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Saguaro National Park, near Tucson, Arizona, offers breathtaking views of iconic saguaro cacti and a range of camping options for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for backcountry solitude or more accessible campgrounds, this guide will help you plan the perfect camping trip in this remarkable desert landscape. Get ready to explore diverse biomes, enjoy star-filled nights, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the American Southwest. Now, let’s get started.
Can I Camp Anywhere in Saguaro National Park?
No, camping is only allowed in six designated hike-in wilderness sites in the rugged eastern park or the campground in the western park on the other side of Tucson.
Which Campground Is Best in Saguaro?
Which campground is best depends on how you like to camp. There are various options, from backcountry hike-in campsites to nearby RV sites with modern amenities.
Manning Campground
Manning Campground is a hike-in wilderness campground used for fire and natural resource studies, but the six campsites are also open to the public. At 8000 feet, it’s perfect for summer camping since the cooler climate means temperatures rarely exceed 85F, and there’s plentiful shade from the ponderosa pines. As you hike up, you’ll pass amazing views and spectacular changes in plants and wildlife as you wander through different biomes. The starry nights are beautiful but chilly, so dress warm. Fire rings are provided; you can collect dead and downed wood nearby and have a fire to stay warm.
To recharge your phone, bring along the lightweight EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank. Alternatively, if you need more power for lights and other devices, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus has 600W but is still light enough to carry in a backpack.
- Hike-in wilderness access only.
- Depending on where you start, the hike could be between 7.5 and 18 miles with 5500-6500 feet of elevation gain.
- Wilderness water is usually available near the campsites, but there will be none on the hike, so pack 1 gallon of water per person per day.
Happy Valley Saddle
Happy Valley Saddle campground offers the shortest hike to a wilderness campground in the park, covering 3.9 miles and over 2000 feet of elevation gain. It’s often used as a resting point for those climbing Rincon Peak. It also makes it perfect for adventurous families or solo camping trips since you’re not too far from help if you get into trouble. At 6,200 feet, the nights get a bit chilly, so be prepared with a warm sleeping bag. Fires are allowed in designated fire pits.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series are compact, lightweight, portable solar generators perfect for hiking. You can fit it in your backpack and use it to recharge your phone to keep your trail maps working or run camping lights at night.
- Water is not available except during the wet season, so pack at least one gallon of water per person daily.
- The dirt access road from I-10 exit 297 gets little maintenance and has multiple stream crossings. During the monsoon or in wet winters, it may not be passable.
- Hike cautiously in winter and watch for winter storms, as the many dead-standing pines can be dangerous in high winds.
Reddington Pass Dispersed Camping
For those who like to rough it and camp for free, or want to camp in their vehicle but still be close to the more rugged eastern park, Reddington Pass Dispersed Camping is perfect. Many spots are available, but those with RVs or camper vans will want to camp near the start of the run as the road gets rougher further up. For those who like to get away, bring your 4×4, and you can get into quieter spots further away from the road. The area offers plenty of birdwatching, hiking, and 4×4 and off-road vehicle (OHV) use. Cell reception also works here.
- There are no amenities, so you must be self-contained and pack your own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
- There’s no power, so it’s a good idea to bring a small solar generator
- You need an off-highway vehicle (OHV) decal to operate an OHV on public lands in Arizona. You can get the decals at the Arizona DMV or Service Arizona.
Gilbert Ray Campground
For those looking for more amenities within a park boundary, the Gilbert Ray Campground is located in Saguaro National Park West on the western side of Tucson. It offers 130 sites, and many have access to power. RV sites with power cost $35 per night. There are no direct water hookups, but water is nearby, and a dump site is available. Tent-only sites without power cost $10. Restrooms are available, but there are no showers.
This location is also ideal for winter camping. The days are warm at the lower elevation, but desert nights can still get chilly. Summer campers will find the days very hot, so bring the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner. It can be recharged using AC, DC, or portable solar panels. It’s also a portable heater—great for staying warm on chilly winter nights.
- The campground is under new management. Please contact them by phone at 520-724-5159 or by email.
- Construction is ongoing in the 2024/2025 season, and certain sites may not be open.
- Cash and checks are not accepted. Reservations must be made online via their new reservation system.
- Wood fires are not allowed.
Camp Saguaro
Camp Saguaro is a private campground on 7 acres of desert land just minutes from the Western Park, Tucson Mountain Park, and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. They accommodate tents, truck campers, van campers, overlanders, and tiny teardrops, and a couple of shelters are also available. They have flush toilets, handwashing sinks, hot showers, and a kitchen sink for public use. The area offers ample opportunities for hiking and birdwatching, and some areas allow mountain biking (but no motorbikes or OHVs). This site is also pet-friendly as long as your pet is well-behaved.
- It’s open seasonally from October 15 through March 31st.
- Reservations can be made in advance online, though same-day reservations are also available.
- This campground is tobacco-free.
What Should I Pack for a Saguaro National Park Camping Trip?
- EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) for recharging your phones and electronic devices. You can recharge it each day with the abundant sunshine.
- Cool, loose-fitting clothing for daytime and sweatshirts, pants, and socks for cool desert nights.
- Sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
- Water is scarce to non-existent. Bring lots of water, especially for hike-in sites.
- OHV permits for off-roading.
- A quality tent with good ventilation for low elevation sites, or a 3-4 season tent for high elevation camps.
- Warm sleeping bags for winter or high-elevation campgrounds year-round.
6 Saguaro National Park Camping Tips
- This is a popular winter or early spring camping destination to avoid the extreme heat during summer.
- No vehicle or RV camping in the eastern park; sites are only hike-in.
- Water is scarce all year. Bring at least one gallon of water per person per day, and more in the summer.
- Cell service is available but may be unreliable.
- Access hiking maps online.
- Don’t cross flooded streams if it rains due to the risk of flash floods.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can camp overnight at one of 10 designated campgrounds at Saguaro Lake in the Tonto National Forest. Make sure you check out their reservation policies and book ahead if necessary to avoid disappointment.
The closest town is Marana, which borders the park’s West District. However, the much larger city of Tucson is just 18 miles away, so if you have a vehicle, you can easily head to town for extra supplies.
The most popular time to visit is in the cooler months between October and April, when the temperatures aren’t so extreme. This makes hiking and backcountry camping safer and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Camping in Saguaro is an unforgettable experience, with options for every adventurer, from hike-in backcountry sites to drive-in campgrounds with modern amenities. Whether you’re drawn to the towering saguaros, cool, high-elevation retreats, or stunning desert landscapes, Saguaro offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Pack smart, bring plenty of water, sun protection, and your EcoFlow River 3 Series portable power station to keep your essential devices charged. Now, you’re ready to make the most of your trip to one of Arizona’s most spectacular destinations.