4 Tucson Weekend Getaways
Beat the heat and escape the crowds for an ideal weekend at some of our favorite campgrounds in the greater Tucson area. We’ve hiked it, biked it, and loved every second of it, so get outside and see for yourselves! Whether you want to spend the night in a convenient campground or far away from the sounds of the city, these four Tucson camping experiences will give you the weekend escape you’ve been looking for.
LOCATIONS
Catalina State Park
A quiet place to listen to nature right on the edge of Tucson. Take a break from city life by staying at one of 120 campsites, with electric and water hookups. The park rests at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains with 5,500 acres for hiking, camping & more.
Location: Base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Northern Tucson
Fee: $5 non-refundable reservation fee for each reserved site and a $15 per night fee for second
vehicles at a campsite.
# of Units: 120
Season: Open Year Round
Pets: Yes, must be kept on leash
Reservable: Yes -- Link: https://azstateparks.com/reserve/catalina/camping/
Stay Limit: 14 Consecutive Nights
How to Get There: Head North on AZ-77 N/ N Oracle Road past Oro Valley 6.2 miles. Take a right at Catalina State Park on 11570 N Oracle Rd.
Extras & Insights:
- Hiking Trails: There are eight trails at the park, varying in length and difficulty, but all with amazing views. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. https://azstateparks.com/catalina/things-to-do/trails
Mount Lemmon
If you want to beat the heat and get out of the city, head to Mount Lemmon. It averages 30 degrees cooler than Tucson and is well within driving distance. Mount Lemmon hosts a multitude of outdoor options, from skiing to camping and climbing. There is something for everyone.
Location: Coronado National Forest. Northeast of Tucson
Fee: There are a number of free and paid campsites available.
# of Units: 200+
Season: Open Year Round
Pets: Yes, must be kept on leash
Reservable: Dependent upon campground
Stay Limit: Dependent upon campground
How to Get There: Take the Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde Road in Tucson. There are a number of campgrounds all the way up the mountain.
Extras & Insights:This is a 4 season recreational area. Spring and summer go hike/climb/bike/camp and in the winter snowshoe/ski/snowboard. See below for the full list of campgrounds available.
- General Hitchcock Campground
- Gordon Hirabayashi Campground
- Molino Basin Campground
- Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin
- Palisades Visitor Center
- Peppersauce Campground
- Rose Canyon Campground
- Spencer Canyon Campground
Tucson Mountain Park
With approximately 20,000 acres of public land access and 62 miles of non-motorized shared use trails, Tucson Mountain Park is a haven for all things outdoors. While hiking and mountain biking, you will have no shortage of breathtaking views and terrain to enjoy.
Location: Directly West of Tucson
Fee: $10 per nights for tents and $20 for trailers and RV’s.
# of Units: One main campground Gilbert Ray Campground. 130 units.
Season: 4 Season
Pets: Yes, must be kept on leash
Reservable: No.
Stay Limit: 7 days.
How to Get There: Speedway Boulevard west of I-10. At Camino de Oeste, Speedway Boulevard turns into Gates Pass Road. Follow Gates Pass Road across Gates Pass (NOT recommended for trailers or RVs over 24 feet) to the "T" intersection with Kinney Road. Turn right on Kinney Road. Travel approximately 0.6 miles and then turn left on McCain Loop. The campground entrance is on the left.
Extras & Insights: With this much land to roam there is no shortage of areas to explore. Be sure to grab the TMP hiking map and chat with a Summit Hut staffer to find the best-of-the-best hiking trails. There is also an Environmental Education and Desert Discovery Center. It’s a great option to check out if the heat gets to be too much.
Picacho Peak State Park
Right off the interstate Picacho Peak State Park is hard to miss. It has a trail that takes you to the top of the 1,500ft peak and is home to a unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance.
Location: North of Tucson.
Fee: $30 per night (Oct-May) $25 per night (June-Sept.) Group Areas: $15 per night
# of Units: 85 sites
Season: Year round
Pets: Yes, must be kept on leash
Reservable: Yes use this link to reserve.
Stay Limit: 14 Nights
How to Get There: Stay on I-10 W and it’s an hours drive or 44 miles.
Extras & Insights: From skydiving to the ever popular Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Rand Picacho Peak State Park is a wealth of outdoor activities. Be sure to check out the Biosphere 2 and the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. It is home to the National Park Service ruins of the ancient dwelling of the Hohokam Tribes.