The best camping near Catalina State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Catalina State Park adventure.

97% (21 reviews)

Wild beauty + the comforts of (your RV) home at the foot of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Catalina State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Catalina State Park

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Catalina Campground

120 sites · RVs, Tents In Catalina State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Catalina State Park

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Camp Saguaro

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Tucson, AZ

Camp Saguaro is nestled in a unique and rural area on the west side of Tucson, Arizona. With the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center, Tucson Mountain Park, and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum all within four miles, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors. Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park boast hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and non-motorized mountain bikes are permitted on the trails in Tucson Mountain Park. Let us be your base camp for desert exploration whether it's hiking, riding, birdwatching, and learning. Come to Camp Saguaro and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. What to expect: We are in a rural neighborhood where most parcels are 1-3 acres, we have seven acres. It's quiet around here but along with the natural sounds of the desert like yipping coyotes, and woodpeckers pecking, you may hear a horse, dog, or chicken. While we are on the outskirts of Tucson, we are not completely remote. We have carved our sites out of the natural layout of the desert. There are many kinds of cactus in our area in addition to the magnificent Saguaro, and uneven areas when walking. We keep it as natural as possible. We have a small "Mercantile" on property. This is our office, but we also have items you may have forgotten, and souvenirs made by local artists. Also available is firewood, and ice is for sale for your convenience. We have a small Laundry Shack (two washers, two dryers). You'll need cash for these things, we do not take any other form of payment at this time. Camp Saguaro is tobacco-free. Local attractions: Saguaro National Park- 2.3 miles or 2.6 miles to an entrance, 3.7 miles to the visitor center Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum-3.9 miles Tucson Mountain Park-2.5 miles Old Tucson Studios (over 400 movies have been filmed here)-7.1 miles King's Canyon Trailhead-3.8 miles Necessities: Gasoline-Speedway 5.7 miles Propane-Wagon Wheel 5.8 miles, West Ajo Feeds 12 miles Hardware-Picture Rocks Hardware 5.6 miles Groceries-Fry's Cortaro Road 14 miles

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GLAMP CAMP STAY at INFINITY RANCH

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Tucson, AZ

🌵 Escape to a 300 acre Private Nature Preserve: Exclusive Private Camping in Tucson, Arizona 🌄 Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Sonoran Desert with our exclusive Private Nature Camping Sites at Infinity Ranch. Rediscovered after 34 years this gated wonderland stood untouched for 3 decades now open for you to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Sierrta Mountain Chain, where rugged landscapes meet starlit skies, and the serenity of nature becomes your personal sanctuary. 🏕️ Secluded Oasis Hidden Yet Close To City Life Discover the magic of our carefully curated private camping sites, nestled behind 7000 acres of Arizona State Trust Land in the outskirts of Tucson . Yet, just 30 to 50 minutes from major tourist venues like: Old Tucson Studios, Pima Air and Space Museum, Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Casino Del Sol, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and many others. This hidden gem offers an intimate escape for those seeking solace in nature's embrace without trekking to far from access to modern amenities. Settle into your campsite surrounded by the enchanting saguaros and mesquite trees that paint the landscape. 🌅 Sunrise Serenity, Sunset Spectacle Awaken to the gentle hues of the sunrise as the desert comes alive with a symphony of colors. Your private camping experience allows you to savor the tranquility of the morning, sipping a steaming cup of coffee or tea while the desert flora welcomes a new day. As the sun begins its descent, witness the breathtaking transformation of the horizon and create in harmony your own personal exclusive sunset ceremony, painting the sky in hues of pink, orange, and gold. Get your camera ready for that Insta Pic. Oh and no worries High Speed Data Cellular Service is available from your preferred carrier.... YEP IN THE MIDDLE OF A SECLUDED PRIVATE NATURE PRESERVE YOUR PHONE WORKS! 🔥 Campfire Tales and Stargazing Delight As the evening unfolds, gather around a your crackling campfire to share stories under the vast desert sky, lose yourself in a mesmerizing stargazing experience. With minimal light pollution, Infinity Ranch's night sky becomes a canvas of celestial wonders, inviting you to marvel at the cosmos like never before. Rated between a Class 2 Truly Dark Sky and a Class 3 Rual Dark Sky on the Bortle Scale 🚀 Tailored Adventures and Guided Exploration Customize your camping adventure with a range of outdoor activities, from hiking through saguaro-studded trails, challenging mountain biking, small off-road ATVs allowed, birdwatching, desert survival skills, history and mining tours, nature photography and STAR GAZING. Our experienced guides are on hand to ensure you make the most of your desert expedition, providing insights into the unique flora, fauna, geological and massive mineral diversity (Fluorite, 3 Types Of Quartz and more) that call Infinity Ranch home. 🌟 Unplug and Reconnect Escape the demands of modern life and embrace the simplicity of nature. Our private camping sites at Infinity Ranch provide you a unique private opportunity to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the desert, where each moment is a precious gift waiting to be discovered. 🌿 Book Your Private Nature Camping Experience Today Launch on your adventure with our exclusive private camping sites in Tucson, Arizona at Infinity Ranch. Limited 4 slots available for Tent, Primative or Self Contained Camper/RV (Up To 24 Ft) Power can be provided for an extra fee of $ 25.00 per day. Potable Water Can Be Provided for a $10 fee. Reserve your spot now and create memories that will last a lifetime. Nature is calling – will you answer?

