of Vail, Arizona provide cabin accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Kartchner Caverns State Park offers clean, well-maintained cabins with electricity and heating, situated near hiking trails and the park's famous cave system. "This is by far the cleanest campsite I have stayed at," notes one visitor about the park's facilities. Tucson Lazydays KOA features cabins sprinkled throughout their property with metal tables, chairs, and access to community amenities like swimming pools, hot tubs, and recreation areas. Kentucky Camp Cabin provides a more rustic experience with basic electric hookups and picnic tables. El Pais Motel and Campgrounds combines cabin rentals with retro charm, offering free laundry facilities and communal spaces for guests.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are available depending on location and price point. Patagonia Lake State Park provides primitive cabins with lake views, while KOA properties typically offer more furnished options with air conditioning and heating systems. Most cabin rentals are pet-friendly, though specific policies vary by location. According to one reviewer at Tucson Lazydays KOA, "The common areas were very nice including several gas firepits with chairs for just a couple or larger group." Advance reservations are essential, particularly during winter months when snowbirds flock to the region. Summer cabin rentals may require booking several months ahead, especially at state parks where availability is limited.

Most cabin accommodations provide beds with mattresses but require visitors to bring their own linens, pillows, and towels. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between properties, from basic fire rings to fully equipped kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves. Kartchner Caverns cabins include picnic tables and fire pits but no cooking equipment. On-site stores at larger campgrounds like Tucson Lazydays KOA stock essential supplies, while smaller operations may have limited provisions. Grocery stores can be found within 20 miles of most cabin locations, though stocking up before arrival is recommended. Visitors staying at more remote cabins should bring all necessary food, water, and supplies, as options for resupply may be limited.

Best Cabin Sites Near Vail, Arizona (32)

    1. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    50 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 799-3701

    "I stayed two nights with a Class B Van and the full hookup site was private, had a small grassy are, a picnic table and a portable fire pit."

    "2 pools, a playground, game room, pickle ball courts, mini golf, RC car track, go-cart rentals, golf cart rentals, dog parks, activity’s for kids, you won’t be bored!"

    2. Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-4100

    $50 - $129 / night

    "We're van camping and working remotely, so our priorities are internet connectivity, electricity, and running water."

    "Tent camping, Cabins, RV Camping, ton's of hiking from various levels of difficulty. Kartchner Cavern's is the main attraction here. Call ahead for availability and tickets."

    3. Voyager RV Resort & Hotel

    5 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Spaces are fine grace on hard pan. Level. Concrete pad and picnic table. It’s a resort not a campground. No fires. But you will be busy from 8 AM to after dark will activities."

    "For extended stays you will be responsible for your individual site Electric bill"

    4. Rincon Country East RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 886-8431

    $63 - $79 / night

    "Mount Lemmon is a short drive or bike ride away with snow capped top and great food offerings.  Skying is possible for those with young legs. "

    "While site parking is a serious challenge unless 25 foot and under the park is fantastic on most levels.  Beautiful grounds with kind staffing that are most helpful.   "

    5. El Pais Motel and Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    16 miles
    +1 (520) 907-6848

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Favorite parts:

    • full hookups
    • free chicken eggs from onsite chickens
    • communal fire pit every night
    • coffee every morning
    • free laundry & showers
    • pool and movies in the summer

    Only cons are"

    "Friendly staff, very fast internet, free laundry, and free free-range chicken eggs. We stayed 2 nights. There two normal full bathrooms, a kitchen, and a room to hang out in with a large TV."

    6. LS5 Ranch

    1 Review
    Vail, AZ
    10 miles
    +1 (520) 237-1226

    $25 - $100 / night

    7. Rancho del Nido

    5 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    19 miles
    +1 (520) 548-5503

    $40 - $50 / night

    "They worked around our schedule and made sure we were comfortable. They gave us numerous recommendations for local cuisine and sightseeing."

    "This campground with water and electric was quiet and beautiful. There were horse trails all around and you can bring your horses too. Dog friendly, and the owners were available if needed."

    8. Benson KOA

    6 Reviews
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    23 miles
    Website

    9. Patagonia Lake State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $129 / night

    "Lots of day use spots if you want to picnic by the lake under trees. Camp sites are sparse (table & fire pit) but we didn't feel as tightly packed as those areas down by the beach."

    "Great Lake if you can hop on a kayak and get away from the day beach area. Weekends during the summer are crazy. It’s the only real lake in the whole area so it is what it is. We go 3/4 times a year."

