Are you planning a trip to Vail with your horse? We've got you covered. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Vail campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Catalina State Park camping is available in 120 electric and water sites. Each campsite has a picnic table and BBQ grill. Roads and parking slips are paved. Campgrounds have modern flush restrooms with hot showers, and RV dump stations are available in the park. There is no limit on the length of RVs at this park, but reservations are limited to 14 consecutive nights. Campgrounds are open all year. Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife.
$35 / night
If you’d like to spend more than just the day, why not camp here under the magnificent Sonoran skies? Campsites are tucked among the magnificent saguaro cacti and mesquite trees in Posta Quemada canyon, an area developed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. These grounds consist of two large areas, El Bosquecito and La Selvilla, plus a number of smaller areas totaling 30 individual sites.
Camping Rates
• Tent Camping: $10 per tent/night
• RV, Car and Horse Trailer Camping: $15 per vehicle/night
Check-in and pay at the Cave Shop before entering the camping area.
$10 - $15 / night
$30 - $35 / night
Surrounded by gorgeous, scenic mountains & grasslands, you will enjoy magnificent views & pure serenity here at Rancho del Nido. When you ride or hike out on the Empire Ranch, you will feel miles away from anything and 100 years back in time. Each RV site includes full water & electric hookups with an easily accessible community dump station for septic. Horse stalls, 2 arenas & round pens on site. Trail ride through our direct gate access to the historic Empire Ranch (Las Cienegas National Conservation Area) & enjoy thousands of acres of trails. Horses/pets welcome! OHV’s welcome! Close to over 18 wineries!
$40 - $50 / night
$25 - $40 / night
$20 / night
The Triangle T Historic Ranch is located 60 miles southeast of Tucson.
Guide
Nice spot just off the AZT, stayed while on a bike trip on the trail. Camped in the La Selvilla section in the back of the canyon. Plenty of room and spots are not too tight and most had shade trees. All had flat tent pad, table and fire ring. There is a group spot with a pavilion that has running water, and pit toilets. Verizon was one bar, got a few calls out but text would not work. They do lock the gate at 4:00, so once in, you are there for the night. Only one other group when we were there. Would go back for sure.
Scout
Would recommend this campground. Clean lots of trails to hike or bike. No sewer hookup but does have electric and water. Campground was full but still very quiet. I have already reserved again next month
ScoutGreat roomy spots. Terrible ant problem.
Guide
I’ve camped at Redington Pass a few times throughout the years. It’s a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. 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.
Easy to find, follow Tanque Verde Rd all the way East until it turns into Redington Road, this then leads to a dirt road with TONS of dispersed camping pull offs with established fire rings. The further east you travel on the pass the less people you have to camp next to. The camping sites closer to the entrance get packed on the weekends.
The further you go you’ll run out of service, no bathrooms, no water hook ups, nothing, just dispersed wild camping!
GuideHad a quick stay here but was still able to see some. It’s AZ so it’s always hot, just prepare for that. The hiking trails and history are amazing here. Showers and bathrooms well maintained. It did rain pretty good as we were rolling in so the ants were…insane. They were everywhere.
Guide
Quiet park, level and clean gravel sites. About 5 minutes from the town of Tombstone. It’s was getting down to freezing temperatures in November briefly over night. You can rent an outdoor fireplace and buy firewood on site too.
ScoutThe place was clean. People were friendly close to attractions and enjoyed our stay very much. Would recommend it. Five star bathrooms were clean.
GuideI travel to Tucson from Phoenix on a regular basis. CSP is close enough to get to my destinations and it provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts in the same vicinity. Plus I can camp and do my astrophotography at the same time.
RangerWe've stayed here on 3 different trips to the SW, 2019,2020 & 2023. A very nice break from the remote, amenity-less places we usually camp. It's a great place to resupply, dine out, see the sights, clean up and relax in the Arizona sunshine while gazing a the Santa Catalina Mountains.
There is some hiking including guided Ranger led tours. Lots of birds, coyotes and a whole lot of giant saguaro cactus. In spring at least, there is water, sometimes a lot.
I find that some of the sites are well spaced, some with stunted trees which could provide more shade once they leaf out. We've never had that experience with all out visits coming in March or early April.
We're not much for big campgrounds or RV Parks but this one works for us. It has however gotten, like everywhere else, EXTREMELY HARD to reserve a site, especially one of the better ones.