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Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Avra Valley, AZ

This serene beautiful space was a portion of a property owned by a dear friend of ours who lost his battle with cancer in early 2021. As were his wishes, we have created various rental spaces in which we donate the proceeds to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and several local animal shelters. Learn more about this land: Welcome to Avra Valley, a well-kept secret escape just west of Tucson, Arizona. “The Henry” campsite is surrounded by natural desert plantings as well as gorgeous Eucalyptus trees which are on a drip watering system. The private designated acre offers electrical, water and sewer hookup for a single RV. This is a beautiful desert getaway convenient located close to the Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain Park, Gates Pass, and the Ironwood National Forest. Some local amenities include a Speedway Gas Station, Dollar General, restaurant/bar and a general store all within a 5 minute drive. Come disconnect and enjoy!

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Dark Sky Camping and Glamping

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents763 acres · Tucson, AZ

We moved to this property after a year of searching for the perfect piece of land. We wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. The more we fell in love with the peace and quiet of the desert, the fresh air, and the breathtaking view of the stars at night, the more we wanted to share our oasis with others. We love camping and wanted to be surrounded by others who love it as much as we do! We know some people prefer pitching a tent and complete solitude while others prefer a getaway with a really comfy bed and all the comforts of home! Whether you prefer to camp and would like hundreds of acres to yourselves or you would prefer to glamp in our private 80-acre tiny house village, we are here for you! Choose your adventure! Learn more about this land: Our land is surrounded by gorgeous mountain views and natural desert landscape. With plenty of surrounding vacant land and walking paths to explore, you will never get bored of the scenery. Get away from neighbors and stretch out as you'll have acres all to yourself. As if the daytime views aren't breathtaking enough, the sunsets light up the sky in cotton candy to bright tangerine hues and magnify the beauty of the mountains. The night sky sparkles with stars and constellations as we are a dark sky community with very minimal light pollution for miles. The sounds of the desert and wildlife help you to get the deepest sleep as there is very little man made noise in our area. You can hike, dirt bike, bring your off-road vehicles, explore our property and rock hound for as many quartz as you can carry! You may even catch a glimpse of some wild horses, cows, bulls, birds, hawks, jackrabbits, and roadrunners! Nearby attractions include Keeylocko Cowtown (self proclaimed historic town just acres away with a old western vibe and bar), Kitt Peak Observatory, Saguaro National Park, Old Tucson, and Downtown Tucson. If you are new to camping, we can also help provide you with some of the necessities you may have forgotten for a small additional fee (chairs, water, tents, blankets etc). We encourage you to ditch your phone and enjoy nature while you are here. You wont want to miss these views! ** Please let us know if you do not have 4-wheel drive and will be towing a trailer, if you have large RV, or a car that doesn’t manage well on dirt roads. We have multiple campsites with different accessibility and want to help you find the perfect spot for your vehicle!

