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. Dogs are not allowed in Tucson Mountain Park, however, they are allowed in the campground.
Last Price Paid: $20
Reported by ElaineS on 6/29/2024
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
Featured Video by Campendium360
360 video playback is not supported on this browser. Click here to view on YouTube.
Use your mouse to rotate the viewing angle. All videos are shot in 4K HD, so you may have to adjust the video quality to see these at maximum resolution.
Move your phone or tablet in the direction you want to see. Hit pause and have a look around! All videos are shot in 4K HD, so you may have to adjust the video quality to see these at maximum resolution.
Discover a smarter way to RV with Roadtrippers
All your Campendium favorites and more are now in Roadtrippers.
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 155 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 86 Users
Last reported 6/29/2024
Confirmed by 42 Users
Last reported 3/18/2024
Confirmed by 17 Users
Last reported 11/7/2023
“Pretty much perfect in every way”
Reviewed 2/19/2016
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 7 |
| Site Number: | H24 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We love this campground so much that we've now returned three times. In my opinion it's about as close to perfect as it gets in a campground setting. All the sites are first come, first serve and offer electric hook ups. Water spigots are abundant around the campground, plus there's a large RV water fill area near the dump station.... more
We love this campground so much that we've now returned three times. In my opinion it's about as close to perfect as it gets in a campground setting.
All the sites are first come, first serve and offer electric hook ups. Water spigots are abundant around the campground, plus there's a large RV water fill area near the dump station. There are no showers, but there are restrooms (that I've never been in). From January-March the check in station is staffed and all other times of year you pick out your own site and pay at the iron ranger. All three times we stayed there we never had a problem getting a site.
The site size is mixed here, with not too many suitable for bigger RVs. But if you have a smaller rig the possibilities are plentiful. Most sites back up to wide open desert views and all the sites are surrounded by dense desert foliage. Amazing sunsets and sunrises are guaranteed.
One of the best things about Gilbert Ray is the surrounding area. Right outside the door are tons of trails for hiking and biking. Across the street a must hike is the Brown Mtn. loop, and down the road is the must visit Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. And of course, you are only a short drive from Saguaro National Park.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
WatsonsWander would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Near perfection”
Reviewed 2/15/2016
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 4 |
| Site Number: | 42 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
What can I add to all the rave reviews? I agree with them all!
AlVie AlBums would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Close to the park and nicely landscaped ”
Reviewed 2/14/2016
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 6 |
| Site Number: | H2 |
Overall Rating
While we didn't get the "super nice" woman checking us in (ours was rather bored and rude) we did enjoy the close proximity to the park and Sonoran Desert Museum. The dump was easy to use but REALLY smelly. There is water near almost every camp site and electric hook ups at each. It is naturally landscaped and has a nice walking path t... more
While we didn't get the "super nice" woman checking us in (ours was rather bored and rude) we did enjoy the close proximity to the park and Sonoran Desert Museum. The dump was easy to use but REALLY smelly. There is water near almost every camp site and electric hook ups at each. It is naturally landscaped and has a nice walking path to explore.
Living is the Adventure would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Loved this campground”
Reviewed 2/8/2016
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | A5 |
Overall Rating
The staff is very friendly and helpful. There are beautiful views in every direction and it is close to the National Park and the desert museum. The bathrooms are clean and there are water faucets throughout the park to fill tanks. Sites have electricity. The only downside is the strict 7 day stay. The only noise was a coyote concert a... more
The staff is very friendly and helpful. There are beautiful views in every direction and it is close to the National Park and the desert museum. The bathrooms are clean and there are water faucets throughout the park to fill tanks. Sites have electricity. The only downside is the strict 7 day stay. The only noise was a coyote concert at night.
Nanibop would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Good location but pricey for what it is. ”
Reviewed 1/30/2016
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 74A |
| RV Length: | 30' |
Overall Rating
While I would love to give a glowing review the site which we were in was extremely small. Our 30ft Airstream barely fit and with the truck parked next to it you had to get out into cacti on the passenger side. The sites are first come first serve of course but I was assured that this would be plenty of room for us when the lady as... more
While I would love to give a glowing review the site which we were in was extremely small. Our 30ft Airstream barely fit and with the truck parked next to it you had to get out into cacti on the passenger side.
The sites are first come first serve of course but I was assured that this would be plenty of room for us when the lady assigned us.
Now understand there are larger sites and such so it will be hit or miss as to how well you do when coming here.
There is water available for fill up around the campground and also 2 dump stations and fresh water fill available there as well.
Verizon coverage is great.
