Gilbert Ray Campground
Tucson Mountain Park
Write a Review 8451 W. McCain Loop Rd. Tucson, AZ 85735 520-403-8116 520-724-5000 Official WebsiteGPS: 32.2208, -111.1444
Overview of Gilbert Ray Campground
Weight restrictions apply to Gates Pass Rd. Long rigs should enter Tucson Mountain Park from Ajo Highway to Kinney Rd.
Generators are not permitted. H loop is first-come, first-served, no reservation required.
Dogs are not allowed in Tucson Mountain Park, however, they are allowed in the campground.
Last Price Paid: $29
Reported by camper-826543 on 6/2/2023
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet (Class A)
Reported by Geardowntravels on 1/12/2022
Number of Sites 130
Pad Type gravel
Reservations yes
Elevation 2,624 ft / 799 m
Max Stay 7
Tent Camping Yes







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Q&A - Ask the Community about Gilbert Ray Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 520-403-8116

Kkenney asked on 2/14/2023
Are the site lengths listed on-line accurate? Looking at a site that is 28’ long, but we are 31.5’. Class C.
TwoChihuahuasTraveling asked on 2/6/2023
Are the skies pretty dark? Yes,I know that they're pretty, but, we'd love to see the stars! Thanks!
Ledhead asked on 1/2/2022
From what I'm seeing, I take it there are no sewer hookups at the sites?
nygirly asked on 2/11/2021
Does Gilbert Ray Campground have standard plug 15 amp electric service at the campsites?
Reviews of Gilbert Ray Campground 140 people have reviewed this location.
“Excellent”
Reviewed 6/2/2023
Nightly rate: | $29 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Great campground , nice and clean campsites
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Excellent”
Reviewed 5/30/2023
Nightly rate: | $25 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Great campground with wonderful amenities
camper-826543 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Fond memory ”
Reviewed 5/1/2023
Nightly rate: | $20 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | A-8 |
RV Length: | 15' (Teardrop Trailer) |
I most definitely would stay here again! We are so glad that we were able to stay in the same spot 3 nights in a row without a reservation. Everyone says this place is almost impossible to get a reservation. But it's not really. The H loop was all first come first serve and other sites were available scattered here and there. Thi... more
I most definitely would stay here again!
We are so glad that we were able to stay in the same spot 3 nights in a row without a reservation. Everyone says this place is almost impossible to get a reservation. But it's not really. The H loop was all first come first serve and other sites were available scattered here and there.
This campground has an open sky to the west, with beautiful sunsets every night. At this time there were no showers but we have one in our trailer. Electric at every site too.
The busy town of Tucson is just over Gates Pass Road but you would never know it. It feels like you are out in the middle of nowhere. Loved it.
robsuey would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Gorgeous”
Reviewed 4/22/2023
Nightly rate: | $20 |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 19 |
Days 17-19 of 2 month trip. Gilbert Ray Campground, Tucson AZ, site 19. $20 A most beautiful super large county park in the upper Sonoran desert right by Saguaro Ntl Park, west of Tucson. Beautiful sites w great views and the stars are gorgeous at night. Good 30 amp power, no water at site but plenty of spigots to fill the camper... more
Days 17-19 of 2 month trip.
Gilbert Ray Campground, Tucson AZ, site 19. $20
A most beautiful super large county park in the upper Sonoran desert right by Saguaro Ntl Park, west of Tucson. Beautiful sites w great views and the stars are gorgeous at night. Good 30 amp power, no water at site but plenty of spigots to fill the camper on way in. Bathrooms were nice and clean, no showers though. We visited Old Tucson, about 5 miles away and had a blast. So much to see and do, we spent 5 hrs doing most everything. Still being used as a movie set. We went to Saguaro Ntl Park yesterday and loved the flowering cacti and plants everywhere. Fantastic 3 nights.
Lesliemb would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Wonderful place with perfect example of Arizona desert plants all around the campsite”
Reviewed 4/20/2023
Nightly rate: | $20 |
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Days stayed: | 5 |
Site Number: | A8 |
RV Length: | 19' (Class B) |
Planned to stay 2 nights ended up staying 5 nights. Wonderful hiking and mountain biking right from the campground in Tucson Mountain Park. The view and sunsets were incredible. Will be back.
