Campground recommendations in Tucson or south/southeast of Tucson

[Jill]

I love the Arizona State Parks but they seem to get booked up a year in advance. I've been watching for cancellations but it's been hit and miss, mostly miss.

Does anyone have recommendations for campgrounds (other than the state parks) in the Tucson area or south of Tucson. Ideally we would be looking for something more like a state park with wider sites, hookups (nice to have) and good views. I'm certainly seeing some options in my searches but wondering if anyone has a favorite they strongly recommend?? We don't care about the other amenities (pool, bathrooms, clubhouse etc).

We will be coming from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and then heading to Lost Dutchman near Phoenix and this will be late February. Thanks for any ideas!

[scubarx]

From the Web:



Gilbert Ray Campground
8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85735
(520) 403-8116



RV/tent campsite with restrooms, water & electrical hook-ups in a picturesque, desert setting.


We stayed there 5 or 6 years ago on the way to Quartzsite. We don't normally stay in organized campgrounds, but this was OK.

[saguarocat]

Hi Jill,
We'd recommend Gilbert Ray, Loop A, as we stayed there and Organ Pipe last Christmas. The top of the loop has great views of the Tucson Mountains. It is about 20 minutes to Tucson over Gates Pass. Great hiking and the Sonoran Desert Museum close by.



I would not recommend taking Gates Pass with your trailer. Easy access from Organ Pipe NM (Ajo Hwy) or from the north (I-10).


There is Catalina SP on the northwest side of town and Kartchner and Picacho SPs are an hour from Tucson.



Molino Basin is a Forest Service campground in the Catalina's without services. Check with the office if it is open. Rose Canyon Lake is further up the Mt Lemmon Highway and will probably be closed.



Madera Canyon is another FS campground, but those sites are pretty small from what I remember.


If you are looking for a short stay while getting to the Lost Dutchman, we stayed at a BLM area (32.610243239834844, -111.21642085006148). There are a few places near the entrance at cattle corral that could fit a 21, but I'd advise not to go further down the dirt road without scouting first.



We'll be down there early December, staying at Rincon Country East, Lost Dutchman and then Sedona.

[sunrisetrucker]

I also would recommend Gilbert Ray Campground. We've been there twice and it is definitely one of our favorites.

[Vermilye]

One more vote for Gilbert Ray. They have converted most (maybe all) sites to reservable so you need to plan ahead; it often fills. Some photos from a couple of visits:

While there be sure to visit the Desert Museum.

[cpaharley2008]

Such pretty pictures with vibrant colors..........

[Jill]

Thank you for the advice! I was able to get a site at Gilbert Ray and that will serve us well. Thanks again!

[Jill]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

One more vote for Gilbert Ray. They have converted most (maybe all) sites to reservable so you need to plan ahead; it often fills. Some photos from a couple of visits:

While there be sure to visit the Desert Museum.

Beautiful - can't wait to go there!!