Tra-Tel RV Park

We stayed here between Nov 21-Apr 22 while snow birding in Tucson because, unfortunately, there are only three RV parks in Tucson that allow for people under 55 to stay during the winter, which I find absolutely ridiculous.

Anyway, we booked to snow bird again this year back in Feb, but received a phone call last month that they are transferring ownership of the RV park and will not be open in 2023. Not sure when they will be open.

It would have been nice if we had been told sooner, although it’s possible it happened suddenly. But since there are only 2 other parks that will allow a childless couple in their 30s to snow bird, we were left scrambling for a new booking. The other two parks are Prince of Tucson and the Tucson KOA.

Prince of Tucson is directly across from Tra Tel but we didn’t want to stay there because it’s right by the interstate ramp and very loud plus the sites are small. So that left the KOA which is VERY expensive, but was our only option. When I called, there were 2 sites left and we got 1.

Just wanted to let people know this park is out of commission for a while and good luck finding an alternative if you’re not retirement age.

Stayed at this RV park for a week. Stayed in site 36 with 50 amp FHU, but I would not call the power stable. Had issues with volts occasionally dropping even without running a heavy load. Sometimes it was line 1 and other times line 2. Lowest volts was 108. Fresh water spigot pretty close to sewer line, and sewer connection at our site was on the higher side. Site was pretty level and plenty wide enough for us. We have a 37 foot class A motorhome with a bike rack on the back with not much room to spare.

Staff were nice and escort you to the site. A lot of longer term residents who were all friendly. Rock/gravel throughout the park. They even had some fresh rock placed yesterday. The park has a pool, restrooms, and laundry room. Did not use any of their amenities. During our stay dogs off leash at their sites and while being walked.

Favorite part of staying at this campground was the proximity to the bike path. It was .2 miles from campsite.

Park offers multiple discounts, including Good Sam, Passport America, RPI, and escapees.

First time ever I have been refused by an RV park in my entire life and many many years on the road! I was driving a Roadtrek Class B Motorhome when I stopped by. Woman in the office came out and told me no vans allowed. I did not see any signs around there saying that and though my motorhome is built BY THE FACTORY on a van base, it is NOT A VAN! It is a fully self-contained Class B motorhome with stove, fridge, sink, 3 beds, furnace, air conditioning, AC and DC power, black and gray tanks, water tank, and bathroom. It also has the RVIA tag on it verifying it is in fact an RV.

After some arguing over these facts, she whipped out the old "10 year rule" claiming they have it despite once again no signs in sight while I saw an older trailer staying there that quite clearly is older than 10 years. Someone needs to explain the difference between a van and an RV to them. Ridiculous. Went down the road to a much nicer, fancier park and they were very glad to have me stay with them.

The managers are the best! Our site had a cement pad. the hook ups were good with the exception of the sewage drain, it backed up on us. The Managers were all over it getting it cleared. That being said it was still slow. I could only open the gate valves about half way. The swiming pool was nice and the grand kids loved it.

Would I park here again? If it weren't for Cathy and David probably not. They made up for a lot of the shortcomings. The WI-FI was okay, actually better that a lot of what I've read about RV Parks WI-FI.

Did Mention that the Managers here are Great!

The park is fine, sites are wide and easy to navigate. Good access to main highway but quiet. About half appears to be full time residents. Good view of mountains. Had a great trip to Saguaro National Park, went early so heat was not an issue. Great Nature loop trail and loop drive with native rock art. Went into Tucson and ate at Mexican restaurant ... family business for 98 years. Liked the table holders to keep the COVID spacing guidelines... funny. Checked out the miniature museum, very unusual and only 2-3 in USA. Did laundry, equipment and room in great shape. COVID had some of the things we wanted to do shuttered.

Tra-Tel RV Park - 2070 W. Fort Lowell Rd Tucson, Arizona.

The Park is under new management and the place has become a cesspool. In this time of Covid 19 one would think that there would be more significance on cleanliness, even Wal-Mart is spraying down their carts outside the stores with disinfectant, not here the bath house/restrooms get sprayed once a day (maybe) with Lysol and called clean. I’ve seen a mop go in there once a week (Sundays), but each time the bath mats are left inside and there is black junk under them and it has been there for weeks now, along with the sliver of Irish Spring soap that has become a permanent part of the men’s shower floor. Prior It took the cleaning person two hours to clean the three rest rooms and laundry room. Now it is completed in about fifteen minutes by the manager.

I also have witnessed the parks water system being repaired. Their water is from a well which has tested good enough to drink but the delivery system is another story. The water line is an old rusted out pipe that was from the 50/60’s. That would explain why my water filter has to be replaced on a bi-monthly basis. The sewer connections are located close enough to the water hook up for cross contamination to occur, and there are several open sewer pipe locations throughout the park.

The electrical outlets have been replaced this last year and are now 50 amp only boxes so be aware if your rig is 30 amp you will need an adaptor. Also, the new electrical lines were only buried about 3 inches deep in the ground and not run through conduit as required. I believe that is a code violation but I’m no expert, you can look it up for yourself.

The governor has ordered all pools and clubhouses shut down during this time. Our clubhouse is open till 6 pm. Some of the residents from Alaska think the water in this non heated pool is warm enough to swim in and have been doing so each day for a week or so now. How interesting! The park does not have anyone certified as a pool operator so no telling what the PH level in that pool is?

Just another incident of how the management of Tra-Tel doesn’t have to abide by the law or draw a permit and have their work inspected like the rest of us are required to do!

My truck was damaged as was another neighbors work truck by a drunk driver who lived in the park. The people near the entrance had their bicycle stolen again for the second year in a row. There was a lady bothering people today and someone has been cutting holes in the fence at the lower end of the park.

I can’t speak for anyone else but I will not be returning to this park ever again!

First, the noise: it’s noisy during morning rush hour, but quiet the rest of the day. Second: this is a tidy, clean, quiet, accessible park. BIG field through the gate to walk dogs and chase rabbits. Beautiful landscaping. Double wide drivethrough sites. Level. Good water. Good electric (recently updated). Very clean laundry 6 wash/4 dry, cheap. Uses charge cards instead of quarters. Clothesline! Hang your sheets in AZ sunshine. 😁 accepts Good Sam,Escapees, and Travel America discounts. Four nights, including tax, was $126. Full hookups, great free wifi. Two minutes from i-10, excellent access along the frontage road to all kinds of shopping. Dog park less than a mile away (Prince to Flowing Wells to Kleindale). Phone service: we have Consumer Cel and it was always at least 3 bars of 4G. Yes, we will be back.

We were looking for an overnight spot before dropping our coach off at the dealer the next day. The price was right, $29 or so with Good Sam, so we chose Tra-Tel. Super friendly and helpful staff. We didn't check out any of the amenities but there is a nice walking/biking path a hundred yards away that goes for miles. Our site was pointed right at the spectacular sunset so we got a great view. some train and road noise but not bad. Recommended for a night or three.