    10. Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building

    1 Review
    Sonoita, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 281-2296

    $75 / night

    "Beautiful place and location!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Cabin Reviews near Vail, AZ

209 Reviews of 32 Vail Campgrounds


  • Blaise R.
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Very nice facilities

    I stayed two nights with a Class B Van and the full hookup site was private, had a small grassy are, a picnic table and a portable fire pit. The common areas were very nice including the several gas firepits with chairs for just a couple or larger group. I was a little disappointed with the bathhouse/restroom, but that is because I am picky. The important thing is that I would definitely stay there again.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2023

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Not pretty but many amenities available

    General: Large KOA campground laid out in typical RV style with no privacy/separation between sites. There is every imaginable kind of site here from tent sites (with water and electric) to back-in sites with water and electric to FHU sites, some with covered sites to sites with private pet areas or play structures. There are also cabins sprinkled throughout. 

    Site Quality: Most sites are gravel; some have grass. All are level. Amenities vary per site. Ours had a round table with four chairs (in lieu of a picnic table) 

    Bath/Shower: In okay condition but then I saw a sign that they were scheduled to be remodeled a few months after our stay. 

    Activities: There are so many offerings including two pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, corn hole, putting green, basketball, and bike/surrey rentals. Also a daily “schedule of fun” with daily classes including Zumba and yoga, arts and crafts, bingo, etc. 

    Other amenities: On-site restaurant (delivery to your camper available), laundry, little lending library, pet wash.

    This campground is located in a less desirable part of Tucson with very few (if any) grocery stores, restaurants, etc. nearby. There is nothing scenic about the area and the campground is located on a busy street so you will hear road noise (and an occasional train). While we appreciated all the amenities, we prefer campgrounds with more privacy and scenery. This was a last-minute reservation when our plans changed and worked for an overnight stay.

  • Matthew K.
    Dec. 11, 2020

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    The most comfortable campground so far

    Can't give this one high enough stars.

    We're van camping and working remotely, so our priorities are internet connectivity, electricity, and running water.

    The sites are all nice and flat, very well maintained, and pretty well spaced out. For the desert, there's surprisingly good vegetation between sites for privacy (but it is the desert).

    The bathrooms are plentiful, immaculate, and have hot water, showers, heated hand dryers, and a dish washing station... All open, even in the winter!

    Decent cell coverage on both verizon and t mobile, plus good free WiFi. Our site, in particular, had some issues with the different providers, depending on the direction of the wind, but I was able to work all day.

    Our only itty bitty gripe is that the fire rings did not have grills. But really, that's nothing.

    Would gladly stay again!

    Oh, and there's some pretty nice trails and caves, too. Make sure you reserve your tour well in advance

  • Robert G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2020

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Amazing State Park and wonderful Endowment to Preserving Nature's Splendor

    Tent camping, Cabins, RV Camping, ton's of hiking from various levels of difficulty. Kartchner Cavern's is the main attraction here. Call ahead for availability and tickets. But don't miss all the other amazing hiking trails and nature center. Also check out the other astronomy programs they have from time to time. Tuscon is a "Dark Skies" community that offers amazing views of the night sky.

  • D
    Apr. 29, 2021

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Cleanest campsites ever!

    1-17-2021 site 33. Talk about clean! This is by far the cleanest campsite I have stayed at. The camp host are really nice and really do care about the camps. Nice and quiet at night. Electric and water at the sites. And some cool Arizona fire rings. We weren’t able to go into the caves because of our small child but there is a hiking trail which was nice. Great weekend getaway. Site 33 is right next to the cabins so are kinda close to there fire pits when relaxing but all the other sites look perfect.

  • Keisha D.
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Justin's Diamond J RV Park

    Great Sky Views

    Great views of the sky at night and very quiet but we were never able to get in touch with anyone from the office. Nice spacious sites but the common areas really need some love. There’s no pool which is a must have in Arizona’s heat. Great Verizon cell signal no WiFi, or could never get in touch with anyone to get a code.

  • Mstwister E.
    May. 11, 2021

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Great Time!

    We just went camping here our first time last weekend and we had a great time! A very kid friendly campground, they had lots of things to keep you busy! 2 pools, a playground, game room, pickle ball courts, mini golf, RC car track, go-cart rentals, golf cart rentals, dog parks, activity’s for kids, you won’t be bored! Bathrooms/ showers were pretty clean and had a nice little store if you forgot stuff. 3 nice big propane fire pits by the entrance were perfect for roasting marshmallows. The BBQ Rush had great food if you don’t feel like cooking one night. Only $36 a night for a back in site with full hookups is a great deal! We had a blast and will definitely be back!

  • Clint  G.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Great State Park!

    We stayed at this State park on 12/27/2020.  We were not able to visit the caverns as all tickets had been sold when we arrived in the morning!  Plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance online.  The RV park was fantastic.  Our site was W/E with a dump on exit.  The site was level with a asphalt pad, some shade, a fire ring and picnic table was provided.  The bathrooms and showers were super clean as well.  There are hikes on the property that were well maintained as well.

  • Lisa S.
    Jan. 15, 2021

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Nice hike

    This is an open desert State Park campground with a fancy, cavernous registration center you have to park and walk a few hundred yards to enter. The gift shop was closed.