One other note - Wood fires are not allowed!! We use a propane Firebowl there.
TravelerVery nice campground with great views of the mountains, hiking, and biking around Oro Valley on road bike. Easy access to the loop trail. It was low 30s in the mornings (February). Bathroom and showers in loop A were coolish.
TravelerGreat spot to go camping! The trail into the campground was great, you will need a 4x4 in certain spots, but mostly it’s a smooth ride. At night the view of the stars was beautiful since there was hardly any light pollution. 10/10 recommended
Scout
We called and made reservations to stay here for a few weeks and when we arrived we were turned away because we were young, and have two kids, and have 2 dogs. . . And because our camper is too big at 29 ft all of which they knew before we arrived. So now we are sitting at a gas station trying to figure out where to go. Also, I’m not assuming that was the reason, that’s the actual reason we were turned away.
RangerLoved this camp site. You have to go into the cave gift shop to pay. They do close gates at 4. Was only 10$ for a tent spot.
LegendCatalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience. The campsite is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, with majestic saguaro cacti and rugged mountains providing a picturesque backdrop.
The well-maintained facilities and spacious campsites make it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced campers. What sets Catalina State Park apart is its remarkable proximity to the town of Tucson. Just a short drive away, campers can easily access the vibrant city to explore its cultural attractions, dine at diverse restaurants, and shop for supplies.
This accessibility makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the serenity of the outdoors without sacrificing the convenience of urban amenities. Whether you're into hiking, stargazing, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Catalina State Park offers it all. The stunning natural beauty combined with its proximity to town makes it a top-notch choice for a camping adventure in Tucson, Arizona.
GuideGrounds are well kept and staff are very nice. Highly recommend.
Scout
It's a no-frills campground. Basically it looks like a huge drive-in theater for RV's; without the movie. There are a few sections of this campground that have trees and nicer sites, but not everyone gets a tree site. In the open areas you don't want to put out your awning if you want to keep it. Don't bring the kids, not even a playground. However, what it lacks in frills it makes up in being neat and clean. Roads, laundry, bathrooms and park areas are well maintained. There is also a very nice desert nature trail with information signs about the vegetation. We were here for two hot weeks.
RangerWell kept Campground north of Tucson. We stayed in 3 different sites because we made last minute reservations. Great hiking and biking. Birds everywhere, fun to watch.
ScoutThis little piece of I-10 is a wonderful little spot. We arrived close to sunset and found a perfect spot to camp amongst the rocks. 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.
10/10 would stay again!
Scout
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.
Come for the stars,if nothing else.
Guide40 mile scenic drive on a 4x4 road, dispersed camping along the way. Extremely popular view to park off the road in the saguaros. But I’d recommend cactus forest north of Tucson in blm land if you want that. Farther in you hit the mountains. We stayed off an off roading rock crawler trail. Def the path less taken. Super quiet and relaxing.
Ranger
Bumpy road washed out farther up but the dispersed area was fine. Pretty cold and rugged in Jan but really gorgeous. Creek runs near road.
LegendLike most I’ve seen in this area, this RV park is pretty much a large gravel parking lot. Sites are level FHU and large enough to park tow vehicle or toad along side your RV. The great advantage of this place is the cost of $35 a day. FCFS, no reservations Park is frequently busy with events, rodeos, etc, which may limit access to some amenities. Drag strip next door may add sweet but brief engine noise
LegendThis was a nice spot to stop for the night. Take showers. Do laundry. Empty tanks full water tanks. Garbage. Quiet. Lots of spaces.
GuideThis place is the best!! Paved sites, clean bathrooms , showers (free) great walking trails Loved everything about this place
TravelerThis is horse ranch with great host and amazing views. They offer horse back riding which our kids loved.
TravelerThe people ar this place were very informative, the bathrooms were clean and it was a great spot to visit Tombstone. The dog spot was clean and fun.
ScoutStayed for a full week in March 2022. Sites had water and electricity (30 amp). Spaces were large, open, had fire ring and picnic bench. Paved, level. The views are spectacular! The advantage of this campground is that it is close to urban amenities, there is a shopping center just across the road from the park entrance. Hiking, biking & horse trails abound. On Saturdays there are nature camp events in the park. Will stay here again when in Tucson area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Vail, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vail, AZ is Catalina State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 60 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Vail, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Vail, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
