The best star host camping near Tucson

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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.

100% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

1. Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

100%
(127)
37mi from Tucson · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Full Hookups
from 
$23
 / night
Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

2. Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

98%
(198)
31mi from Tucson · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Sonoita, AZ
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Weary Traveler Haven

3. Weary Traveler Haven

98%
(53)
37mi from Tucson · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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......
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Red Hill at Ironwood National Park

4. Red Hill at Ironwood National Park

100%
(12)
37mi from Tucson · 3 sites · RVs · Marana, AZ
Red Hill at Ironwood Forest National Monument, Please read full description This Ironwood Forest National Monument is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, This site is easy to access while still boasting incredible views. Plenty of flat area to park you RV and vehicles and still have room to roam. The views of the sun setting over Ragged Top Mountain will surely take your breath away. Very close to the beautiful Ironwood National Forest, and about 20 minutes to Tucson for local amenities. This site is easy to access while still boasting incredible views. Plenty of flat area to park you RV and vehicles and still have room to roam. The views of the sun setting over Ragged Top Mountain will surely take your breath away. Very close to the beautiful Ironwood National Forest, and about 20 minutes to Tucson for local amenities. Plenty of space but one camper with a 5th wheel of 42' feedback that he had hard time to get in / out. So listing for 38' max total length . Also if you have a very low rider, this is desert landscape so you could have hard time and scrap bottom. This is a dirt road close to the site and could be bumpy. 30A and 50A outlets available at the site I repeat 38' max total length. I don't want you to get stuck Also avoid if you have a very low rider as this is a dirt road close to the site and could be bumpy.
Pets
Full Hookups
from 
$39
 / night

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.

100% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

1. Desert Getaway in Avra Valley

100%
(127)
37mi from Tucson · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Full Hookups
from 
$23
 / night
Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

2. Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

98%
(198)
31mi from Tucson · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Sonoita, AZ
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Weary Traveler Haven

3. Weary Traveler Haven

98%
(53)
37mi from Tucson · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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......
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Red Hill at Ironwood National Park

4. Red Hill at Ironwood National Park

100%
(12)
37mi from Tucson · 3 sites · RVs · Marana, AZ
Red Hill at Ironwood Forest National Monument, Please read full description This Ironwood Forest National Monument is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, This site is easy to access while still boasting incredible views. Plenty of flat area to park you RV and vehicles and still have room to roam. The views of the sun setting over Ragged Top Mountain will surely take your breath away. Very close to the beautiful Ironwood National Forest, and about 20 minutes to Tucson for local amenities. This site is easy to access while still boasting incredible views. Plenty of flat area to park you RV and vehicles and still have room to roam. The views of the sun setting over Ragged Top Mountain will surely take your breath away. Very close to the beautiful Ironwood National Forest, and about 20 minutes to Tucson for local amenities. Plenty of space but one camper with a 5th wheel of 42' feedback that he had hard time to get in / out. So listing for 38' max total length . Also if you have a very low rider, this is desert landscape so you could have hard time and scrap bottom. This is a dirt road close to the site and could be bumpy. 30A and 50A outlets available at the site I repeat 38' max total length. I don't want you to get stuck Also avoid if you have a very low rider as this is a dirt road close to the site and could be bumpy.
Pets
Full Hookups
from 
$39
 / night

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The best star host 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.