Awesome views of the sun going down over Tucson were available on both sides of the road. See 10 traveler reviews, 48 photos and blog posts Together they hike, explore, nap, and write about their adventures. You can also goto the BLM website for more info here on camping in AZ. Just past that, there are turn-offs on the left side of the road (going east) every couple hundred yards or so. On the satellite view on maps, it seemed like there were a lot more sites than there are. The road is in good shape, just steep. Gorgeous views of sunset over Tucson, saguaros all around. Yavapai Campground. BLM Dispersed Camping Near Tucson. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Details - Map - Reviews - Nearest. Best Camping in Tombstone on Tripadvisor: Find 431 traveler reviews, 202 candid photos, and prices for 5 camping in Tombstone, Arizona, United States. Once on dirt, the road doesn’t improve much - but you can’t expect much on a well visited area. While you visit Picacho Peak, you’ll definitely want to hike up to the Peak itself to get the best views around the area. Why You Should Camp Here: Facing the giant wall of Picacho Peak, wake up to wildflowers in the Spring or settle underneath the full-moon in the Winter. It's really a fun drive, but I wouldn't attempt it in a regular car and NEVER in a motorhome or while towing a trailer. Monthly Reservations Only I’m Busy Season, Plan a trip here, be sure to visit Summerhaven. When you’re done hiking and witnessing the drastic change in the landscape as you ascend up the side of the mountain, you should head up to the Cookie Cabin at the very tip-top of the mountain. From Tucson, take I-10 east to Exit #281 (Highway 83 Sonoita/Patagonia). Drive up the switch backs and you will find a lot of spots. The best thing about camping in Catalina State Park is the ability to see wildlife you may have never seen before. no water or dump but you can go to lake and use their dump station for $8.00. This was an absolutely beautiful site above the city of Tucson! I bet it's quite nice during the week tho, at least I'd hope. They also make a mean cup of hot cocoa. It's plopped on the banks of Cave Creek, where vehicles ain't allowed and the wildflowers smile extra wide in appreciation of it. There are no sewer or water hookups, so it’s best to bring in your own water in case of shortages as there aren’t many amenities around the area. There's a nude beach at the end of one trail. Backcountry camping here isn’t for the weak-hearted, but you’ll find solace as you scale up the mountainsides in the Saguaro Wilderness. more. … Dispersed camping on NF 375B - Payson, Arizona Snyder Hill BLM in Tucson is rated 0.0 of 10 at Campground Reviews. Why You Should Camp Here: For the best of both worlds, find yourself between desert and mountain top on Mount Lemmon. Plus, the Tanque Verde Falls hike is a great way to cool off in the hot desert. Sad how many people don't understand "leave no trace". Stayed: 10/8/2020 - FREE Erin is a freelance writer and photographer who travels the country with her dog, Rory. Lemmon Road Conditions Managed by Pima County (520) 547-7510. The views were absolutely wonderful which makes up for all the negatives in my book. I say ‘odd’ because it’s a little triangular area surrounding a small mountain that’s boxed in by a major highway and houses. The subreddit for Tucson, Arizona; Tucson is a city in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert surrounded by multiple mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalinas. For the perfect set up, pitch your tent under aspens and pines facing eastward for the best view. Some idiots jump from the cliffs into the pools. We found a small spot that fit our car and a couple of chairs, and that was about it. Directions from I-10 east of Tucson: I-10 west to I-19 south. Dispersed Recreation Camping. Lots of folks boondocking in the bigger spots so people squeeze into what’s left: small roadside spots with varying degrees of level ground. Dispersed Camping Spots? Some pools are just big enough to go for a swim. Highly recommend spending some time there! Most are just a wider part of the road where you can pull over to camp. Camping in Arizona is a year-round affair: summer and fall are perfect times to hit high-country lakes and creeks, and winter camping in the desert can't be beat. To beat the heat, visit Manning Campground. Campsites are small and not far off the main road due to the mountain landscape. As other reviews say, there is quite a bit of noise. Directly across the road (Redington Rd), were a bunch of cacti. Watched one of the most gorgeous sunsets Ive ever seen, but then the sun went down. Dispersed camping in national forests is a great way to save money on your outdoor adventures. We have a sprinter van and didn’t second guess it at all. Tanque Verde Falls is the main attraction here. See more ideas about arizona, camping, blm. And if you come in the spring, there's lots of wildflowers! At the contact station, you can ask for a list of birds if you’re an avid bird watcher. Home to the University of Arizona, Tucson has many vintage shops, nightclubs and restaurants on Fourth Avenue near the campus. There are some small water snakes here, which I believe are harmless. There was even a third area beyond that, if we wanted to have a fire. Saguaro National Park. You’ll have to walk several miles (4-10 miles depending on the trail) to get to them, so be sure you’re prepared with enough food and water to make the trek. Equipment: Tent. Campground Location:, Tucson AZ 85706. Catalina State Park is widely known for its abundance of wildlife. Gilbert Ray Campground inside Tucson Mountain Park is the place to stay if you’re wanting to stay close to Saguaro National Park and bring your furry pals. From our site it only took about 20 min to get to Saguaro National Park East and about that to get to the outskirts of Tucson. With 85 campsites made for RVers and tent campers alike, you may find that the campground is full in the Spring. Because there is a lot Tucson has to offer, it’s difficult to find the best place to settle in for the night. At $22 a night, you get a large campsite, bear food box, a fire pit, and bathrooms. 1. Potable water is almost always available here, too! Waterfalls, mountains, saguaro cactus, pine trees, and the desert all come together for the perfect adventure spot. After leaving the trailhead, we kept going east and passed by a group of marines that appear to be maintaining the road, which is in pretty good shape for an Arizona dirt road. Plomosa Road. The subreddit for Tucson, Arizona; Tucson is a city in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert surrounded by multiple mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalinas. Welcome to Picacho Peak State Park! The rod does get narrow in spots with some drop offs. Please select a reason for flagging this item: © 2020 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. San Pedro River Road, AKA Redington Road, AKA Redington Pass. Learn more: Boondocking 101. This place is a flash flood danger, and over the years many people have died here getting washed over the falls. I camped at a good sized pulloff almost at the very top. But it also protects more popular places from overcrowding and damage (assuming you practice Leave No Trace principles and leave your site as you found it). Going in was in terrible condition, if we wanted to have a van. 2016 - BLM, Tucson, Arizona, you can ’ t expect on... We cleaned after ourselves and did what we were camping. ll find a place for camping hiking... 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