Best Campgrounds near Willow Canyon, AZ

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Willow Canyon, AZ is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Willow Canyon, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Willow Canyon, Arizona (142)

    1. Catalina State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views."

    "Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."

    2. Rose Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (520) 576-1477

    $31 - $180 / night

    "The lake was about a half mile walk from the campsite. There is also hiking trails close to the campground.

    Overall, the campsites are larger than normal and the sites are even."

    "The toilets were easily accessable and each had running potable water adjacent to the shelters.

    I would definately return again"

    3. Spencer Canyon Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Lemmon, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $22 - $36 / night

    "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)."

    "The drive alone is inspiring! There is a fee for camping which you should plan to leave in the box (yes, they do come around to check eventually)."

    4. Molino Basin Campground

    11 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $100 / night

    "We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in late February and were pleasantly surprised to find this first come, first serve campground nearly empty."

    "A national campground on the edge of Tucson Arizona with spectacular views, mountains, hiking, and biking trails. Quiet and campers spaced far apart. Beautiful!"

    5. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    49 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 799-3701

    "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."

    "There were a handful of kiddos around, a couple walked through our site which we were okay with but if you’ree looking to avoid kids this might not be your spot."

    6. Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    10 miles
    Website

    "There was a lot of people parking next to me and unloading there off-road vehicles in the morning, so I decided to go further up."

    "The path leads up a mountain away from the city lights of Tuscon. It’s just a short drive away. There’s plenty of spots. Watch out for huge ants! We almost camped on a mound."

    7. Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 388-8300

    "We drove 3 hours from Phoenix for a weekend in the forest, new to town and learning the ways of Arizona camping, didn’t realize fires are some times allowed and some times not."

    "Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat."

    8. General Hitchcock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    $10 / night

    "Has some nice boulders to tuck your tent away in, and no really close neighbors. Seems like the rest of the sites you have neighbors right next to you, basically sharing a camp."

    "This campground is small, with tent sites tucked away between pine trees. A vaulted bathroom is at the center of the parking lot."

    9. Gilbert Ray Campground

    74 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 724-5000

    $10 - $75 / night

    "The scenery here is perfect for Arizona. Great views of Tucson Mountain and surrounded by all kinds of hiking trails in the Tucson Mountain Park. The sites are gravel and mostly flat."

    "Fantastic place to stay in the Arizona countryside. Cacti everywhere! So cool!"

    10. Whitetail Campground

    3 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 576-9198

    $150 - $197 / night

    "While this exact campsite was closed at the time, driving up the road across the street and into the mountains gives you the opportunity to camp in the wilderness."

    "Ramada had water, electricity, grills and fire pits nearby. Great time."

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Recent Reviews near Willow Canyon, AZ

780 Reviews of 142 Willow Canyon Campgrounds



Guide to Willow Canyon

Camping near Willow Canyon, Arizona, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning desert landscapes. With several campgrounds in the area, each with its unique features, you can find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure.

What to do:

  • Explore Saguaro National Park: This park is just a stone's throw away and is famous for its towering saguaro cacti. One camper mentioned, "The proximity to the national park & easy to ride in for hikes or exploring!" at Gilbert Ray Campground.
  • Hiking Trails: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. A visitor at Catalina State Park Campground said, "The hiking trails and history are amazing here."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper noted, "I came across 6 rattlesnakes... packs of coyotes rolling through at night," while staying at Cactus Forest Dispersed.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A review from Catalina State Park Campground highlights, "It provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Cactus Forest Dispersed mentioned, "Remote, private, and free but accessible."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Spencer Canyon Campground are praised for their cleanliness, with one camper stating, "This campground has some of the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen!"

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or shooting ranges. A camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed noted, "There is a shooting area down the road, a highway in the distance, and some helicopters/planes noise wise."
  • Limited Amenities: Many sites, especially dispersed ones, lack facilities. A review from Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area states, "There are no toilets, no trash, and no water hookups."
  • Access Roads: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping mentioned, "The GPS coordinates of this site are way off."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and restrooms. A camper at Tucson - Lazydays KOA said, "The staff was great and the customer service was great."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. One family at Molino Basin Campground enjoyed the "great views of the mountains" and found it a good location for recreation.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially around cacti. A camper at Cactus Forest Dispersed warned, "Watch out for jumping cholla cactus."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Gilbert Ray Campground mentioned, "Our rig is about 38 feet total."
  • Use Amenities Wisely: Take advantage of dump stations and water spigots. A camper at Catalina State Park Campground appreciated the "several drinking water spigots around the loop."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Temperatures can drop at night, so pack accordingly. A review from Spencer Canyon Campground advised, "The mountain can get very cold and windy at night."

Camping near Willow Canyon, Arizona, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Willow Canyon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Willow Canyon, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 142 campgrounds and RV parks near Willow Canyon, AZ and 36 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Willow Canyon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Willow Canyon, AZ is Catalina State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 62 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Willow Canyon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Willow Canyon, AZ.

What parks are near Willow Canyon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Willow Canyon, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.