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Gilbert Ray (Pima County Park)
Overview
Gilbert Ray Campground offers a quintessential desert experience located within the stunning 20,000-acre Tucson Mountain Park. Unlike modern paved resorts, this Pima County gem provides a rustic atmosphere where the landscape remains the primary focus. Surrounded by thousands of giant saguaro cacti 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.
Location & Surroundings
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 dark-sky ordinances, the nighttime views are spectacular, making it a premier destination for those who enjoy stargazing from their rig. The Tucson Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop that changes character as the desert light shifts throughout the day.
Amenities & Park Features
This facility features 130 designated RV sites, many of which provide 30-amp or 50-amp electrical hookups. While individual sites do not offer private water or sewer connections, the park maintains several centrally located water stations 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.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, as the park is located just minutes from the Saguaro National Park West entrance. Guests are also within a short drive of the world-renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 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.
Who This Park Is Best For
Gilbert Ray is ideal for the traveler who prioritizes scenic tranquility 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 quiet, dark-sky environment 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.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Alison Leach
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.
Dusty
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.
D W
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.
Juli McIntosh
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.
Jay Peery
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.
Andrew B
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.
Paul W
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.
Michael McLeod
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.
Will Fishburn
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.
C Rains
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!