Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

WiFi

Cable TV

Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Gilbert Ray Campground offers a quintessential desert experience located within the stunning 20,000-acre <strong>Tucson Mountain Park</strong>. Unlike modern paved resorts, this Pima County gem provides a rustic atmosphere where the landscape remains the primary focus. Surrounded by thousands of <strong>giant saguaro cacti</strong> and rugged volcanic peaks, visitors can experience the raw beauty of the Sonoran Desert while remaining close to city conveniences. It is a place where the natural environment is preserved, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to disconnect.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>Situated on the western edge of Tucson, Arizona, the park feels worlds away from the urban bustle. The campground is tucked into a valley where the sunsets paint the sky in vibrant hues of purple and orange. Because of its proximity to local research facilities and strict <strong>dark-sky ordinances</strong>, the nighttime views are spectacular, making it a premier destination for those who enjoy stargazing from their rig. The <strong>Tucson Mountains</strong> provide a dramatic backdrop that changes character as the desert light shifts throughout the day.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>This facility features 130 designated RV sites, many of which provide <strong>30-amp or 50-amp electrical hookups</strong>. While individual sites do not offer private water or sewer connections, the park maintains several <strong>centrally located water stations</strong> and a convenient dump station for guest use. The sites are generally level and gravel-based, accommodating a variety of rig sizes. Restroom facilities are available throughout the loops, though the park lacks on-site showers, emphasizing a more traditional and self-contained camping style.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Adventure is never far away, as the park is located just minutes from the <strong>Saguaro National Park West</strong> entrance. Guests are also within a short drive of the world-renowned <strong>Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum</strong>, which combines a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum into one immersive experience. For those looking to stay active, the surrounding area is crisscrossed with miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails that showcase the unique local ecology and provide stunning overlooks of the Avra Valley.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>Gilbert Ray is ideal for the traveler who prioritizes <strong>scenic tranquility</strong> and natural immersion over high-end resort amenities like pools or clubhouses. It is a perfect fit for photographers, hikers, and birdwatchers who want to wake up in the heart of the desert. If you appreciate a <strong>quiet, dark-sky environment</strong> and are comfortable utilizing your RV's onboard systems, this park offers one of the most authentic and affordable Arizona desert experiences available to modern travelers.</p>



Gilbert Ray Campground is located in the Tucson Mountains, just west of Tucson, Arizona. The campground is part of the Pima County Park system and offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The campground is situated in a desert landscape, surrounded by saguaro cacti and other desert vegetation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the nearby trails, as well as bird watching and wildlife viewing. The campground also offers a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. There are also restrooms and showers available for campers. Gilbert Ray Campground is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the desert and the wildlife that call it home.

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Gilbert Ray (Pima County Park)

Explore Gilbert Ray Campground in Tucson, AZ. Stay among giant saguaros with electric hookups near Saguaro National Park. Ideal for quiet desert escapes.

Gilbert Ray Campground | Tucson, AZ RV Camping

What a beautiful campground. Very clean, the camp hosts were so friendly and helpful. The location is beautiful yet it's very close to Tucson. Very quiet, even when it is busy. Everyone was so respectful and friendly. Nice variety of sites, from tent only to accommodating a 40ft class A. Power hookups with water spigots in every loop. If we ever come back to this area we are definitely coming back to stay here.

Great campground.   The dump, the flush water is ridiculously low as non existent.  If you want to flush your tank minimally it won't even do that.  Pressure from not flushing a minute or two will build up on your next stop from feces in the pipe, and that's not fun.

Terrible reservation policies, the feeling of being scammed of money from this county is apparent.

Wonderful campground with outstanding staff and beautiful scenery, highly recommended! I especially want to give a big thank-you to Jodie (CTA). I accidentally left a steel wind shield from my camp stove at the campsite. I emailed the campground the same day, and Jodie replied promptly and kindly. I was able to come back the next day and retrieve my item with no issues at all. Would absolutely stay here again.

This is the most beautiful campground. The park is clean, well maintained, and the location is very close to Saguaro National Park-west side. And most importantly, the scenery is breathtaking! We had a little trouble with our confirmation email after having made reservations, which must be done through Pima County, online.  When I called the campground phone number at the county, Vera was delightful; very kind and helpful. Before I had a chance to talk to Vera though, we went into the campground looking for help with our reservation and Tom was able to look it up and point us to the right campsite.  He was also very kind and helpful. What lovely staff you all all have connected to this campground! Be aware, there isn’t water or sewer at each site but there is power and there are two dump stations and two potable water stations that you can use.  Thank you to everyone at the county and the campground for helping make our stay so nice.