If you are planning on going to Saguaro National Park this is a great campground for that!
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
wanderingnation would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Location, views, serenity, and boundless activities right from your site. ”
Reviewed 1/21/2016
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 7 |
| Site Number: | A59 |
| RV Length: | 24' |
Overall Rating
Enter the campground office and hold back from giving the host hugs and gifts, she's that friendly. Chat while she fills out your tag and tells you not to forget to hang it properly (and you won't because you'd never disappoint her). Go to your campsite and get out your camera, take a thousand pics. Then put on your hiking boots and cl... more
Enter the campground office and hold back from giving the host hugs and gifts, she's that friendly. Chat while she fills out your tag and tells you not to forget to hang it properly (and you won't because you'd never disappoint her). Go to your campsite and get out your camera, take a thousand pics. Then put on your hiking boots and climb Brown Mountain (6.2 miles round trip if you walk from A59). Don't even look at cholla cactus or they will attack you. Bring tweezers in case. And pliers. Come back, get your mountain bike out and ride from the grounds over to Starr Pass trails and just try to be unhappy. Then when you are thoroughly exhausted peruse the campground and find all the cool kids (you'll know by their rigs) and drink their bourbon, tequila, beer, or whatever else they are offering. They may even feed you. Enjoy fantastic company. Exchange social media info. Go to bed ridiculously content. Wake the next morning early and watch the sun rise over the sonoran desert. Walk to Old Tucson or bike to the Desert Museum. Head down to the city for lunch at Martin's Comida Chingona and then have dinner and beer at Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink (google it). If you are still able to drive you can go over the Barrio and drink their beer. Get a cab back to the campground. Stay for the entire 7 day limit and do a variation of the above each day.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
Epic Detour would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful Campground”
Reviewed 1/19/2016
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 7 |
| Site Number: | A43 |
Overall Rating
Gilbert Ray Campground is conveniently located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains. The girl in the office was very accommodating when we arrived. She assigned us a spot and mentioned that it wouldn't be a problem if we wanted to move. We then drove around the loops, picked a new spot, went back to the office and she cheerily ... more
Gilbert Ray Campground is conveniently located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains.
The girl in the office was very accommodating when we arrived. She assigned us a spot and mentioned that it wouldn't be a problem if we wanted to move. We then drove around the loops, picked a new spot, went back to the office and she cheerily reassigned us.
The grounds are naturally landscaped with saguaro and cholla cactus, so we kept our dog on the paved roads to avoid getting prickers in paws.
Sites are somewhat close together; one night we could hear our neighbor's television.
Verizon - DOWNLOAD: 10.21Mb/s, UPLOAD: 1.88Mb/s
AT&T - DOWNLOAD: 6.54Mb/s, UPLOAD: 2.36Mb/s
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Aluminarium would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Awesome spot”
Reviewed 12/27/2015
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 4 |
| RV Length: | 22' |
Overall Rating
We loved it as others have. What can we add? We attended an excellent ranger talk (Bob) at the NP that was an excellent primer on the flora and fauna of the area. We also attended a "binoculars" tour of the night sky sponsored by Mt. Kit observatory (but held at Saguaro NP). When you are picking your site, consider one that faces west ... more
We loved it as others have. What can we add? We attended an excellent ranger talk (Bob) at the NP that was an excellent primer on the flora and fauna of the area. We also attended a "binoculars" tour of the night sky sponsored by Mt. Kit observatory (but held at Saguaro NP). When you are picking your site, consider one that faces west for the fabulous sunsets. Watch out for the little ball shaped cactus spikes - if you step on one, best removed with a comb (or other - not your bare hand!)
Meg and Ben would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“As close to another world as you'll find in these United States...”
Reviewed 4/11/2015
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | B9 |
Overall Rating
The saguaros are the champions here, clearly. They've earned naming rights to the national park after all. But everything between them pills the puzzle together to fruition. I won't give away the ending of your own adventure to explore this area, but I will say that from the pinholes poked through the sky cavalcade of stars to the ... more
The saguaros are the champions here, clearly. They've earned naming rights to the national park after all.
But everything between them pills the puzzle together to fruition. I won't give away the ending of your own adventure to explore this area, but I will say that from the pinholes poked through the sky cavalcade of stars to the tiniest flowering cactus tucked into some rattlesnake charmer of a shady rock enclave, this place is beauty non-stop and unusual.
From our campsite we sit and watch, study, the constellations. Morning comes easily early as the sun rises over Tucson Mountain and miles of hiking is minutes away, or a bike ride trough the campground itself is right outside of your door.
