Best Tent Camping near Vail, AZ
Looking for tent camping near Vail? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Vail. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Arizona tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Vail, Arizona (23)
1. Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park
4 Reviews•5 Photos•99 SavesSaguaro National Park, ArizonaThe story of Saguaro National Park dates back much farther than its establishment in 1994. Prior to this, the area was designated a national monument in 1933 as a way to preserve the unique Sonoran Desert landscapes of the Tucson and Rincon mountain districts. This saved the area from the ranchers and miners who settled in the area in the 1880s. These followed the Spanish explorers who established a military fort in Tucson in the 1770s, nearly a century after founding a mission in the ares in the 1690s. Petroglyphs and potshards indicate that the Hohokam peoples inhabited the area for more than a millennium prior to the Spanish. Travel back even farther, and there’s a complex geologic history of exactly how the landscape came into being—and why it’s worth preserving.
Camping in Saguaro is like entering a time machine. With no campgrounds in the park accessible by vehicle, the only way to camp is to hike in to any of the six designated campgrounds. The trails to get to the campgrounds typically start from developed roads and trailheads, but venture deep into the Sonoran backcountry, where only the rocks, plants, and animals tell the story of a landscape that’s changed little—with the exception of who’s occupied it—for the past several thousand years. One of the more popular campsites for those looking to bag 8,482-foot Rincon Peak, is the Happy Valley Saddle, which lies in a grove of scrubby pine and juniper forest, about halfway along the hike to the peak.
This small campsite is located on the east end of the Rincon Mountain District. The campsite is accessible via a 3.9-mile trail that climbs 2,000 feet from the Miller Creek Trailhead. The road to this trailhead is not maintained, so may not be passable by passenger vehicles, or following inclement weather. The site offers three spaces for pitching tents. The water supply at nearby Miller Creek is seasonal at best, so visitors should plan accordingly. There are no facilities here, so hikers should exercise Leave No Trace and pack-it-in-pack-it-out practices. Camping in the Saguaro Wilderness backcountry requires a park-issued wilderness permit, which can be acquired in person at the park visitor center, or by submitting an application in advance.
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Firewood Available
$8 / night
2. General Hitchcock Campground
8 Reviews•23 Photos•115 SavesWillow Canyon, ArizonaThis small, sheltered campground is tucked away just off the Catalina Highway, along the rocky streambed that forms the floor of upper Bear Canyon. Campsites are nestled under a canopy of ponderosa pines, junipers and oaks. Some sites are located right along Bear Creek among large rocks. The Creek generally only flows during rainy periods or during the Spring snowmelt, but be vigilant of flash floods.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$10 / night
3. Manning Camp — Saguaro National Park
2 Reviews•6 Photos•21 SavesSaguaro National Park, ArizonaIn 1884, Levi Manning emigrated from Mississippi to Tucson, Arizona, and after some years established L.H. Manning and Company. He later expanded his business interests with ranching and acquired a 160-acre homestead in the Rincon Mountains. There, at an elevation of 8,000 feet, amid pine forest near a perennial spring, he selected a site for what would become his family’s summer home. Manning hired local workers to build an 11-mile wagon road to the site, which was used to transport the tools and materials used to construct his remote, five-room retreat. However, Manning would only enjoy his mountain getaway for a couple summers before his homestead was absorbed into the newly-formed Coronado National Forest in 1907. For the next half-century, the Manning Cabin was used mostly by Forest Service fire and trail crews. During this time, it went through various states of disrepair and reconstruction. From the late 1950s until the late 1970s, the cabin was largely abandoned until it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. One again restored and back in operation, the Manning Cabin serves as a base for area research and backcountry rangers. The cabin is not open to the public, but visitors can hike to the cabin and pitch their tents in the nearby Manning Camp. This small campground has six tent sites that can accommodate up to six people each. Camping here requires obtaining a Saguaro National Park backcountry permit, which can be acquired at a park visitor center, or by mailing in a request form in advance. There are several hiking trails that can be used to get to Manning Camp. All are long, and all are difficult. The trail from Happy Valley is 9.8 miles (one-way), and gains a total of 4,700 feet of elevation. This trail starts at the Miller Creek trailhead, near the eastern border of the park, and requires driving an unmaintained forest road; 4WD and/or a high-clearance vehicle are recommended. From the Loma Alta trailhead, in the southwest corner of the Rincon Mountain Unit, the route is 13.5 miles (one-way), and gains more than 5,700 feet of elevation. The trails to Manning Camp climb through a mix of desert scrub, oak woodlands and conifer forests. This area is home to black bears and mountain lions; store all food in the camp’s bear-proof lockers. Hikers should follow LNT guidelines, and treat all backcountry water sources.
