The best big rig friendly campgrounds near Tucson, Arizona

Found in the Sonoran Desert, Tucson has an arid landscape dotted with giant saguaro cacti and rugged mountains. Look for camping areas nearby in Santa Catalina Mountains to catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep or one of the many bird species that call it home. Catalina State Park features ancient ruins and plenty of campsites, including extra-large spots for RVers. Saguaro National Park also has walk-in campsites (with no vehicle access) and plenty of serene scenery. Rustic campsites that do offer drive-in access can be found in Colossal Cave Mountain Park, where campers can book a guide-led cave tour through underground passages.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Tucson

Found in the Sonoran Desert, Tucson has an arid landscape dotted with giant saguaro cacti and rugged mountains. Look for camping areas nearby in Santa Catalina Mountains to catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep or one of the many bird species that call it home. Catalina State Park features ancient ruins and plenty of campsites, including extra-large spots for RVers. Saguaro National Park also has walk-in campsites (with no vehicle access) and plenty of serene scenery. Rustic campsites that do offer drive-in access can be found in Colossal Cave Mountain Park, where campers can book a guide-led cave tour through underground passages.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Tucson

1. Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

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(127)

37mi from Tucson · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

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!

2. Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

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(198)

31mi from Tucson · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

This exceptional property lies surrounded by scenic mountains as far as the eye can see. Averages 13 degrees cooler than the lower desert of nearby Tucson because of its 5000ft elevation. When you ride out on the Empire Ranch you feel miles away from anything and a 100 years back in time.Learn more about this land:Rancho del Nido Stables RV Horse Camp & Boarding - this ranch will become your "Little Piece of Heaven"! This exceptional property lies surrounded by scenic mountains as far as the eye can see. Averages 13 degrees cooler than the lower desert of nearby Tucson because of its 5000ft elevation. When you ride out on the Empire Ranch, you will feel miles away from anything and a 100 years back in time.Beautiful views of high desert grasslands with mountains all around. Each RV site includes a pen for your horse. Arenas on-site. Endless trail riding on Empire Ranch.

3. Gated Equestrian Retreat

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26mi from Tucson · 1 site · RV

Welcome to your peaceful getaway! Our gated equestrian retreat is situated adjacent to thousands of acres of State Trust Land, offering endless opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. We have 5 full RV hookups as well as plenty of space for dry camping. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this property has it all. Shopping and restaurants are just 10 minutes away, or you can enjoy the convenience of delivery right to your site. The best part? Unmatched peace and quiet, stunning desert wildlife, and breathtaking sunsets you’ll never forget. Please note that our business hours end at 5:00 p.m., and we have a strict policy regarding visitor arrivals after that time. As our staff leaves at the end of the business day, arrivals after 5:00 p.m. will not be permitted to enter the facility.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Matt

3 weeks ago

33 ft toy hauler

With kids

7 nights at Gated Equestrian Retreat

Sites are behind a gated entry, on the other end of 40 acres from the main property which makes this location feel like you are dry camping in the scenic desert. The land is natural and flat, lending the area to great views of the surrounding mountains once you are setup. The sites were a bit too close but understandable given they've run full hookups to every site. Electric was solid, water pressure was plentiful, and no issues with the sewer connection. This made our 7 night stay very enjoyable, having the freedom of city water and easy dumping... with the scenery, quiet, and calm of dry camping way out in the desert. Anthony and his wife were great hosts, met us when we arrived and showed us to our site... then we didn't see them for a few days until someone else arrived.

T

Tony

November 2025

31 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

Love this spot. If you’re looking for quiet seclusion and a beautiful view, the this is the place for you. Will definitely return.

T

Tony

November 2025

32 ft travel trailer

5 nights at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

If you’re looking for seclusion, this is the place to be. Beautiful sunsets, very quiet and clean. Will be back!

A

Andrew

November 2025

36 ft toy hauler

Weekend Trip to Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

Great stay at the ranch. Appreciated how close it was to sonoita for some tastings and also close to some pretty epic riding on the side by side. Thanks for being such a great host Kim. Hope to see you all again someday.

L

Lauren

November 2025

50 ft travel trailer

13 nights at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

I had a great stay! Beautiful surroundings and right down the road from the national park. It was fairly quiet and private. The drive coming in was kind of tight because of the plants but it is the outdoors. I will say that I read the site type wrong and had to back in alone for the first time, but it was great practice, with no audience like at a campground, and I was able to get it done. Sunsets and sunrises are beautiful here, my camera roll is full of pictures. Plenty of space outside for working out on the property in the morning. Perfect spot for my first time in Arizona. Can’t wait to go back!

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MacKenzie

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

9 nights at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

Beautiful, peaceful place! Private and easy to access space. Would definitely stay again!

J

Jason

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

Stayed at Site 1 at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley and loved it. My wife and I, plus our pup, really enjoyed the private, sizeable space. It’s very quiet at night with great stargazing. Location is spot on too - about 35 min to Tucson and 15 min to Saguaro National Park. Hookups were solid and easy to use. We’ll definitely be back!

