There's a certain magic to camping in the Sonoran Desert, especially when you’re surrounded by the majestic, multi-armed silhouettes of saguaro cacti. Gilbert Ray Campground, a county-run gem nestled within Tucson Mountain Park, offers exactly that kind of immersive experience. It strikes a beautiful balance, providing just enough creature comforts to be convenient while leaving the wild, natural beauty of the desert landscape as the main attraction. For RVers exploring the west side of Tucson and the adjacent Saguaro National Park, this campground is a perfect home base, complete with a central dump station that makes managing your tanks a straightforward affair.
The location is simply unbeatable for nature lovers. The campground itself is situated within the 20,000 acres of Tucson Mountain Park, which boasts over 60 miles of trails for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. You can literally step out of your RV and be on a trail within minutes. Just a stone's throw away are two of Tucson’s premier attractions: the world-renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a fantastic combination of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, and Old Tucson, the famous movie studio where countless westerns were filmed. And, of course, the main event is Saguaro National Park West. The campground is so close you feel like you’re practically in it. You can easily spend an afternoon driving the scenic Bajada Loop Drive, stopping to see the ancient Hohokam petroglyphs, and then be back at your campsite in time to witness one of the spectacular pastel-colored sunsets the area is famous for.
Camping in a public, county-operated facility like Gilbert Ray is a different experience from a private RV resort. The focus is on the natural setting, not on bells and whistles. Don't expect a pool, a clubhouse, or Wi-Fi. What you get instead is something far more valuable: spacious, well-separated sites that give you a sense of being alone with nature. The pads are typically gravel and might require a few leveling blocks to get perfectly situated. Each site comes with a picnic table and a ramada for shade, a welcome feature in the desert sun. The sites here are electric-only, offering a 30-amp hookup. This is a huge plus, as it allows you to run your air conditioning during the hotter parts of the day.
Because there are no water or sewer hookups at the individual sites, your tank management strategy becomes key. This is where the campground's well-placed dump station comes into play. It’s located near the entrance, making it convenient to use on your way in or out. The process is simple: before heading to your site, you can pull into the dump station, empty both your black and gray tanks, and then fill your fresh water tank from the potable water spigots. Or, if you’re staying for a while, you can just make a quick trip over every few days to dump and refill. This setup encourages water conservation, a good habit for any RVer, especially in the desert. You become much more mindful of how long your showers are and how much water you use for dishes.
Let's talk about the amenities in practical terms. The 30-amp electric at each site is the main utility. Throughout the campground loops, you’ll find potable water spigots where you can fill jugs or your fresh tank, but you can’t stay connected to them. There are central trash and recycling bins, which makes it easy to keep your campsite clean. The campground is pet-friendly, but leash rules are strictly enforced for the safety of both your pet and the local wildlife. The two big things that are missing are showers and laundry facilities. This means you’ll be relying entirely on your RV’s bathroom and your fresh water supply. For some, this might be a deal-breaker, but for those of us accustomed to dry camping or boondocking, it’s just part of the adventure. It’s also important to note that there’s no propane or gas available in the park, so you’ll want to make sure you’re fueled up and your propane tanks are full before you head in from Tucson.
The value here is outstanding. With nightly fees typically around the $20 mark for an electric site, it’s an absolute bargain, especially when you consider its prime location. You’re getting million-dollar views and direct access to world-class hiking and sightseeing for a fraction of the cost of a commercial RV park.
For a smooth and enjoyable visit, timing is everything. The sites are first-come, first-served, and this place is incredibly popular, especially during the cooler winter months. My advice is to try and arrive by early afternoon, even on a weekday, to secure a spot. Have some quarters ready for the dump station, as it often operates on an automated pay kiosk. As I mentioned, bring your leveling blocks; the desert terrain is beautiful but not always perfectly flat. Most importantly, embrace the dry camping lifestyle. Plan your water usage, maybe bring a solar shower for rinsing off outside, and enjoy the simplicity. And, of course, do your hiking and exploring early in the morning to avoid the intense midday heat, especially in the late spring and summer.
In conclusion, Gilbert Ray Campground is a treasure for the self-sufficient RVer who values scenery over services. If your idea of a perfect evening is watching the sky explode with color over a forest of saguaros, and you don’t mind a little bit of water management, then this is your spot. The convenience of having an on-site dump station paired with electric hookups makes it a comfortable and practical basecamp for exploring one of the most beautiful corners of Arizona.
8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85735
(520) 403-8116
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
pima.gov/1228/Gilbert-Ray-Campground