    The campsites are close together affording little privacy. Each has water and electric hookup, a picnic table and fire ring. The back in sites are paved and level. The bathrooms with showers were clean and well appointed.

    The Camp Host greeted me once I was settled. He Wanted me to be aware of the rules and regulations of the campground. Before he left, he asked me if I was traveling alone. The campground host circled the campground in his golf cart several times each day peering into each site on his way by. The only other campground I experienced his behavior was in Lost DutchmanState Park up near Apache Junction.

    I hiked the Foothills Loop which was challenging in spots especially around the apex. Walking sticks are recommended. The views were awesome.

    I’d give this four stars, but I don’t like feeling surveilled


Guide to Vail

Cabins near Vail, Arizona offer camping options in both the Sonoran Desert and nearby mountain areas, with elevations ranging from 3,200 to 4,600 feet depending on location. Summer temperatures can reach 108°F at lower elevations, while winter nights may dip below freezing, particularly in January and February. Most cabin accommodations require reservations 3-6 months in advance during peak winter season.

What to do

Birding at Patagonia Lake: Patagonia Lake State Park features excellent bird watching opportunities with numerous species visible throughout the year. "Birder's paradise in April," notes one visitor who enjoyed canoeing the lake and biking around the small camp area.

Cave exploration: The limestone cave system at Kartchner Caverns State Park provides guided underground tours showcasing rare formations. "The caverns are amazing," reports a camper who appreciated the paved roads and level sites. Tours require advance booking and have specific rules about what you can bring into the cave.

Horse trails: Bring your own horses or inquire about riding opportunities at Rancho del Nido, where trails extend throughout the property. "This is horse ranch with great host and amazing views. They offer horse back riding which our kids loved," states one family who visited the ranch.

What campers like

Outdoor kitchens: Tucson Lazydays KOA offers specialized sites with outdoor cooking areas. "Pricey, but worth it. Sites with outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, swings, patios... lots of activities for everyone," according to one reviewer who appreciated the unique amenities.

Free amenities: El Pais Motel and Campgrounds provides unexpected complimentary services at their retro-themed property. "Free laundry & showers, communal fire pit every night, coffee every morning, free chicken eggs from onsite chickens," lists a satisfied camper who enjoyed the vintage atmosphere.

Dark skies: Clear night viewing conditions exist at several cabin locations with minimal light pollution. "Come for the stars, if nothing else," recommends a visitor to Rancho del Nido. Most sites offer unobstructed views of constellations with best viewing between 9pm-midnight during new moon phases.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Winter months (November-March) require bookings 4-6 months ahead at most locations. "We arrived right after the first of February. Tucson in February is why this place exists," explains a visitor to Voyager RV Resort & Hotel, noting the high seasonal demand.

Wildlife awareness: Desert wildlife may be active near cabins, particularly during warmer months. "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench," warns a Kartchner Caverns visitor who still rated their experience highly despite the encounter.

Site variations: Many campgrounds feature significantly different site layouts and amenities. "Spaces are fine grace on hard pan. Level. Concrete pad and picnic table. It's a resort not a campground. No fires," explains a Voyager RV Resort guest, highlighting the important distinction between camping and resort-style accommodations.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Rincon Country East RV Resort offers numerous organized activities for different age groups. "Your kids will never complain of boredom here. There is an unlimited amount of activities to keep them occupied," shares a visitor to Tucson Lazydays KOA who found the facilities suitable for family camping.

Pool access: Swimming facilities vary significantly between properties, with some offering multiple pool options. "Extraordinarily well maintained, spotless, full amenity RV Park," describes a visitor to Rincon Country East who found the facilities well-suited for family use despite primarily serving long-term residents.

Proximity to supplies: Most cabin locations require planning for family needs. "Couple stores within 20 miles for any forgotten items," notes a Kartchner Caverns camper, suggesting families should stock up before arrival but know options exist for emergency supplies.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose locations based on specific needs and preferences rather than proximity. "Lazydays offers just about anything you want, big small, covered, uncovered, just name it. The sites are well set up with a table and benches and they are clean," shares an RVer who found the variety helpful during a transition to a smaller vehicle.

Security considerations: Some cabin areas have varying neighborhood conditions. "We were surprised at how well maintained this campground is. It has lots of activities and the sites are spacious. The only downside to this campground is its location. It does have a security guard so we felt safe in the campground," notes an RV owner who still rated their experience positively.

Seasonal options: Summer visitors may find better availability and specialized accommodations. "Great spots, all with a seating area. Fruit trees at our spot. As it is winter now in most states, people tend to stay throughout the winter. Come in the summer and they'll have covered spots," advises a winter visitor who plans to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Vail, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Vail, AZ is Tucson - Lazydays KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 50 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Vail, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 32 cabin camping locations near Vail, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.