Top 10 RV Parks Near the Tucson, AZ Area

Top 5 reasons why it’s a fun place to visit:

1. Visit the Arizona-Sonora Museum or the Sonora Botanical Gardens
2. Visit Tombstone for a Wild West Day
3. Hike Mt. Lemmon or the Sabino Canyon to observe Arizona’s flora and fauna
4. Check out the Pima Air and Space Museum
5. Visit the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

List of top ten RV Parks in the Tucson, AZ area:

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Tucson BLM Campground

Boondocking might not be for everyone, but many who dare to try camping this way end up being “hooked for life”. This way of RVing requires a bit of preparation and ingenuity, but once figured out, it is a wonderful way to stay awhile (for 14 days) without any restrictions (financial, booking, or annoying neighbor etc.).

What makes this park unique?

This is basically boondocking in the desert. There are no hookups, no amenities, but it is FREE. You pick a spot where you want to stay and then you can stay as long as you’d like (making sure you have enough water, electricity via solar or generator and a way to dump your waste offsite at a dump station nearby). The silence and the views of nature around are priceless. This is the ultimate feeling of Wild West freedom. Also, the stargazing at night is incredible.

One can stay for up to 14 days (loosely enforced by Park Ranger, as long as one keeps a clean camp).

Note: if you choose to run a generator, be courteous of others around you (incl. fauna).

2. South Forty RV Ranch

For travelers that love the desert vibe and surroundings, but also appreciate the comfort of the air conditioning and a pool, this RV park provides the best of both worlds. Located close by to the many tourist attractions, one will never be bored.

What makes this park unique?

This big park has many activities geared toward “snowbirds”, meaning set up for a longer stay with activities for adults without children. It is a great park for a longer stay to go and explore the Tucson area and it also has several ways to stay active even in the hot Arizona summer. Please book well in advance for the “winter season”, as it fills up quickly with RVs that stay for a month or two.

3. Davis Monthan AFB FamCamp

Located on the outskirts of Tucson right on the Davis Monthan Air Force Base, this family camp is mostly for military families and their relatives. One can get sponsorship by association.

What makes this park unique?

This is a very well-done military RV park. Especially well-suited for snowbirds, this park offers everything at a very affordable rate for the area. The service is friendly and professional, the location is unbeatable. There are great bike trails in and around the park.

Note: Any non-military guest must register at the armory if staying for more than 3 days.

4. Sentinel Peak RV Park

This park is in the heart of the city, which means it is just minutes away from over 300 restaurants and eateries. Everything is within walking distance.

What makes this park unique?

This is the only “Downtown Tucson RV Park”, which means that one is close to all the downtown activities that the city has to offer. There is also access to the Light Rail to attractions that are not as close by. This park is also close to a 5-mile hike loop and there is much to explore with regards to local history, architecture, food, and culture.

5. Tucson/Lazydays KOA

This park has it all! A desert oasis with pull-through sites, this park makes it a goal to show off Arizona and all it has to offer with all the comforts of a luxurious resort.

What makes this park unique?

Crowned by several past visitors as “the best KOA in America”, this place is amazing. There are fruit trees and buddy sites (where you can book adjacent sites when traveling with a group of other RVing friends). Being a “Lazydays” KOA means that this park is an excellent holiday getaway choice for extended family vacations time. Max RV length: 73 feet.

6. Voyager Resort and RV Park

Dubbed as the “best of the Southwest”, this park strives to show off Arizona to those who visit and provides service to “snowbirds” who come to stay in the Arizona winter to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.

What makes this park unique?

More of an RV city than an RV park, this place is huge! One can take a virtual tour online to get a feel for the park. This is mostly a big parking lot community for snowbirds. There are mobile homes and vacation rentals, as well. This park is for 55+ community only.

7. Mission View RV Park

This is a no-frills RV park located on the Reservation, with fair pricing and opportunities to store the RV when traveling to Mexico without it.

What makes this park unique?

Located on the Native American Reservation, so there is no RV tax. This is a 55+ only park with gravel sites, patios, and picnic tables, as well as many amenities that make it a comfortable place for a longer stay.

8. Diamond J RV Park

With miles of hiking trails, this park is located conveniently in the desert nature of Arizona but also close enough to all the activities in Tucson.

What makes this park unique?

The park offers nicely landscaped sites with shade trees and beautiful flora around. There are many things to do while enjoying the Arizona sun; however, this is an adult-only RV park.

9. Tra-Tel Tucson RV Park

This park is a gravel RV campground with full hookups and mountain views around. It is a typical Arizona-style place with the necessary amenities to stay and explore all the area has to offer.

What makes this park unique?

This park has choices of back-in and pull-through sites, with amazing shower facilities and a large laundry room (and even a laundry yard) to get refreshed and caught up on laundry. This park is also close to “The Loop” which is a 130-mile bike loop trail around the Tucson area.

10. Snyder Hill BLM

Another BLM campground, which means that it is “free up for grabs” dispersed camping. It is for boondocking only and in Arizona, adequate water supplies are most critical. This area is about 10 miles away from Tucson and grocery stores. This place has “Quartzsite” vibes and most people there are with the mindset of “live and let live”.

What makes this park unique?

One can stay for up to 14 days (loosely enforced by Park Ranger, as long as one keeps a clean camp). Some people might be put off by the older RVs and think of them as “sketchy”, especially with the increase of human trafficking; however, there are a lot of trails and nature around, and it is recommended that anyone boondocking on BLM is “survival-smart” and always alert and aware of their surroundings.

TIPS TO GET TO TUCSON

Close to the border of Mexico, New Mexico and Texas, Tucson is a traveling stop for many. It is a hub of people from all over the United States, as well as Mexico. Two main Interstates go through Tucson: coming from Nogales, Mexico, one takes I-19 North toward Tucson; otherwise, the I-10 from Phoenix to El Paso goes through Tucson, as well. Tucson is about two hours from Phoenix and about 4 ½ hours away from El Paso. The City of Tucson is surrounded by several Native American Reservations yet has plenty to offer regarding tourist attractions (in town or in the area).