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
4. Gordon Hirabayashi Campground
3 Reviews•9 Photos•35 SavesWillow Canyon, ArizonaThe name Prison camp came from the Federal Honor Camp begun in 1937 to house federal prisoners supplying labor to build a road providing access into the Santa Catalina Mountains. Prisoners had been convicted of federal crimes ranging from immigration law violations to tax evasion to bank robbery. During World War II, many of the prisoners were conscientious objectors whose religions prohibited them from serving in the military. Some were Japanese Americans protesting the “Japanese American Relocation,” the largest forced removal and incarceration in U.S. History. After the Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, over 100,000 Japanese Americans, many American Citizens, were imprisoned in crowded internment camps for fear they would conduct espionage and sabotage along the west coast. Gordon Hirabayashi was a senior at the University of Washington in 1942. He challenged the constitutionality of internment based on race or ancestry. He turned himself in to the FBI rather than report for relocation. He was convicted and sentenced to serve at the honor camp in the Santa Catalina Mountains. In 1987 Hirabayashi’s case was overturned. A federal commission determined that the internment had been motivated by racial prejudice and wartime hysteria. In 1988 the Civil Liberties Act was signed by President Ronald Reagan, which acknowledged the injustice and apologized for the internment. In 1999 the Coronado National Forest renamed the site in honor of Dr. Hirabayashi and the other resisters of conscience who were imprisoned there. Dr. Hirabayashi and others attended the dedication ceremony.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
5. Showers Point Group Site
1 Review•7 Photos•12 SavesWillow Canyon, ArizonaOverview
The cool shade of tall ponderosa pines and an overlook of Palisade Canyon from the campgrounds edge make Showers Point Group Site a popular place for groups to spend a weekend or an afternoon. Visitors can relax in shaded campsites, picnic at nearby Rose Canyon, hike and mountain bike on nearby trails or take a scenic drive on Catalina Highway.
Recreation
Within easy walking distance from Showers Point is one of the most scenic overlooks in the Santa Catalinas. From this towering bluff visitors can see the lower slopes of the Santa Catalina Range and the Santa Cruz Valley stretching toward Mexico. Tall, pyramid-shaped Mt. Wrightson of the Santa Rita Mountains stands prominent on the horizon. Visitors enjoy hiking through the Santa Catalina backcountry, via the Palisade Trail that departs near the campground. The trail drops down the southwestern slopes of the mountain range to the popular Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Fishing is also available at the nearby six-acre Rose Canyon Lake. A day-use fee is applicable at Rose Canyon
Natural Features
Showers Point Group Campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains at 7,700 feet. Because of its elevation, it can be much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The campsites are spacious and spread out among stands of big ponderosa pines and clusters of Gambel oak. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (520) 314-0069.
Nearby Attractions
Catalina Highway, also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway, is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic highways in the southwest and provides a popular day trip. Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$114 / night
6. Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
2 Reviews•5 Photos•11 SavesPatagonia, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Grass Shack — Saguaro National Park
Be the first to review!•3 SavesSaguaro National Park, ArizonaGrass Shack is a great campground that offers shade from large sycamores as well as other riparian species.
- Tents
8. Douglas Spring — Saguaro National Park
Be the first to review!•1 SaveSaguaro National Park, ArizonaThe Douglas Spring Campground is located 6.05 miles from the Douglas Spring Trailhead in Saguaro National Park.