Booked 3 times

Rosco’s Ranch Mini Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Tucson Estates, AZ

We are nestled in the Tucson Mountains just outside of the Tucson valley, in a quiet, dark skies suburban neighborhood, on 5 partially fenced acres. We live here with our three horses and friendly dog Rosco. We conduct horse classes on the property. If you are interested in a class contact your hostess CIndy. If you are afraid of, or alergic to horses please select a different Hipcamp location. We provide flat gravel pads with desert, mountain, dark sky, and horse turnout views. - 3 level gravelled RV pads 16 x 40 and bigger, with utilities - 3 level gravelled camping pads 16 x 35 We set up a common area with a propane grill, picnic tables, a fire pit, games, and access to our vintage Airstream Gertie, so you can make meals and beverages. This means if you are camping you hardly need to bring any gear to stay with us! We are in a super duper location in West Tucson: Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum: 5.4 miles Casino Del Sol: 4 miles Downtown Tucson: 8 miles Fourth Avenue: 8 miles Gas - 2 miles Groceries, hardware store, pet bath, laundry - 1 mile Kitt Peak National Observatory: 33 miles Mission Garden: 9.6 miles Nogales Mexico: 40 miles Old Tucson: 2.6 miles Pima Air and Space Museum: 17 miles Titan Missile Museum: 27 miles Tohono O’odham San Xavier Del Bac Mission: 7.8 miles Tucson Montain Park and pistol/rifle range: 1.8 miles Tucson Rod and Gun Club: 4 miles Saguaro National Park West: 7 miles Sentinal Peak Park: 6.7 miles U of A Campus: 9.3. miles Come soak up some Sonoran desert vibes there is no place else like it on earth.

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Weary Traveler Haven

4 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Marana, AZ

All weary travelers welcome to our quiet desert haven! With 360 degrees of beautiful views! Our tent site includes a deck platform with securement hooks to assemble your tent on and stay safely elevated off the ground. RVs welcome! We can currently accommodate up to a 36ft travel trailer or horse trailer with living quarters. This is a dry camp area. There is a portable toilet with sink for campers to utilize. We also have an Inverter as a rental option to provide power for an RVer if so desired. We can also fill Fresh Water Tanks for use while camping. We are currently working on a dump station. Also to ensure that we keep our little slice of heaven beautiful, please pack out what you pack in. Please do not leave trash or food at the campsites or leave food unsecured this will attract wildlife which will surely make your camping trip interesting. Our property is surrounded with views of Mount Lemmon, the Tortolita Mountain Park, Black Mountain, Newman Peak, and Picacho Peak. Come enjoy the prolific wildflowers of the desert bloom this spring! Campers can enjoy a warm beautiful sunset and star gazing in the evening, with views of the hazy band of the Milky Way and shooting stars next to the fire pit provided at each site. This is a safe place to get off the road for a bit, or to take a break from the busy/noisy city life, to relax and unwind in nature! Dogs are welcome, but please pick up after your pet! There is also a Round Pen provided for travelers with up to 2 horses with a fill station for water. Feed will be intermittently available to purchase for those in need. Nearby attractions: -Catalina State Park. -Tucson Mountain Park -Saguaro National Park -Oracle State Park -Picacho Peak State Park -Restaurants and groceries within a 25 min radius: -Cadillac Chaparral -The Patio Cafe -River Bottom Grill -Ore House -Lupes -Bub's Grub -Access to state land 1 mile from property for endless desert fun with Miles and Miles of ATV/UTV, Dirt Bike, and Mountain Bike trails! -And Much more......

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Freedom in the Catalinas

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Tucson, AZ

Escape to the days when you are with your favorite people and pets, free from everyday obligations and surrounded by beautiful desert, open spaces and fresh air! This Acre has a ramada w/table & chairs, fire pit, lots of privacy, septic & water hookup. Great for solar power enthusiasts! (No electric) Excellent hiking, biking, riding, etc. near Catalina State Park, State Trust land, Zipline in Oracle, Baby Jesus Trail, Rail X Ranch Rd., Willow Springs Rd, Park Links Rd, Charouleau Gap, Pima Pistol Club, and about 3 miles to shopping and restaurants. It’s perfect for an RV that's 30' or less, bumper tow trailers that are 24' max and 5th wheels that are 26' and under. …Avoid crowds and take time to get away … …Life’s better when you add fresh air, warm campfire, bright stars and s’mores …RV spot on 1 acre near Catalina, Oro Valley & Saddlebrook and 20-30 min to Tucson. …Easy access to shopping, dining, hiking & biking and Catalina State Park We are happy to answer any questions you may have and send additional pictures. We will also consider nightly stays depending on season.

