With dramatic mountain ranges in every direction, campsites in and around Tucson, Arizona, are plentiful. From pitching a tent at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains to camping near a sea of saguaros or laying your head near a peaceful mountain lake, Tucson does high desert camping like no other.
Since you are camping in the desert, where, depending on the season, nights can drop below freezing and days can rise well above 100 degrees, it’s crucial to read up on the campgrounds so you know the area, what supplies are required, how much water to bring, whether fires are allowed, and other vital information to keep you safe.
Catalina State Park
Northwest of Tucson in Oro Valley, you’ll discover outstanding camping, wide open desert, soothing mountain backdrops, and skies that seem to go on forever. Right off of Oracle Road, duck into Catalina State Park, home to some of the best campgrounds in Tucson, AZ. The park offers overnight tent and RV camping at 120 sites with electricity and water.
For a fee of $35 per night, plus a park entrance fee of $7 per vehicle, choose from beautiful campsites at Campground A or B. Learn more and make reservations to ensure a spot.
A local favorite, Catalina State Park has exquisite hiking trails, bird watching, and seasonal mountain pool swimming.
Santa Catalina Mountains — Catalina Highway
A number of memorable camping spots are located along scenic Catalina Highway on the drive to Mt. Lemmon and Summerhaven.
Experience the enchantment of summer camping at Rose Canyon and Spencer Canyon Campgrounds. Nestled in lush forests at 7,000 and 8,000 feet respectively, these seasonal sites offer stunning views and a range of activities from fishing to wildlife viewing, all starting at affordable rates of $28 for Rose Canyon and $26 at Spencer Canyon.
For great winter or year-round camping adventures, Molino Basin and Gordon Hirabayashi Campgrounds are ideal choices. Situated for winter enjoyment and open throughout the year, these spots provide picturesque landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts of all kinds. A single site at both locations starts at $20.
Tucson Mountain Park
Explore the rugged beauty of Tucson Mountain Park and its neighboring Saguaro National Park West by camping at sites like the Gilbert Ray Campground. Set in the middle of the stunning desert landscape, these campsites offer a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. With convenient access to hiking trails that wind through iconic saguaro cacti and picturesque mountain vistas, outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Sonoran Desert. A tent site starts at $10 per night.
Saguaro National Park East — Saguaro Wilderness Area
For those experienced and interested in backcountry camping, head to the Saguaro Wilderness Area in Saguaro National Park East. There, you’ll find six designated campgrounds. You can’t access these mesmerizing campgrounds by vehicle; they require a hike to reach the peaceful seclusion you seek. You’ll need to make a reservation for backcountry camping and pay a nightly fee of $8 per campsite. There is also a fee to enter Saguaro National Park East.
Each Saguaro Wilderness Area campground has rules to follow and challenges to overcome, including water being scarce and not always available, so read up on each site to ensure you remain prepared and follow all guidelines, such as how much water to carry per person per day.
The Douglas Spring campsite sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet and is 6.5 miles from the nearest trailhead. On the hike up, enjoy picturesque views of Tanque Verde Falls.
Another backcountry spot with campsites is Happy Valley Saddle. At 6,200 feet, the hike to Happy Valley is 4.1 miles from the nearest trailhead.
Free Camping
There are several spots for free dispersed camping around the Tucson area. Look to the Rincon Mountains and Santa Rita Mountains to locate which areas within each area are free.