- Tents
9. Whitetail Group Site
1 Review•1 SaveWillow Canyon, ArizonaWhitetail Campground offers group campsites in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains of southeastern Arizona, 5 miles south of the town of Summerhaven and the top of Mt. Lemmon. Groups can enjoy picking, hiking, camping and wildlife watching while enjoying a cool respite from hot summer. The facility can accommodate groups for day or overnight use. Hosts live on site. This campground is designed for large groups such as church, corporation, family reunions, etc. Sites are often booked a year in advance through reserveamerica.gov. On occasion a site may not be booked and walk-ins are welcome, however, the cost of the site is the fee. Whitetail Group Campsites have large firepits, large grills, tables, ramadas and bear boxes. Each site has a clean, stocked restroom.Each site has a ramada with picnic tables, a 120 volt outlet to plug in a coffee pot, crockpot, etc.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
10. Spud Rock Spring Campground — Saguaro National Park
Be the first to review!•6 SavesSaguaro National Park, Arizona- Fires
- Tents
$8 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Vail, Arizona
616 Reviews of 23 Vail Campgrounds
- PPamela
Traveler
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.
Janet H.
Guide
Catalina State Park Campground
Catalina State Park campground is one to add to your trip itinerary
Camped 14-15 March 2021 - Minutes from the hustle and bustle of Tucson and Oro Valley, but surprisingly quiet. Catalina State Park Campground has two campsite loops- A and B, as well as the Ringtail group tent site. I tent camped at site A16, which was a decent distance from the neighboring sites. The loops and parking slips are asphalt paved. Familiarize yourself with the site map, because most of the campsite numbers were on posts set back a distance from the road, making it tough to locate some of the sites, especially if you’re arriving after dark. Campsites are typical desert sand, with mesquite and palo verde trees. I had plenty of location options within the site for setting up my tent, but had to choose carefully, as to not sleep atop an access hole to the round-tailed ground squirrel burrows that are in abundance throughout the campground. The site had water, an electric hook up (which I didn’t need), a nice sized thermoplastic polyethylene coated metal picnic table (easy to clean), a raised BBQ grill and a beautiful view of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The restroom and shower facility in loop A was clean and adequate, with three toilet stalls (one of which was ADA compliant, as well as two showers (one being ADA compliant). Signage on ADA shower stall indicated adaptive equipment (shower chair, etc.) was available through the camp hosts. An open breezeway between women’s and men’s restrooms includes a sink, soft drink machine, a small “Take a book, share a book” cabinet, and informational bulletin boards. A posted sign indicated wifi password for the campground, but whenever I tried to connect, I got a prompt that it was unavailable. I had a strong Verizon signal. Per another sign posted in the breezeway, the 48-day Bighorn Fire of June 2020 burned almost 120,000 acres / 25% of Catalina State Park. Because of vegetation loss, the Canada del Oro wash (along the main road between the entrance/ranger station and the campground) is prone to flooding when it rains at higher elevations. The wash has been running black with ash, and for longer periods of time than before the fire. The ash coats the sand, preventing the rainwater from being absorbed, creating the potential for flash floods. The Romero Trail to Romero Pools has been closed since the fire, with signs indicating reopening in May 2021. There are still plenty of miles of beautiful desert trails to enjoy. There are two large grocery stores and two gas stations within five miles of the campground.
- LLoren O.Guide
Gilbert Ray Campground
Organized and clean tent camping
Loved this spot for a night. Practically in the NP, hard to tell the park bounds of Saguaro. Camp hosts were orderly and extremely friendly and available. Grounds were tidy! Bathrooms were clean. Felt really safe as a solo camper. Tent only sites are secluded to themselves. I was in B2 and I’d book that one or B3 if I ever go back. This tent site cluster has a little shade whereas the other two tent sites down the road are pretty exposed.