We arrived early, fearful of missing out on the first come first served spots. It was unnecessary. While the woman working the cash register said February and March were busier than usual, it's now April and aside from a few fellow campers in other loops or sites and sites away, we had the place to ourselves. From our spot we could fill water jugs and replenish our coffers with little more effort than the average suburbanite takes to retrieve his mail from the curb.
Though I tried to never leave the cactus forest, when a grocery store run or gas fillip was necessary, it was nice to have the amenities of a big city so close.
Coyotes howled the early night away, owls played the late show. Traffic could be heard in the distance, but overall it was peace and perfection night after night.
If I weren't already in a pretty serious relationship with the mother of my children, I would marry this desert and never leave.
Alas, she'll be but my mistress for the next few weeks as we explore various other state parks nearby, though I can't imagine any will live up to Gilbert Ray's splendor.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
Nathan @ Wand'rly would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Power Boondocking”
Reviewed 4/5/2015
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | 63 |
Overall Rating
While boon-docking often gives one the feeling of freedom and a certain satisfaction in knowing that we are benefitting directly from our own tax dollars, paying to camp at county and state campgrounds provides a feeling of giving back and preserving land that is important for all. At $20 per night Gilbert Rey campground provides ampl... more
While boon-docking often gives one the feeling of freedom and a certain satisfaction in knowing that we are benefitting directly from our own tax dollars, paying to camp at county and state campgrounds provides a feeling of giving back and preserving land that is important for all. At $20 per night Gilbert Rey campground provides ample places to fill your water tank, two modern dump stations and a 30 amp connection which allowed us to cook a casserole in the convection oven. We’d camped here before and were only able to get a smaller site that was pretty out of level. This time, knowing that the sites are first come, first serve, we left the commercial campground early and drove to Gilbert Rey. We got there by 10 am drove around the loops, picked a site and the nice folks there let us park early. One upside to this park is that you can stay in the site for up to seven days as long as you pay each morning by 11am. You can also pay up front with no refund. After leaving for a week you can go back. Another worthwhile tip is, if you plan on meeting friends, as we did, they allowed us to pick and pay for their site as well. When they got there they had the option of keeping that site or switching to another available one. One last tip – The campground is down the street from the amazing Sonoran Desert Museum. Depending on how much time you plan to be there it may be worth becoming a member. The morning are less crowded and members get free hot/cold coffee and ice tea.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 15 of 16
26 reviews
Camp among the cacti in Tucson Mountain Park!
Located in Tucson Mountain Park just west of the city, Gilbert Ray Campground is a hidden gem among the desert for partial hookup camping spots. Chosen for its close proximity to Saguaro Nationa...
42 reviews
My Little Batch of Sky: Time to Get Away
Although it was planned for a while, we had to get away last weekend. It was the perfect time to turn off the news, Facebook, and our phones and go live in the desert for a few days. We visited Sagu...
4 reviews
167 reviews
Last Stops in Arizona: Tucson, Benson & Willcox
Last Stops in Arizona: Tucson, Benson & Willcox It never fails to surprise me. We reach the end of another season, with more places left on our ‘must see list’ than we ac...
10 reviews
179 reviews
Christmas in Tucson - WatsonsWander
Unlike last year when we spent Christmas smack in the middle of Florida at my Grandmother’s house, this year we decided to enjoy a desert holiday in Tucson. Our very favorite place to stay in Tu...
43 reviews
Desert Time
As winter approached, we headed south. Outside of Tucson, we chose the highly recommended Gilbert Ray Campground as basecamp for a visit to Saguaro National Park. Airstream tucked in at Gilbert Ray...
Contact us to update this listing.
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 RV Rentals
In partnership with
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
1 Review
2024 TRAVEL TRAILER
Jayco Jay Flight 331BTS
$99 /night | Sleeps 8 Guests
16 Reviews
2022 TRAVEL TRAILER
Forest River RV Salem Hemisphere 270FKS
$112 /night | Sleeps 2 Guests
4 Reviews
2022 TRAVEL TRAILER
Forest River RV Salem FSX 178BHSK
$85 /night | Sleeps 7 Guests
New Listing
2022 TRAVEL TRAILER
Grand Design Transcend Xplor 245RL
$103 /night | Sleeps 6 Guests
14 Reviews
2016 TRAVEL TRAILER
Heartland North Trail 24BHS
$92 /night | Sleeps 8 Guests
3 Reviews
2023 TRAVEL TRAILER
Forest River RV Aurora 16bhx
$109 /night | Sleeps 5 Guests
Nearby
Please select a reason for flagging this item: