97% (734) • 19 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Vail
El Pais Motel & Campgrounds
1. El Pais Motel & Campgrounds
99%
(557)
16mi from Vail · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
El Pais is a family owned and operated motel and campground located in southern Tucson. We embrace the mid-century era with an awesome design, stimulating artwork, and fun amenities. If you're looking for a place to have an amazing experience by pitching a tent, living your best van life, or enjoying a full hookup RV experience you won't be disappointed. So come and book with us here at the world famous El Pais Motel & Campgrounds.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$33
/ night
Mesquite Haven
2. Mesquite Haven
96%
(13)
42mi from Vail · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape to Mesquite Haven, a peaceful off-grid campground nestled on five scenic acres on Tucson’s west side. Surrounded by mesquite trees, stunning desert sunsets, and incredible stargazing skies (we’re part of the Dark Sky program), this is the perfect place to unwind, explore, or simply breathe. You can see Picture Rocks from the property!
We’re just 15 minutes from Saguaro National Park, the Desert Museum, and Old Tucson Theme Park, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, caving, and even skiing on Mt. Lemmon. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a quiet retreat, we’re happy to help plan your perfect stay.
What You’ll Find:
Our campground sits on half of our property—designed for comfort while staying close to nature. Choose from spacious pull-through sites with raised pads for tents, van camping, pop-ups, or Class B trailers up to 16 feet. Prefer something cozier? Book one of our two bunkhouses (full/twin or twin/twin beds) or enjoy our unique glamping tent furnished with late-1800s pieces.
The campground is off-grid. What that entails:
Rain water catchment with filtered water pumps for the shower and sink.
Solar power for the charging stations to charge your phones or laptop.
Propane usage: hot water heater for the shower, BBQ and firepits.
Nature All Around:
Listen to horses, ducks, peacocks, owls, and coyotes as you relax under the stars. Spot rabbits, hawks, eagles, lizards, and more. This is true desert living—beautiful, wild, and serene.
Good to Know:
The final ¼ mile to the property is a dirt road that can be bumpy or muddy after rain. Some areas have uneven ground, so bring sturdy shoes. Pets are welcome—just keep them leashed and off the furniture.
Bring a cooler with ice for your food and drinks.
Nearby Essentials:
• Gas: Speedway – 11 miles
• Dollar General: 4.3 miles
• Safeway (Silverbell): 16.5 miles
We’re also working on adding a small on-site shop for forgotten items.
Mesquite Haven offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and simple comfort. Whether you’re here to explore Tucson or gaze at the stars, we can’t wait to welcome you.
P.S. You can also check out our website MESQUITEHAVEN.COM for other useful information, like, things to do, photos and a blog.
See you soon.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$32
/ night
Trail Riders
3. Trail Riders
100%
(2)
43mi from Vail · 7 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Trail Riders Inn and RV Park, your perfect home base in the heart of historic Tombstone! Conveniently located just steps from Old Tombstone’s vibrant Main Street, our park offers easy access to the town’s iconic attractions.At Trail Riders, we provide full hook-up RV sites for vehicles up to 30 feet, ensuring a comfortable stay for your adventure. Have a larger RV? Give us a call, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!Relax and unwind at our refreshing pool and soothing hot tub, ideal for families looking to cool off after a day of exploring Tombstone’s historic charm. Whether you’re here for the Wild West history or a family getaway, Trail Riders Inn and RV Park has everything you need for a memorable stay!
Toilets
Showers
Full hookups
from
$32
/ night
Coronado National Forest
4. Coronado National Forest
80%
(46)
National forest 20mi from Vail · 479 sites
If you think southern Arizona is nothing but parched desert, think again.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
SaguaroGlamp, near Saguaro NP
5. SaguaroGlamp, near Saguaro NP
89%
(9)
46mi from Vail · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Experience the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert—just 45 minutes from Tucson and only minutes from the entrance to Saguaro National Park. Our peaceful property is the perfect starting point for nature lovers and adventurers. Hiking and horseback trails begin right on site, leading through stunning desert landscapes filled with giant saguaro cacti, rock formations, and wide open views.
In the evening, enjoy breathtaking sunsets followed by crystal-clear night skies—far away from any light pollution. With a bit of luck, you may spot local wildlife such as deer, owls, coyotes, or rare desert birds.
Some of the region’s most popular attractions are just a short drive away: the world-renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the Western film town of Old Tucson, and the scenic Gates Pass overlook.
Upon request and for a small additional fee, we also offer guided desert experiences—from informative daytime tours to exciting nighttime scorpion hunts with UV lights. These tours offer a unique way to connect with the desert on a deeper level.