SilVer F.Traveler
Tucson - Lazydays KOA
My Journey on my HD Slim
Very Awesome Resort, very clean site Enjoy my tent site. Friendly staff da Bar n Grill was great. Very clean bathrooms and showers!!!
Linette G.Guide
Molino Basin Campground
Nice clean, better for tent camping
Nice, clean campground, along the Mt. Lemmon Highway. Better for tent camping as there are beautiful, individual walk-in sites that are fairly private.
Tons of rec opportunities right from camp: hiking, mountain biking, etc.
- KKrisann T.Traveler
Catalina State Park Campground
Nice facility, friendly camp hosts and nearby hiking trails
Nice RV hookups but great tent sites as well. Desert vegetation so don't count on much shade. Best in the fall or spring. Summer is Hot!
- Joe F.
Scout
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Not bad for the price
Super cheap. The sites and restrooms needs some tlc. We were the only ones in the tent camping area which was a plus. This campground is good if you r doing tours in the day or just need a trip to get out.
Patrick T.GuideCatalina State Park Campground
Absolutely love Catalina state park
Me and my family did a 1 day tent camping trip to Catalina state park. And we all absolutely loved it there. The bathrooms are super clean, the staff was very helpful. The camping sites are great, lots of space. Would definitely recommend a trip to Catalina state park.
- Ashton J.Traveler
Gilbert Ray Campground
Love this place!!!
This was the second time my husband and I have stayed here. We first tent camped here in September 2020, it wasn’t busy and there were maybe 3 other people in the whole camp. When we were traveling this past time though Arizona we stopped again because we loved it so much last time. This trip we were in our RV and it was during busy season, but we still loved it just as much! You can’t beat the views and it was only $20/night for full hook ups! We will be back!
Candy P.
Legend
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
Shea M.Legend
Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground
International Dark Sky Park
We pulled in after dark and were gone by morning! We wanted somewhere to see the stars! It looked like a super clean park with paved roads, plenty of RV hookups and bath/shower house. We did tent camp. I wish we could have stayed longer to see the caverns, but this was just a pit stop on our road trip!
- Candy P.Legend
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.
Robert G.
RangerKartchner 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.
- PPaula L.Traveler
Lakeview Campground
Nice and quiet
This USDA Forest Service campground is a very nice one. Nicely laid out sites, well maintained bathrooms. It’s easy to walk to the lake from the lowest tent sites. We stayed here in fall, and imagine it’s heavily used in summer. There’s a great trail around the lake. $20 as of November 2020.
- RRick I.Traveler
Shootout Arena RV Park
A Gem of a Campground
This place is perfect for dry camping a short distance from historic Main Street Tombstone. There were no amenities, so be prepared! You cannot beat the price! For car/tent camping there are some private spaces with a little shade and evidence of past campfires. Be sure to stay to the left of the sign to go into the lower camping area. Pay your 10 bucks at the drop box.
Sara S.LegendKartchner Caverns State Park Campground
unique features
Camping at Kartchner Caverns was wonderful! It seemed like the sites were geared towards RV campers, but tent camping would work out ok as well. The camping area was somewhat open, but the sites aren't too close together that you feel uncomfortable. The obvious draw is the caverns which could occupy a couple day of a persons camping trip. Because of this attraction, it does get rather busy but camping is still not disturbed too much.
- AAllison B.Guide
Gilbert Ray Campground
Surrounded by Saguaros 🌵
This campground was great. We were only there one night passing through, but found everything we needed. We were on the west side and had a great view of the gorgeous sunset. There were a few tent sites but overall it seems oriented to RVs/vans, etc. Great facilities, too. While we weren’t working those days, there was a good AT&T signal. I would definitely stay longer if in the area!
Marty C.Scout
Patagonia Lake State Park Campground
Beautiful lake campground, with great views of the lake.
Patagonia Lake Campground is well maintained. Very busy in the Winter months so you must make reservations well in advance. The visitor center is great if you have children, they have all kinds of activities for kids, and a junior ranger program. The RV spots are full hookups no sewer but there is dump station there on the premises. They have tent camping right by the lake as well. Cabins will be completed in October 2018. Staff very friendly and the grounds are well maintained. One of our favorites.