Overall an amazing resource if you are visiting Tucson. Tons of hiking options right from your campsite. Walkable to the Tucson desert museum and several other trails. Sites vary, but are mostly good. The tent only sites have no electricity and require you to pitch a tent - but that seems to be loosely enforced. If you are in a vehicle and just need a spot for the night, just show up later and you should be fine. Bathrooms vary in terms of amenities - some are well maintained and have outdoor sinks with warm water for doing dishes, some do not. This campground used to have showers, but they are no longer there. Campground is surrounded by stunning Sonoran desert habitat and you are adjacent to the mountain park. 30 mins to downtown Tucson over Gates pass - unless you are in a large RV in which case you will have to go around the pass. All reservations are done online, which is not always ideal - the reservation system is quirky as well.

Limiting to 40 ft total between truck and trailer is extreme and not reasonable by any measure. Stated they have "hair pin turns" which is not true on loop A at all. I understand massive Class A's not coming in, however; not being able to bring in a 25 foot TT and Truck is over the top.

This county owned campground is quite nice, with lots of sites, but they now have a new policy that disallows tow vehicles and campers in excess of 40 feet, total in length. Inquire before you come here.

This is a great campground. So quiet. The flora is incredible. Cholla’s, prickly pear, of course saguaro’s, and ocotillo will surround your campsite. The road in is winding and hilly so take it slow. No water or septic at your site but there were 4 or 5 dump stations and water spigots all over. Less than 10 minutes to Saguaro National Parks entrance. A little expensive at $35/night but still worth it for a short stay.

Caution when booking campground. They will only refund 50% of the cost if you cancel before 14 days. I lost $125 and didn't even stay there. I canceled more than a month in advance because of change in plans. This is absolutely criminal. If you are staying it is a nice place and the desert museum is great.

Sites are very small, our 16 ft trailer and the truck filled it up.  We did not understand that they do NOT have a place to shower.  It would be a great winter camp, late August not so much!

2 nights, January 2025 - the second time we stayed here.
We were in loop A, made through the reservation system. Most sites are pretty level, although our space,  A27 had quite a drop-off from the blacktop to the gravel, with crumbling chunks of cement. There were a few other spots with similar conditions, but most sites appeared to be in good shape.

Otherwise the campground was as nice as we remembered it. You have the desert and all it has to offer. We wish there was at least one "dog accessible" trail in the area, but at least the campground is large enough to ensure our dog could get a good walk.

Two of the loops in the campground were getting updates. The one we were able to walk around was looking very nice with upgraded electric posts and to ensure the spots were level.

Sites are spaced apart very nicely.  Watch and get one long enough for your rig, some are quite short.  30amp power only but our connection was on the wrong side and way in the back.  Luckily I had 50ft of 30amp cord.  The view here is amazing, great place to camp!

Great Campground. Couldn't make it to Saguaro before sundown so we stopped here and were able to easily grab a site and self register. $20 for an RV site with power! only 50amp plug though so keep that in mind.  lots of sites have BBQ Grills charcoal fires only.  Nice Bathrooms no showers. excellent views

This park is beautiful!   Campsites are set in the middle of the desert.  You can see the sun rise and set over the Sonoran desert.  There are easy and more difficult hikes in the area.  The Saguaro National Park is just a few miles away.

There are no showers available in the campground.  You can only stay for 1 week at a time.

Great County maintained campground and very reasonable. Campsites are level gravel sites with electricity and the surrounding area is peaceful.  Grateful for the electricity since the temps were hitting the 90s.  No other utlities on campsite, but there is a free dumpststion.  The campground is located conveniently near the desert museum and the Saguaro National Park visitor center.  Lots of trails nearby and within the campground.  Clean bathroom and nice people.

What a great campground! Sunsets and trails were beautiful. Spots are plenty big with electric. So quiet and so peaceful. Hosts were very nice and the location was easy to get to. Spots are easy to park and the dump station was clean and easy to access.

Reviews

Gilbert Ray (Pima County Park)

User Reviews