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
“Simply Amazing”
Reviewed 4/9/2021
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | A30 |
Overall Rating
Best place in the world right now in April. The calm and peace is just awesome!
Don’t worry about site location. The overall place is great.
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AT&T 4G
T-Mobile 4G
giiguite32 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“I love it here!”
Reviewed 4/9/2021
| Nightly rate: | $23 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | Loop A 33,48,56 |
Overall Rating
This is one of my favorite campgrounds. This trip I stayed 3 nights in 3 different sites. 33 was my least favorite. Both 48 and 56 were nice. You can walk on trails right from the campground and the amazing Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park West are a few minutes drive away.
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AT&T 4G
T-Mobile 4G
LeahO would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“So nice we booked three one-week stays”
Reviewed 3/28/2021
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 7 |
| Site Number: | C9 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Class C) |
Overall Rating
While wintering in Arizona we spent a week in January, February and again in March. We prefer loop C because it is smaller with less traffic. We chose the outside facing west for the sunset views— site 13 with a wide open desert view and site 9 secluded in palo verde trees. We also camped in H loop, the first come first serve which was... more
While wintering in Arizona we spent a week in January, February and again in March. We prefer loop C because it is smaller with less traffic. We chose the outside facing west for the sunset views— site 13 with a wide open desert view and site 9 secluded in palo verde trees. We also camped in H loop, the first come first serve which was also nice. Each of the three sites were different yet each with a wow factor! Our motor home is small which was helpful. Many large rigs were there, some having more space than others. Staff was great and there is a book exchange in the office. There is a utility sink on the exterior of the bathrooms with hot water to wash dishes. The trails from the campground seem endless! Cons: the lack of charcoal grills except in tenting sites. Wood fires are not allowed which would be more difficult for those tenting on cool nights. No showers, the tables we had were metal and extremely uncomfortable. There are pack rats.
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Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful. ”
Reviewed 3/28/2021
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | A-28 |
Overall Rating
The camp hosts are friendly and helpful, the grounds are beautiful. The location is great for visiting Saguaro National Park East. The bathrooms are clean, no showers, three stalls, two sinks. In COVID times, I was wishing for better ventilation. The site was cramped. We had to unhitch from our 16-foot trailer to fit into the site,... more
The camp hosts are friendly and helpful, the grounds are beautiful. The location is great for visiting Saguaro National Park East. The bathrooms are clean, no showers, three stalls, two sinks. In COVID times, I was wishing for better ventilation.
The site was cramped. We had to unhitch from our 16-foot trailer to fit into the site, and the picnic table was barely 6 feet from the road. Some sites were indeed bigger and fit much larger RVs. But with all that open space, I was feeling the need for more of it. There was power hookups but no water hookups. There was a spigot across the road.
You can refill your tanks or empty them on the way in or out.
I would stay here again, but I might call to find which sites are a little bigger and then book.
grace would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing mountain views from Sonoran Desert”
Reviewed 3/17/2021
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | A11 |
| RV Length: | 39' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
Situated right within Tucson Mountain Park and adjacent to Saguaro National Park this campground offers 135 electric (30amp) RV sites. Most are rather small. We travel in a 39f 5th wheel and there are only few sites that can accommodate larger rigs. Our site (A11) was 43f long and 12 feet wide. Your rig must fit into the site and your... more
Situated right within Tucson Mountain Park and adjacent to Saguaro National Park this campground offers 135 electric (30amp) RV sites. Most are rather small. We travel in a 39f 5th wheel and there are only few sites that can accommodate larger rigs. Our site (A11) was 43f long and 12 feet wide. Your rig must fit into the site and your vehicle must be parked there as well. It was a pretty tight fit for us.
There are several dump stations and water spigots for fresh water. Views are amazing and if you love to hike there are tons of trails - however, be advised that dogs are NOT welcomed on any of the hiking trails here.
NO firerings and only charcoal fire or propane grills allowed.
This is a quiet and scenic campground, town, restaurants etc are about 35 min from the site.
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Verizon 4G
MCS.dog would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice quiet evening with great sunset and views”
Reviewed 3/16/2021
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 32 |
| RV Length: | 20' (Class B) |
Overall Rating
Good hiking and plenty of mountain bike trails easily accessible from the campground. Overall this is a great little campground run by Pima County. Only 4 stars because of tight spaces and lack of fire rings or grills. 30amp electric hookups only, No generators with quiet hours 10P-8A. Water faucets throughout the area. Bathro... more
Good hiking and plenty of mountain bike trails easily accessible from the campground. Overall this is a great little campground run by Pima County. Only 4 stars because of tight spaces and lack of fire rings or grills.