Whether you're camping, staying in your RV, or relaxing in one of our cozy casitas—this is where you'll find peace, nature, and the true spirit of the desert.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$35
/ night
Cold Bore Ranch
6. Cold Bore Ranch
100%
(1)
46mi from Vail · 8 sites
Learn more about this land:6 RV full hook up spaces, a 1 Br Casita, lots of tent camping area, covered pens and turn outs for 20 to 40 horses. Round Pen and arenas, tack House, great water, great trails, great Arizona rarified air
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
97% (734) • 19 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Vail
El Pais Motel & Campgrounds
1. El Pais Motel & Campgrounds
99%
(557)
16mi from Vail · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
El Pais is a family owned and operated motel and campground located in southern Tucson. We embrace the mid-century era with an awesome design, stimulating artwork, and fun amenities. If you're looking for a place to have an amazing experience by pitching a tent, living your best van life, or enjoying a full hookup RV experience you won't be disappointed. So come and book with us here at the world famous El Pais Motel & Campgrounds.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$33
/ night
Mesquite Haven
2. Mesquite Haven
96%
(13)
42mi from Vail · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape to Mesquite Haven, a peaceful off-grid campground nestled on five scenic acres on Tucson’s west side. Surrounded by mesquite trees, stunning desert sunsets, and incredible stargazing skies (we’re part of the Dark Sky program), this is the perfect place to unwind, explore, or simply breathe. You can see Picture Rocks from the property!
We’re just 15 minutes from Saguaro National Park, the Desert Museum, and Old Tucson Theme Park, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, caving, and even skiing on Mt. Lemmon. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a quiet retreat, we’re happy to help plan your perfect stay.
What You’ll Find:
Our campground sits on half of our property—designed for comfort while staying close to nature. Choose from spacious pull-through sites with raised pads for tents, van camping, pop-ups, or Class B trailers up to 16 feet. Prefer something cozier? Book one of our two bunkhouses (full/twin or twin/twin beds) or enjoy our unique glamping tent furnished with late-1800s pieces.
The campground is off-grid. What that entails:
Rain water catchment with filtered water pumps for the shower and sink.
Solar power for the charging stations to charge your phones or laptop.
Propane usage: hot water heater for the shower, BBQ and firepits.
Nature All Around:
Listen to horses, ducks, peacocks, owls, and coyotes as you relax under the stars. Spot rabbits, hawks, eagles, lizards, and more. This is true desert living—beautiful, wild, and serene.
Good to Know:
The final ¼ mile to the property is a dirt road that can be bumpy or muddy after rain. Some areas have uneven ground, so bring sturdy shoes. Pets are welcome—just keep them leashed and off the furniture.
Bring a cooler with ice for your food and drinks.
Nearby Essentials:
• Gas: Speedway – 11 miles
• Dollar General: 4.3 miles
• Safeway (Silverbell): 16.5 miles
We’re also working on adding a small on-site shop for forgotten items.
Mesquite Haven offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and simple comfort. Whether you’re here to explore Tucson or gaze at the stars, we can’t wait to welcome you.
P.S. You can also check out our website MESQUITEHAVEN.COM for other useful information, like, things to do, photos and a blog.
See you soon.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$32
/ night
Trail Riders
3. Trail Riders
100%
(2)
43mi from Vail · 7 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Trail Riders Inn and RV Park, your perfect home base in the heart of historic Tombstone! Conveniently located just steps from Old Tombstone’s vibrant Main Street, our park offers easy access to the town’s iconic attractions.At Trail Riders, we provide full hook-up RV sites for vehicles up to 30 feet, ensuring a comfortable stay for your adventure. Have a larger RV? Give us a call, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!Relax and unwind at our refreshing pool and soothing hot tub, ideal for families looking to cool off after a day of exploring Tombstone’s historic charm. Whether you’re here for the Wild West history or a family getaway, Trail Riders Inn and RV Park has everything you need for a memorable stay!
Toilets
Showers
Full hookups
from
$32
/ night
Coronado National Forest
4. Coronado National Forest
80%
(46)
National forest 20mi from Vail · 479 sites
If you think southern Arizona is nothing but parched desert, think again.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
SaguaroGlamp, near Saguaro NP
5. SaguaroGlamp, near Saguaro NP
89%
(9)
46mi from Vail · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Experience the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert—just 45 minutes from Tucson and only minutes from the entrance to Saguaro National Park. Our peaceful property is the perfect starting point for nature lovers and adventurers. Hiking and horseback trails begin right on site, leading through stunning desert landscapes filled with giant saguaro cacti, rock formations, and wide open views.