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Iron Quail Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Marana, AZ

Iron Quail Ranch is a modern off-grid homestead and meat goat ranch. The ranch lies in the center of Avra Valley, Arizona on historic farm and ranch land which has gradually been managed to return to its natural state of mesquites, ironwoods, cacti, and natural grasses. The ranch sits beautifully positioned between Saguaro National Park and Ironwood Forest National Monument. At Iron Quail Ranch we offer you a private and secure RV or tent campsite on 15 acres adjoining over 200,000 acres of public lands. No tent or RV? You can add our "truckwagon" rental as an extra or primary sleeping space to your reservation. There are unobstructed views of Saguaro National Park (West) and a private entrance into Ironwood Forest National Monument. There is abundant wildlife thriving in the riparian watershed on the property. There is easy access to both National parks from the property via ATV/UTV, car/truck, or even horseback. Don't own an off road 4x4 or horse? You can rent our 4x4 ATV as an extra to your campsite reservation. The level campsites can fit everyone from a tent camper up to 40-foot RVs. There is good cell phone reception on all major carriers at the property. Potable water, a sewer dump station, an outdoor kitchen, and a modern outhouse are available on the property. 120v electric charging stations are also available to recharge your small portable electronic devices.

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Catalina Vista

1 site · RV2 acres · Tucson, AZ

Quiet and private parking area on half of a 2 acre lot (own occupies other side with a wash separating the 2 sides). Located in a sparse residential neighborhood on a private road. Over 150ft to the nearest neighbor, located at 3,100ft of elevation, with panoramic views of the Catalina Mountains and Oro Valley. Nearby attractions include Catalina State Park, Coronado National Forest, and Arizona State Trust land. Despite all the public land nearby, it is only 6 minute drive to a grocery store and restaurants. Easy access to hiking and biking trails.

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Bucin Bronc Court

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Tucson, AZ

Welcome Hipcamp Vanlifers, this location has three spots to accommodate Vans and class b motorhomes up to 20 ft in length, you'll have access to a free shower room, toilet room, and laundry facility. Access to picnic area and gas barbecue grill. Close to freeway access. Great place to park, relax, clean up, do some laundry, and get out and enjoy the Tucson winter weather. Sabino Canyon is about a 30 minute drive north and is a must see. It's also a great location for those of you coming to town for the Gem Show.

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Crested Saguaro Ranchita

3 sites · Lodging, Tents4 acres · Tucson, AZ

Our four acre property has a small guest studio and two dry campsites. Belmont Road is a mile long dirt road, but passable with any car or bicycle. The area is considered suburban ranch, so other homes on 3-4 acre lots are visible. Our land abuts Saguaro National Park West, 1/4 mile past the Belmont Trailhead. It is the only camping area on the readily accessible eastern side of Saguaro NP's west unit.

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Rancho Relaxo

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Tucson, AZ

4+ acres in SW Tucson allow for fresh desert air and quiet starry nights

The best camping near Catalina State Park guide

Overview

About

The desert's always blooming at this state park north of Houston. Head to the Canyon Loop Trail for a pleasant, easy hike. You'll have to cross four streams, so be prepared to get wet!

If you're a birder, this park is your haven. More than 150 species of birds call the park home, and there are dedicated birding trails. You may also see bighorn sheep on the nature trails.

Check in at the visitor center to see what special activities are coming up. Geology walks, birding walks, history walks to the Romero ruin, and presentations on local reptiles are all on the calendar.

Want to ride your horse outside the ring? This park has an equestrian center with plenty of trailer parking and equestrian trails.

120 fully equipped campsites (power and water) await you here. There are no restrictions on the lengths of RVs, so bring in your giant luxury vehicle and get ready for fun. Overnight fees are modest, and every campsite has a BBQ grill.

When to go

The best times to visit Catalina State Park are during the cooler months from October to April, when the desert climate is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer visits can be challenging due to the intense heat, making early morning or late afternoon the ideal times for exploration to avoid the midday sun.

Know before you go

Check weather forecasts before your visit, as the park is subject to seasonal monsoons and extreme heat.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the Arizona sun.
Stay on designated trails to preserve the park's delicate desert ecosystem and for your safety.
Wildlife is abundant; enjoy observing from a distance and do not feed the animals.
Accessibility varies throughout the park; contact the park office for specific information on accessible trails and facilities.