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Pol

September 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

This campis our go to when in town. FHU and hidden in the desert.

P

Pol

September 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

This campsite is our go to when in town. Full hook-ups and hidden. I can't say no more.

P

Pol

September 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

I think this is our 3rd time camping in September. This is my favorite campsite north of Tucson.

P

Pol

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

Easy self check-in/out. Fantastic host. I stayed at Site 1, 50amp FHU. We will be back.

P

Pol

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

Stayed at Site 1 in August 2025, easy self check-in/out. Very secluded campsite. Easy communication with the host. FH campsite.

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Pol

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

FH campsite. We stayed at Site 1 for about 4days in August 2025. 50amp connection, you need to have an adapter if your camper is a 30amp or 20amp. We love the place, so peaceful. AC is a must when staying in summertime.

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Michael

June 2025

18 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

We absolutely loved it. The directions were very clear and the owner told us to call just to make sure we made it okay down the road! We loved being by the house pens our daughter just loved them! We would definitely stay again if in the area!

S

Shannon

May 2025

33 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

We have tried several different hipcamps in this area. Kim’s is by far our favorite. The scenery is beautiful and the owners are amazing.

A

Ann Marie

May 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

Great central location to visit the Wineries, Las Cienegas/Empire Ranch, Patagonia, Kentucky Camp etc., along with dirt roads to bike/walk. Having hook ups for my little RV was great. The owners are great - responsive and the ranch is really nice. I took a quick weekend trip down from Tucson and I did not have the hassle of hoping a FF site was available at Parker Lake or Las Cienega's.

J

John

April 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

Great private spot. We had beautiful sunsets. Definitely would come back again

Elise

April 2025

Tent

1 night at Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

Beautiful views and quiet, restful evening. We enjoyed a last minute stay in our roof-top tent. The other folks staying were all RVs and super friendly if we met in passing. Easy trash and water (and hookup) at each site. Portable toilet was clean. We would definitely stay again if we are in the area.

Toni

April 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

NOTE: Electricity hookup is 50 amp only. Make sure you bring an adapter if you’re 20 or 30 amp. Area is rural with a mix of site built and mobile homes, single wides. Older area and pretty quiet. Our travel trailer is only 20 ft so for the most part we leave the dining area in “bed mode “. Host furnished a picnic table which was a great help. DOG OWNERS: please dispose of dog poop. Don’t leave it lying around for flies to breed in. We haven’t been disappointed dogs but always take care of our pooch poo.

R

Richard

April 2025

33 ft fifth wheel

6 nights at Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

We really enjoyed our stay here! The spot was private and peaceful, offering a nice sense of seclusion while still being conveniently close to a paved road—no rough dirt trails to get in or out. All the hookups worked perfectly, and the desert scenery was absolutely stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset. The only minor downside was occasional noise from nearby trucks and planes, but it wasn't enough to take away from the overall experience. If you're looking for a quiet desert retreat with hookups, this is a great choice!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best big rig friendly camping near Tucson guide

Where to go

Saguaro National Park

Situated right next to Tucson, Saguaro National Park is under 20 minutes from the heart of the city. The park is divided into two districts—Rincon Mountain District on the east side and Tucson Mountain District on the west. The park is booming with biodiversity—new plant species are still recorded today. Campers can snag a home base within the park boundary, but be prepared to pack light since campsites are walk-in only. Camping permits are also required. Then, view the beautiful desert landscape by foot, on horseback, or comfortably in a car—Cactus Forest Drive and Bajada Loop Drive are two vehicle-friendly options.

Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park offers 5,500 acres only a 20-minute drive from Tucson. The park is situated at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains and is open year-round for hiking, horseback riding, cycling, birdwatching, and camping. RV and tent campsites are up for grabs, featuring picnic tables, fire rings with BBQ grills, and full hookups. Campers will also find restrooms and shower facilities available. Fill the hours of the day by exploring Romero Ruins Interpretive Trail—a popular favorite that showcases ruins from the Hohokam culture dating back to 500 AD.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Drive southeast to venture through 3.5 miles of underground passageways in Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Scramble along rock bridges, climb ladders, and look at the stalagmites and stalactites that started forming 80 million years ago. Colossal Cave Mountain Park also has plenty of horseback riding trails, hiking trails, and scenic picnic spots above ground. Pet-friendly campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is limited, so bring extra. Small to medium-sized RVs are welcome, but there are no electricity or dump stations.

When to go

The most comfortable times to visit Tucson are May and April before summer begins, and September and October when it’s coming to a close. In late April, May, and early June, the giant saguaro cacti flower, making the already beautiful landscape even more picturesque. The rainiest and hottest months in Tucson are July and August, when daytime temperatures often exceed 100°F. The desert does get chilly when the sun goes down, so bring some layers for late nights around the firepit.