Julie Tom would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice campground, close to Saguaro National Park West”
Reviewed 4/17/2023
Nightly rate: | $40 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 8 |
RV Length: | 23' (Travel Trailer) |
We stayed here for a night while exploring Saguaro National Park West which is only 5 minutes away. We stayed in loop c which is smaller than loop a but more scenic and is mixed in with tent campers. Our site had electricity but no water. We were pretty close to a communal water source but would need at least a 40 foot hose to connect ... more
We stayed here for a night while exploring Saguaro National Park West which is only 5 minutes away. We stayed in loop c which is smaller than loop a but more scenic and is mixed in with tent campers. Our site had electricity but no water. We were pretty close to a communal water source but would need at least a 40 foot hose to connect up. Also, it wouldn’t of seemed right to stay connected. However, there was a large water and dump area located at the campground with at least 4 easy access water spigots and two convenient dumps in there own separate loops. The campground was nicely integrated with the surrounding desert with hiking trail access from the park.
SmithVanCamp would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Campground”
Reviewed 3/21/2023
Nightly rate: | $20 |
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Days stayed: | 5 |
RV Length: | 30' (Travel Trailer) |
This is a great location in a beautiful setting. Most sites tend to be tight getting in. Hiking and biking is great. Take pack rat prevention measures.
pedalpaddlehoof would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Friendly Staff”
Reviewed 3/11/2023
Days stayed: | 2 |
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Site Number: | 56 |
RV Length: | 20' (Travel Trailer) |
Well spaced out sites, we are in A59, with a great view. Relatively flat and easy to level, all rock and gravel. Spots are not very wide. We have a Basecamp 20X and feel a little cramped and we parked about as far over as we could. Electric is working great. Excellent cell service. Very quiet. Loop B and C may have better Mountai... more
Well spaced out sites, we are in A59, with a great view. Relatively flat and easy to level, all rock and gravel. Spots are not very wide. We have a Basecamp 20X and feel a little cramped and we parked about as far over as we could. Electric is working great. Excellent cell service. Very quiet. Loop B and C may have better Mountain View’s, but also closer to the road. We haven’t used the bathrooms or showers so can’t comment on those. Overall, a beautiful area for our weekend warrior camping.
RyanMarci would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Terrific ”
Reviewed 1/22/2023
Days stayed: | 7 |
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Site Number: | 11 |
Beautiful Campground!! Friendly Staff.
camper-618367 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Best $20 campground in AZ,”
Reviewed 1/14/2023
Nightly rate: | $20 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 45 |
RV Length: | 26' (Travel Trailer) |
Great views and hiking. We found the 30amp elec was dependable with no issues. Clean and quite with a very friendly staff. Close to the Sonoran Desert Museum (more of a zoo) and Saguaro NP. Enjoyed them both. Two dump stations with fresh water. It was a little noisey with a lot of military and civilian aircraft flying close by ... more
Great views and hiking. We found the 30amp elec was dependable with no issues. Clean and quite with a very friendly staff. Close to the Sonoran Desert Museum (more of a zoo) and Saguaro NP. Enjoyed them both. Two dump stations with fresh water. It was a little noisey with a lot of military and civilian aircraft flying close by but nothing you cant live with.
Million mile dreams would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
noted 4/26/2023
The Official Website is wrong. Correct website is https://www.pima.gov/1228/Gilbert-Ray-Campground
noted 1/31/2021
To make reservations online, it must be at least 72 hrs in advance of the arrival date. Just sayin'.
noted 2/12/2020
We have not been there yet, but they do not give refunds. You can only change to a different date or cancel and lose your money. Thanks Pima county.
noted 1/2/2020
As of Jan 1, 2020 on-line reservations are accepted at Gilbert Ray. Details at https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=1327
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Amenities
Hookups
- 30 Amp
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- picnic area
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- big rig
- picnic table
- pull thru
Facilities
- dump station
- ADA Accessible
- recycle
- restrooms: flush
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby
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