30amp electric hookups only, No generators with quiet hours 10P-8A. Water faucets throughout the area. Bathrooms were clean, no showers. Dump station is easy to get into and has water to flush. No wood fires permitted, no grills (so bring yours).
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Verizon 4G
AZNomadMTBr would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“All sites are great- wish we had more time here!”
Reviewed 3/8/2021
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | C 9 |
| RV Length: | 23' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Pros: $20 per night, Saguaro Cacti growing everywhere, electricity, dump station, water spigots throughout the park, potable water fill station, trails, clean restrooms, friendly staff, beautiful sunsets, lots of wildlife:chipmunks, quail, desert wrens... Cons: no full hook ups and can only stay a max of 7 days- other wise perfect!
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Verizon 4G
AloandWil would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Will Be my Go-To Campground”
Reviewed 3/8/2021
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | A55 |
| RV Length: | 23' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
I visited Arizona for the first time in the mid-90s. I stayed at a dude ranch near Tucson, and have so many fond memories of riding through the mountainous Sonoran Desert with striking Saguaros silhoutted by the setting sun. That vision remained seared in my mind all these years and, in 2019, I finally realized my dream to live in Ar... more
I visited Arizona for the first time in the mid-90s. I stayed at a dude ranch near Tucson, and have so many fond memories of riding through the mountainous Sonoran Desert with striking Saguaros silhoutted by the setting sun. That vision remained seared in my mind all these years and, in 2019, I finally realized my dream to live in Arizona. Now, I'm less than 2 hours from Tucson and this idyllic landscape, and Gilbert Ray sits right dab in the middle of it.
My campsite, in fact, had 3 giant saguaros. Out the back window, where my dinette sits, I could enjoy a meal and look out at the vast desert landscape dotted with those magnificent beauties without going anywhere. The gorgeous scenery alone makes the $20/night seem like a bargain. In addition to the scenery though, the $20 includes 30 amp electric, a picnic table, and access to clean bathrooms consisting of toilets and sinks (no showers). Though water is not available at each campsite, there are conveniently placed spigots all over the campgrounds, making filling a jerry can and, in turn, a fresh water tank, easy.
The campsites are decently spaced, most with nice vegetation between sites offering some privacy. Also, there are hiking and biking trails that run through and near the campground, where you can stroll among the saguaros and other native Sonoran vegetation. (tip: watch out for the jumping cacti...they will get you, as I discovered!). The campgrounds also is very close to some worthwhile attractions, include the famous Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park.
Gilbert Ray Campground has so many great attributes, I now completely understand why it garners all the reviews. "Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever." Psalms 111:2-3, NIV. One can absolutely see God's grace in the beauty of this place.
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Verizon 4G
AZWonderer would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“The best desert experience!”
Reviewed 3/6/2021
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 69 |
| RV Length: | 23' (Class B) |
Overall Rating
Photos don’t do this place justice, absolutely stunning desert camping experience. Includes electric at site, water, flush toilets, garbage, recycling and a dump station on grounds.
Don’t forget to hike the brown mountain trail at sunset located at the entrance of the campground.
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Verizon 4G
AdventureTogether would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice Views But Challenging Sites”
Reviewed 2/26/2021
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 4 |
| Site Number: | A- 73 |
| RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Gilbert Ray is on a plateau west of Tucson and has nice views looking west over the valley. Sites in A Loop have some privacy between campers. Many of the sites seem tight with not much extra space. Our site- A73– was designated a 28’ site and we were able to back in our 27’ trailer into the site but there was a large Prickly Pear... more
Gilbert Ray is on a plateau west of Tucson and has nice views looking west over the valley. Sites in A Loop have some privacy between campers. Many of the sites seem tight with not much extra space. Our site- A73– was designated a 28’ site and we were able to back in our 27’ trailer into the site but there was a large Prickly Pear cactus plant right in the middle of the back end of the site which meant our trailer door and the tailgate of the truck opened right onto the cactus. It seemed like that cactus could have been removed when the site was graded. So beware of unexpected obstacles on the sites. Overall it’s a nice campground. Quiet. Well maintained. A good 20 + min drive to west side of Tucson and grocery stores.
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AT&T 4G
Redhead would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 7 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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