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
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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 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
“Traumatic”
Reviewed 12/2/2023
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | H19 |
Overall Rating
The rates and A,B,C or H camping loops are vaguely described on the web site are confusing to visiting campers - especially for nonRV campers not needing a hookup. I interpreted the website instructions wrongly according to the campground manager and it was abruptly demanded of me to leave immediately. Rude and belligerent treatment w... more
The rates and A,B,C or H camping loops are vaguely described on the web site are confusing to visiting campers - especially for nonRV campers not needing a hookup. I interpreted the website instructions wrongly according to the campground manager and it was abruptly demanded of me to leave immediately. Rude and belligerent treatment was received in spades here for me. This was a first for me after visiting several hundred campgrounds. So, I marked a score of "1" for the reverse of customer service.
Otherwise, the campsites are closely packed together. There is noise from many aircraft, the highway and the shooting range.
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AT&T 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Good base to use visiting local attractions”
Reviewed 11/18/2023
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | C29 |
| RV Length: | 28' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
Not much has changes since our last visit in February of 2019. The park is located about 13 miles north west of I 10 in Tucson.. There is pavement all the way including the interior roads. Signage is adequate. Check in was efficient and friendly. The rules are fairly basic. The interior roads are in good condition. Our site, C29, ... more
Not much has changes since our last visit in February of 2019. The park is located about 13 miles north west of I 10 in Tucson.. There is pavement all the way including the interior roads. Signage is adequate. Check in was efficient and friendly. The rules are fairly basic. The interior roads are in good condition.
Our site, C29, was a gravel based back in that was just long enough for our Coach and Towed. Services (30 amp only) was to the left rear. Distancing is close for a rural park. Most sites had a vegetation barrier (desert foliage) between sites. Each site has a non movable steel patio style table but NO fire pit. Our site was high on the left but we easily leveled. Overall the park was pleasant to look at. There is lots of saguaro cacti which greens up the landscape nicely.
There is NO park included wifi or cable TV. We did find a number of OTA channels. Satellite will not be difficult. We did not use the washrooms or showers but we checked and found them clean.
There are no restaurants or stores within easy walking distance but Tucson is just a short drive away you can find food, shopping and convenience stores. We found this park to be a great spot to use visiting the local attractions. We paid $20.00 per night and we feel we received very good value. We will be back if in the area again. Just a note. The park used to be cash only. Visa and MC are now accepted. As of January 01 2014 Cash will no longer be accepted. I suspect it will move to 100 % reserve only as well.
The Rollin Ollens would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Saguaro Experience 20 Min From Tucson ”
Reviewed 11/7/2023
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 28 |
| RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
This is the fourth FIVE STAR campground in a row — Arizona has certainly delivered on the pristine landscapes and campgrounds with a view! I honestly think we booked one of the best campsites in the park — loop C, site 23. We had a 180 degree unobstructed view of the Tucson mountain range and saguaro desert wilderness to the east. At n... more
This is the fourth FIVE STAR campground in a row — Arizona has certainly delivered on the pristine landscapes and campgrounds with a view! I honestly think we booked one of the best campsites in the park — loop C, site 23. We had a 180 degree unobstructed view of the Tucson mountain range and saguaro desert wilderness to the east. At night, the twinkling lights of the city spread out to the south. Plus, this site offered complete privacy!
That said, there’s a drawback- no showers. 20-30 minutes to grocery/services over Gates Pass (a mountain-grade windy road). One big plus: campground is very near the Tucson - Sonoran Desert Museum, a must-see visitor experience.
While my husband preferred Catalina for its proximity to stores and restaurants, I was mesmerized by Gilbert Ray… definitely on my list of favorites. Can’t wait to return and stay longer!
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T-Mobile 5G
Nancy Ackenhausen would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet”
Reviewed 10/31/2023
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 20 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We really enjoyed the peace and quiet in the campground. The spacious campsites have exceptional landscaping. Today a man passing by with his dog pointed out a desert rattlesnake about 25 feet away from our trailer. No real threat, but everyone should be aware that a snake will strike if threatened.
The “H” Loop is now reservable.
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T-Mobile 5G
Jack would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Enchanting AF”
Reviewed 10/5/2023
| Nightly rate: | $21 |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | 23 |
| RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We stayed here mid-late November 2022. Gorgeous campground, from the saguaros all the way down to the bathroom signage. We stayed for a couple of nights in the A loop, which gave us 30amp service (needed for heat) and plenty of solar. Getting our 27' trailer and full-size truck into the spot wasn't super easy: the campground road is... more
We stayed here mid-late November 2022.
Gorgeous campground, from the saguaros all the way down to the bathroom signage. We stayed for a couple of nights in the A loop, which gave us 30amp service (needed for heat) and plenty of solar. Getting our 27' trailer and full-size truck into the spot wasn't super easy: the campground road is narrow, and we really wanted to avoid damaging cacti.
Once in the spot, though, we loved it. Our butt faced open desert, and we got a beautiful show each night as the golden mountains went red and faded to black. You're right in amongst the cacti here, which helps you feel like you're IN the desert, even when you have neighbors 30 feet away.
Great access to Saguaro NP's West Side, though this isn't a great campground for biking and only so-so for hiking. Unbeatable at this price or even twice it (but don't tell them that!).
LookMomNoHouse would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Excellent”
Reviewed 6/2/2023
| Nightly rate: | $29 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
Overall Rating
Great campground , nice and clean campsites
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Verizon 5G
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 |
Overall Rating
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) |
Overall Rating
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.
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Verizon 5G
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 |
Overall Rating
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.
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Verizon 5G
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) |
Overall Rating
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.
AT&T 5G
Julie Tom would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 2 of 16
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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
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