- Sara S.Legend
Patagonia Lake State Park Campground
tons of camping!
Fun place to spend a couple nights :) The camping area seems designed with RV campers in mind, but tent camping is possible as well. I would say the sites a a bit close together for my taste, but still manageable. Site #16 treated us well! The amenities were very nice and clean! A nice feature is the lake and boat rental within the park. Bird watching is very popular here we learned as we talked to others at the park. (There are also a few boat in camping site, which seems like it would be a fun adventure! We did not explore this on our visit.)
Joel R.Legend
Mountain View RV Park
Nice rv park, not great
This is an ok rv park. It’s not fancy. But it has what we need. We have reservations for a month. Had planned to stay at RV park down the road, but they didn’t have a working shower, and we didn’t think we could go a month without, This park has 72 pull through sites, water, 30/50 amp electric, and sewer. Monthly sites charge extra for electricity. There are 2 bathrooms/showers which are passable. There is a big dog run, and a small one for small dogs. They have laundry and an exercise room. Internet is spotty. There are a few tent sites. There is an RV service and sales facilities adjacent to the park
- GGrace Y.Scout
Benson KOA
Policy not listed on website
Made my reservation a couple days ago for a tent camping spot, but I have my Yukon set up as a sleeper currently. They informed me as I was checking in (it’s not listen on the site anywhere) that they don’t allow people sleeping in their cars. When I brought up that it wasn’t posted anywhere on the site and when I stayed in a KOA the night before and slept in my car, they worker informed me she wasn’t the manager so she couldn’t do anything about it. She was polite and was concerned about where I would be staying and offered to upgrade me to a cabin that I would have to pay for.
Updated :
After emailing the owner, my deposit was refunded in a extremely timely manner
- Deborah C.Ranger
Gilbert Ray Campground
Gilbert Ray Campground , May, 2019
May, 2019 we visited Saguaro National Park near Tucson AZ. We had planned to hike into the park at one of their few campgrounds but the office informed us that there was a controlled burn and recommended we not stay in the park and suggested Gilbert Ray as a good option. Gilbert Ray Campground is a great location for visiting the National Park. We arrived to find the office closed for the summer, so self serve option was available, at 10.00 per night for tent camping you can’t beat the price. The bathrooms were clean and as an added plus they have a dishwashing station. We stayed in the A loop. There are no showers and the campsite it all gravel making it next to impossible to put a tent stake in. The sites are fairly close together, for example, I could hear our neighbor unzip his tent. All sites have picnic tables. Cell service is good.
- Lisa S.Ranger
Bog Springs Campground
A Favorite
What this campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for in its’ superb environment. Long grass, Mountain mahogany, pinion, oak,sycamore and juniper trees create a habitat for over 100 bird varieties and species. Deer roam around inside the campground perimeter and hiking trails lead directly out to miles of Mountain trails including to the top of 9427’ Mt. Wrightson.
There are only seven back in or curb side sites, and five walk in tent sites. All have water, picnic tables and fire rings. There is a building with pít toilets.
This is not a place for big rigs or glampers.
There is a lodgings nearby where an array of feeders attracts dozens of birds for Public viewing and where there is also a gift shop.
Lee D.LegendTucson - 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.
Ashley C.LegendCatalina State Park Campground
Ranger Review: Wenzel Camp Quilt at Catalina State Park
Campground Review
Catalina State Park is just a bit outside of Tucson Arizona, and more importantly, Saguaro National Park. We used this State Park as a jumping-off point for our trip to Saguaro and it was a pretty good location for that.
Oro Valley is a modern area with tons of shopping and dining options right outside the park. This was very convenient for us to pick up McDonalds or grab something we forgot from the store.
The Park itself is stunning. Right up against the mountains, the views are gorgeous, especially at sunset. We were in campsite #A-23, which was AMAZING. Perfect for tent camping, the space is large and flat. You could easily fit several tents in this site.
