Catalina State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Catalina State Park is a display of ecological extremes. Located in the shadow of the rugged and rocky Santa Catalina Mountains of Southcentral Arizona, the park is home to lush Sonoran Desert flora and fauna. The 5,525-acre park, dedicated in 1983, was rescued from developers by local naturalists and concerned citizens. The local population and government officials took extraordinary measures to preserve this ecological gem. The park became part of the Coronado National Forest in 1991, but Arizona State Parks still manages the facility.
Though the park feels miles from civilization, it is a short drive from several cities and historic towns. The southcentral part of Arizona has a wealth of historic towns. Casa Grande National Monument is a Native American Cultural site near Casa Grande. The historic mining town of Bisbee is now a vibrant artist community. Visit Florence to explore the history of agriculture in Arizona and the history of the state's correctional systems. Military historians can spend an exciting day visiting the Pima Air Museum and Titan Missile Museum just south of Tucson. The area around Catalina State Park has enough historical sights to satisfy every interest.
Nearby Cities
Tucson, AZ
Oracle, AZ
Casa Grande, AZ
Florence, AZ
Spring 49-90 F
Summer 72-101 F
Fall 48-95 F
Winter 42-70 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Catalina State Park
Campground Accommodations
Catalina State Park Campgrounds A and B
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: No posted limit
Other amenities: RV dump station, shower, restrooms, picnic tables, grills
Ringtail Loop Overflow Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: No posted limit
Other amenities: RV dump station, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings
Crazy Horse RV Campground
This RV park is in Tucson and is close to restaurants, shopping, and the many activities Tucson has to offer.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, laundry, swimming pool, rec hall with activities, pool table, free coffee daily and donuts on occasion
Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort
Also located in Tucson, this campground has a nature pond, activity park, and planned activities including yoga and water fitness classes.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, 9-hole putting green, dog park, hot tub, next to RV dealership with service department
What to Do at
Catalina State Park
The area around Catalina State Park is well-known as a hiking and biking mecca. Hike or mountain bike the park trails. Road cyclists can join the locals on a ride up scenic Oracle Road. Nature lovers can get up close and personal with iconic Saguaro cactus and other desert flora and fauna. Join a guided nature hike with park rangers. The park has been designated an Important Birding Area (IBA) by the Audubon Society. It provides birders the opportunity to view over 150 resident and migratory species and a variety of raptors.
Inside Catalina State Park
There is plenty to do inside the park! Kids ages 6012 can earn a Junior Ranger button by completing the activities outlined in the booklet you can get at the visitor’s center. It’s a great way for kids to learn more about the wildlife and history of the park.
There is also plenty for adults to do, including:
Hiking: Trails ranging from a ¾ mile easy loop to more than 16 miles round-trip snake throughout the park. Take a short, interpretive trail to get a good overview of the area, or a longer trail that leads you up steep climbs to an unforgettable view.
Bicycling: Many of the hiking trails can be used by cyclists as well, and some provide excellent opportunities for mountain biking.
Guided activities: Participate in activities planned by rangers, including geology walks, introductions to geocaching, and more.
Geocaching
Scheduled events with park rangers as guides occur in fall and spring.
Nature Watching
Set out independently, or join a ranger-guided nature or birdwatching tour. Unique resident wildlife includes javelina, coyote, Coues deer, coatimundi, and camel spiders.
Stargazing
Dark desert skies are perfect for stargazing. Guided night walks and star parties are held throughout the year.
Flora and Fauna
Due to its location and elevation, the park is prime to see low desert plants and animals and high desert inhabitants associated with Arizona Sky Islands.
Hiking
Set out on one of the park's eight trails. From the easy Romero Ruins Loop (.75 miles) to the challenging Sutherland Trail (10.8 miles), there is a trail for every energy level.
Biking
Seven park trails are open to mountain bikers. The local area is also a well-known mecca for road cyclists. Join locals for a road ride on scenic Oracle Road.
Horseback Riding
The park has a designated equestrian area with pens, water, camping, and restrooms. Riding is allowed on five of the park trails.
How to Get to
Catalina State Park
From downtown Tucson, take North Granada Avenue north. Granada Avenue becomes Main Avenue at 4th Street. Continue north. At Drachman Street, Main becomes Oracle Road. Follow Oracle Road north for 13 miles. The park is on the east (right) side of Oracle Road.
From Phoenix, take I-10 east to US 60. Continue east on US 60 for 50 miles to State Route 79. Take SR 79 south/southeast for 62 miles to Oracle Junction (Hwy 77). Turn south on Hwy 77 (Oracle Road). Travel south for 14 miles. Catalina State Park is on the east (left) side of Oracle Road.
Entering Catalina State Park
Day-use parking is included with park admission. There are three parking areas in the day-use area and another in the equestrian area. The day-use fee is $7 per vehicle.
Catalina State Park Per Vehicle : $7.0
Catalina State Park is great for exploring and learning about the desert habitat. Guided events and interpretive trails exist for those who like to investigate independently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catalina State Park
Most visitors to Arizona find spring and fall the most comfortable seasons. Spring wildflowers in the park are beautiful. Daytime temperatures in the winter are cool, and nights can be cold. If you do not mind the heat, summer in north Tucson can be a unique experience.
The park has a great variety of wildlife. Several types of snakes, including three varieties of rattlesnakes, live in the park. Reptile fans can watch for the elusive Gila Monster among the lizards that populate the area. Unique southwestern mammals in the park are Coues deer, coyote, javelina, and coatimundi. Birds include the iconic road runner as well as over 150 species of birds, raptors, and hummingbirds.
The park has 120 paved RV camping sites. Sites include electricity, water, picnic tables, grills, showers, and toilet facilities. There is also an overflow tent camping area for busy seasons.
Reservations are recommended, especially in spring and fall. RV site fees range from $25-$35 a night. There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $3.20. An extra vehicle fee for an additional vehicle in a campsite is $15 per day. There is a day-use fee of $7.
Pets are welcome in the park. They must be on a leash and controlled at all times.