In the evening, enjoy breathtaking sunsets followed by crystal-clear night skies—far away from any light pollution. With a bit of luck, you may spot local wildlife such as deer, owls, coyotes, or rare desert birds.
Some of the region’s most popular attractions are just a short drive away: the world-renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the Western film town of Old Tucson, and the scenic Gates Pass overlook.
Upon request and for a small additional fee, we also offer guided desert experiences—from informative daytime tours to exciting nighttime scorpion hunts with UV lights. These tours offer a unique way to connect with the desert on a deeper level.
Whether you're camping, staying in your RV, or relaxing in one of our cozy casitas—this is where you'll find peace, nature, and the true spirit of the desert.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$35
/ night
Cold Bore Ranch
6. Cold Bore Ranch
100%
(1)
46mi from Vail · 8 sites
Learn more about this land:6 RV full hook up spaces, a 1 Br Casita, lots of tent camping area, covered pens and turn outs for 20 to 40 horses. Round Pen and arenas, tack House, great water, great trails, great Arizona rarified air
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Cyn
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Mesquite Haven
Had a really great stay in The Cannonball. The little cabin was super cute and cozy, and Jennifer gave us a mini tour when we arrived which was such a nice touch. She was very reachable the whole time and genuinely warm and hospitable.
The paths around the property are really well lit, which made walking around at night easy.
Everything was clean, peaceful, and quiet. The only sounds we heard were wildlife, which made it feel even more relaxing.
We also really appreciated having access to a toilet, sink, and shower. That made the stay way more comfortable. The only small thing is the cabin could use a bit more insulation for warmth, but the host mentioned they’re already working on a solution for constant heat flow.
And the stargazing out there is AMAZING.
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Justin
December 2025
With pets
Great spot! This spot was a cute and cozy little bit of extra comfort for me and my dogs while on the road. Very friendly
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JENNIFER
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Mesquite Haven
We stayed in one of their two bunkhouses.. Super cozy, kind of car culture themed.. The other one was more Western.. Close by, they have The Barn.. A simple kitchen and bathroom, available for everyone on the property to use.. ALL utensils, supplies, and grille tools. Super thoughtful! We opted for a couple of the Add-Ons.. Jen took very good attention to our requests! Next time, we're TOTALLY staying in the Tombstone Rose. We were really impressed with the property.. Did some local spots, ajen suggested.. They really have thought about almost everything! Thanks for the experience! We'll be back!
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C
Chelsea
October 2025
1 night at SaguaroGlamp, near Saguaro NP
A gem of a place that I can’t recommend enough! A friend and I stayed here for a night in our transition from Sedona to Tucson and absolutely loved it. Conny and her family are the kindest people and so knowledgeable about the area. The casitas are gorgeous- well decorated and with cozy amenities. Will be coming back to stay again.
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M
Maura
September 2025
With pets
Staying in the casita was the perfect setup for our getaway with our dogs! Visiting the desert with pets can be really hard, since the heat can be overwhelming and they aren’t allowed in many of the areas of the national park. Conny’s air conditioned Casita space was so perfect for us! We were able to keep the dogs safely inside for the hottest parts of the day, then hiked with them off leash through the acres and acres of BLM land that surrounds the property. I think this is one of the best ways to experience the desert, and I would highly recommend it to anyone traveling with dogs. The land is beautiful and close enough to the national park that you get to experience all the wonder of the saguaros and the animals from the ranch. Be mindful of the distance from town though! The closest grocery store is 45 minutes away, and the road coming in can be difficult at night.
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J
Joe
August 2025
1 night at SaguaroGlamp, near Saguaro NP
The ranch was beautiful and the Casita we stayed in was extraordinary. One of the best places we have stayed. Would definitely book again if we are ever in the area. The sunset and Sunrise from the property was breathtaking.
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R
Ruth
August 2025
With pets
Our family wanted to enjoy some quiet time in nature and this ranch turned out to be a perfect choice. In less than one hour from Tucson, we were in the middle of over 50 acres of wild dessert. Our room was in a private courtyard attached to the main house. It was comfortable, immaculate and provided superb views of the dessert. We spotted a roadrunner, quail, woodpeckers, spiders, millipedes and the Sonoran Toad. We also enjoyed star gazing and night photography.
Our gracious hostess Cornelia quickly responded to our questions before our arrival. Getting there requires driving on an unpaved road for the last five miles. Our car was not equipped for this but Cornelia picked us up at the entrance to the farm. She and her family were warm and helpful and added to our Comfy, laid- back holiday at Casita Alpina.
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Ethan
March 2025
Weekend Trip to El Pais Motel & Campgrounds
Just as described. Fun and eclectic room, very easy access to Saguaro NP.
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