We drove around campgrounds A and B and found the sites to be much more spaced out in A. Most of the sites were occupied by RVs, which made for a very quiet and non-stressful night!
Our site had electric hook ups and a water faucet. Also a BBQ grill and picnic table are provided. Wood fires are NOT permitted in the park.
Overall we LOVED this place. We will for sure return in the near future!
The Park also has a lot of amazing trails, including a very short hike to see Hohokam ruins which were so cool to see!! The kids loved this hike and the views were amazing.
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - at Catalina State Park we had the opportunity to try out the Wenzel Camp Quilt (or 2!). These quilts are so great! Our old camp blanket had to be carefully folded in a particular way and then zipped up. These quilts come with stuff bags and you can just stuff the quilt in them when you are done! I now keep these in the car with me at all time, because you never know when you need a picnic blanket, or something to keep you warm!
For us, it is a no-brainer to just toss one or two of these in with your camping gear. Here in Arizona, the temperature drops fast once the sun goes down. Although it was over 100F during the day, it was still FREEZING cold in our tent at night. We were so grateful to have these quilts to snuggle up and keep us warm!
Campground Video
Crystal C.LegendTucson - 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!
Amy & Stu B.LegendTucson - Lazydays KOA
First KOA experience
We have never been to a KOA before and 4th of July weekend was kind of a wild time for our first experience.
There were lots of amenities but because KOA’s are really really really full of families and young children—it was hard to find a time/ space to utilize them. At one point I counted 25 kids in the pool—not including adults.
The WiFi never ever worked but we had good Verizon and ATT service. Laundry was always full but we squeezed a load in. Bathrooms weren’t great- in the ladies room, the doors didn’t lock and they were always in gross state (not from lack of cleaning via management—just from overuse).
Our site was nice with a lime and olive tree on each side and a table and chairs. It was level and had enough space from our neighbors. We had a full hookup and everything worked well. Next door was a tent site and another RV on the other side.
The pools were nice including a jacuzzi and waterfall element, but just totally overrun. KOA texted us pretty constantly throughout the weekend with events we could participate in—for a fee. I’m not sure if this is standard or just due to the holiday. If you’re with a family, this is an obvious benefit for kids.
Seemed ADA accessible!Staff was nice and picked up trash from your site. There is also a restaurant and service center connected to the campsite. Restaurant not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Service center won’t work on a rig older than 10 years.
Honestly, it was a very different vibe from our normal campsite and boondocking experiences. I’m rating as a 3, because I don’t think that the campsite capacity matched the need (the whole park was only about half full and totally overrun at every turn.) If you’re a young or old single couple, I’d rethink, this is definitely a family spot geared towards kids.
Guide to Vail
Nestled near Vail, Arizona, tent camping offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the region. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- The General Hitchcock Campground features picnic tables and allows fires, making it a cozy spot for evening gatherings.
- At Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park, you'll find bear boxes and fire rings at each site, ensuring a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
- The Manning Camp — Saguaro National Park offers drinking water and a scenic location around a historic cabin, perfect for those looking for a unique camping adventure.
Tent campers should check out local hiking trails
- The Gordon Hirabayashi Campground provides easy access to several hiking trails, including the scenic Sycamore Canyon trail.
- For a more secluded experience, the Douglas Spring — Saguaro National Park offers a hike-in camping experience with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
- The Madera Canyon Picnic Area is a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature, with trails that lead to beautiful vistas.
Unique features of nearby campgrounds
- The Spud Rock Spring Campground — Saguaro National Park is a hike-in site that offers a true backcountry experience, surrounded by the beauty of the Saguaro National Park.
- At the Grass Shack — Saguaro National Park, campers can enjoy a remote setting that emphasizes solitude and natural beauty, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
- The KOA Campground Benson provides a more developed camping experience with amenities like electric hookups and showers, catering to those who prefer a few comforts while still enjoying the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Vail, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Vail, AZ is Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Vail, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Vail, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring