There are RV parks with mountain views, RV parks on the beach, and RV parks that are little more than a patch of gravel off the interstate. And then there’s Boneyard Vista RV Park on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, a place that offers a truly unique backdrop for your stay. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while the desert sun rises over rows of retired military aircraft. It’s not your typical campground experience, and for anyone with an ounce of interest in aviation, it’s an absolute must-see. This isn’t just a place with a dump station; it’s a destination where the dump station happens to be conveniently located right at your own site.
First things first, this is a military-exclusive facility. You’ll need a valid military ID or DOD civilian credentials to get through the gate. But if you have that golden ticket, you’re in for a treat. The park boasts 197 sites, and every single one of them comes with full hookups. We’re talking water, sewer, and electric right at your pedestal. This is the holy grail for RVers who dislike the public dump station ritual. There’s no lining up, no pulling forward and back to get the right angle, and no worrying about your tank levels. You can manage your gray and black water on your own schedule, which adds a layer of relaxation to your stay that’s hard to quantify until you’ve experienced it.
The location on the east side of Tucson is phenomenal. You are literally minutes away from some of the region’s most iconic attractions. The eastern unit of Saguaro National Park, the Rincon Mountain District, is just a short 15-minute drive away. You can spend your morning hiking among the giant cacti on the Cactus Forest Loop Drive before the desert heat really kicks in. The main event for many, however, is right next door. The world-famous Pima Air & Space Museum and the 309th AMARG, better known as the "Boneyard," are right there. You can book a bus tour that takes you through the sprawling fields of mothballed aircraft, a surreal and humbling sight that showcases decades of aviation history. It's the largest facility of its kind in the world, and having it as your neighbor is just plain cool. And when you’re ready for some city life, downtown Tucson, with its incredible food scene recognized by UNESCO, is only about a 20-minute drive away.
Staying at a military RV park, or "famcamp" as they're often called, has a distinct vibe. You trade the sometimes-chaotic energy of a commercial campground for the quiet, orderly rhythm of a military base. Security is paramount. You’ll have your ID checked at the gate, and you’ll need to follow base rules like posted speed limits and quiet hours. The sites themselves are typically what you'd expect from a place built with military precision: level concrete pads laid out in neat rows. This makes it incredibly easy for big rigs to get in and out. The real perk, beyond the on-site security, is the access to base amenities. Need to refuel? There’s a gas station on base. Need groceries? The commissary is usually cheaper than civilian supermarkets. Want to get a workout in? The base fitness center is available. It’s like living in a self-contained town designed for convenience.
Let's dig into the amenities that really matter to us on the road. The full hookups with 30/50-amp power are the star of the show. You can run your air conditioning in the Arizona heat without a second thought and, as mentioned, emptying the tanks is as simple as connecting your sewer hose. But they don't stop there. For those of us traveling with pets, there's a fenced dog park and even a pet wash station. That’s a thoughtful touch, especially in a desert environment where a good rinse-off can be a blessing for your furry friend. The park also features a modern, climate-controlled bathhouse with clean showers and coin-operated laundry machines, allowing you to conserve your own fresh water and keep up with chores. You will need to head off-base for propane, but with Tucson so close, that’s hardly an inconvenience. Waste disposal is handled via central dumpsters, so you’ll just need to locate the nearest one to your site when you check in.
The value proposition here is exceptional. While you need to call the Outdoor Recreation office for the current nightly rates, military campgrounds are almost always significantly more affordable than their commercial counterparts. You’re getting full hookups in a prime location, with an added layer of security, for what is likely ten to twenty dollars less per night than a private park down the road. For snowbirds looking to spend the winter in Tucson, that cost savings can add up to a substantial amount over a few months.
If you’re planning a visit, a few tips will make your stay smoother. Always have your ID ready for everyone in your vehicle, as they will check. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak snowbird season from November through March when the park can be completely full. Since you have full hookups, there’s no need for a generator, and quiet hours after 10 p.m. are strictly enforced. It’s a good idea to stock up on groceries before you arrive, as commissary hours can be a bit more limited than what you’d find at a 24-hour civilian store. And my best piece of advice for enjoying the area: get up early. The desert is magical at dawn. Go for your hike in Saguaro National Park as the sun comes up, and you’ll be back in your air-conditioned rig before the temperatures become oppressive.
In short, Boneyard Vista RV Park is a fantastic choice for those who are eligible. It offers an unbeatable combination of convenience, security, and proximity to some of southern Arizona’s most unique attractions. If you appreciate wide-open desert skies, the quiet hum of a secure base, and the fascinating sight of aviation history right outside your window, this place is a true gem.
6170 Quijota Blvd Bldg. 6015, Tucson, AZ 85707
(520) 747-9144
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV park
Has Water
dmfss.com/boneyardvista