Gilbert Ray Campground Introduce
Welcome to the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where the iconic saguaro cacti stand tall against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains and endless sky. For those in Arizona seeking an authentic and memorable outdoor experience, Gilbert Ray Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and essential amenities. Located just outside Tucson, this campground provides a serene escape for both seasoned campers and those new to the great outdoors. With its stunning scenery, well-maintained facilities, and easy access to local attractions, Gilbert Ray Campground is a destination that promises to reconnect you with nature and provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Nestled within the Tucson Mountain Park, the location of Gilbert Ray Campground is one of its most compelling features. Situated at 8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85735, USA, the campground offers a perfect base for exploring the region. Its proximity to Saguaro National Park West means that campers are literally surrounded by the majestic saguaros, ocotillos, and other unique desert flora that define this landscape. The campground is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop for travelers passing through or for local Arizonans looking for a weekend getaway. The roads leading to the site are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey. The stunning desert views begin long before you even arrive, setting the stage for a truly immersive experience. Whether you’re arriving during the day to set up camp under the warm Arizona sun or late at night to find a convenient stopover, the accessibility of the campground is a major advantage.
Gilbert Ray Campground is thoughtfully equipped to cater to a variety of needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors. The services and amenities available are designed to make your camping experience as convenient as possible.
RV Camping: The campground is a haven for RV enthusiasts, providing dedicated spots for recreational vehicles. The sites are well-spaced, offering a sense of privacy and plenty of room to maneuver.
RV Electric Hookup: Each RV site is equipped with an electric hookup, allowing you to power your appliances and stay comfortable, even in the desert heat.
RV Water Hookup: Fresh water hookups are available, making it easy to fill your tanks and ensure you have a constant supply of water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Accessibility Features: Gilbert Ray Campground is committed to inclusivity, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot to accommodate all guests.
On-Site and Paid Parking: While the campground offers ample on-site parking, please note that it is a paid parking lot. This helps manage the flow of visitors and ensures spaces are available for registered campers.
Payment Options: For your convenience, the campground accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and debit cards for camping fees, making the check-in process smooth and efficient.
What truly sets Gilbert Ray Campground apart are the features that highlight its unique natural setting and commitment to a quality visitor experience.
Stunning Natural Scenery: The most significant highlight is undoubtedly the breathtaking environment. Campers are surrounded by blooming saguaros, the peaceful rustle of ocotillos, and the magnificent silhouette of the Tucson Mountains. The views, from the vibrant sunsets to the awe-inspiring night sky filled with countless stars, are unforgettable.
Hiking Opportunities: The campground provides direct access to a variety of hiking trails. For those who enjoy an active experience, there are kid-friendly hikes that are perfect for families, as well as more challenging trails for experienced hikers. Exploring the area on foot allows you to get up close with the unique desert ecosystem.
Pet-Friendly: Gilbert Ray Campground understands that pets are part of the family. With a pet-friendly policy, you can bring your dogs along to enjoy the desert scenery and outdoor adventures with you.
Peaceful and Tranquil Atmosphere: Guests often speak of the incredible tranquility of the campground. The distant calls of coyotes and the gentle presence of local wildlife like bunnies contribute to a calm and peaceful ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a restful stay.
For all inquiries or to make a reservation, you can reach out to Gilbert Ray Campground using the contact information below.
Address: 8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85735, USA
Phone: (520) 403-8116
Mobile Phone: +1 520-403-8116
Why is Gilbert Ray Campground worth choosing for your next outdoor adventure in Arizona? It’s more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s an experience. The unparalleled natural beauty is the primary draw. Waking up to a friendly bunny, going to sleep under a sky full of stars, and being surrounded by the grandeur of the Sonoran Desert is something truly special. The combination of well-maintained facilities, including a clean central dump station and easily accessible water, ensures that your stay is comfortable and hassle-free. The campground's circular layout is particularly appreciated by novice RVers, as it makes navigating the area straightforward. While clear information on late check-in and early checkout procedures is a minor area for improvement, the staff's responsiveness and willingness to assist ensures a smooth experience. The frequent patrols by county sheriffs also provide a sense of security, allowing visitors to relax and fully enjoy their time. In summary, Gilbert Ray Campground offers a remarkably peaceful and scenic experience. It stands out as an excellent choice for a restful and immersive desert stay, providing a perfect balance between rugged nature and modern convenience.
Gilbert Ray Campground Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- RV camping
- RV electric hookup
- RV water hookup
Activities
- Hiking
Payments
- Camping fee
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Kid-friendly hikes
Parking
- On-site parking
- Paid parking lot
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Gilbert Ray Campground Photos










Gilbert Ray Campground Location
Gilbert Ray Campground
8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85735, USA
Gilbert Ray Campground Reviews
saguarosunsetsdump stationflush toiletscoyotesplantscountyhookuprecyclingsewer
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Stayed 2 nights here to visit Saguaro NP and it was so gorgeous. We had a wonderful site and went to sleep under the blooming Saguaro & Ocotillo cactus. The area is absolutely gorgeous.Site A64 was angled well to back in and very roomy.I think there were some semi homeless people in an old/rundown RV nearby. The woman tried to steal my husband's toiletry bag at the sink behind the bathrooms for dish/hair washing. She bolted out of there and left it on the ground when he heard her and turned around.It was nice to see the county sheriffs coming through occasionally.Other than that, we made sure to completely secure our site and belongings and truly enjoyed our visit to the area. The setting was absolutely gorgeous.
May 28 · Cynthia CassidyWe arrived at Gilbert Ray Campground late at night, making it a convenient overnight stop on our way to our final destination. Initially, we were unsure about late check-in procedures and gate access. Thankfully, we made it to our campground designated spots without needing to check in. Similarly, our early morning departure was seamless; a quick email to the campground confirmed we were good to go, despite the posted checkout time.The true highlight of Gilbert Ray is its stunning natural beauty. The night sky was absolutely breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of countless stars and the silhouette of the surrounding mountains. In the morning, we were greeted by a friendly bunny and serenaded by distant coyote calls, adding to the peaceful ambiance.The campground's amenities were well-maintained. The central dump station was exceptionally clean, and accessing fresh water was easy. The water station is conveniently located before the dump station, and for novice RVers like us, the circular layout made navigating the area straightforward.Our only suggestion for improvement would be to provide clearer information regarding late check-in and early checkout procedures. While our experience was smooth, having this information readily available would add to the peace of mind for late arrivals and early departures.Overall, Gilbert Ray Campground offers a remarkably peaceful and scenic experience. The combination of stunning views, well-maintained facilities, and a tranquil atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a restful stay.
March 18 · Hi HolaWe stayed here for the allowable 7 nights. Such a quiet campground. I loved hearing the coyotes howling at night, so peaceful. The bathrooms here are very clean, with a very good setup for washing your dishes outside.The camp hosts in Loop H, Perry, and his wife were very friendly and kind people. Enjoyed our talks and appreciate everything you guys do for this campground. There are 4 camp hosts all together doing an amazing job!There are no showers here and only have electric hookups, 30 and 50 amp. but the dumping station and water stations are nicely situated and easy to maneuver around. There were some sites that we're a bit narrow or on the short size, so be careful when booking. There are so many trails and other things to do around here. We needed the 7 days, lol.We will for sure come here again, if we come back down next year. Thank you so very much!
March 23 · Micheline RThis campground is in a beautiful location, surrounded by cacti and ridges which reflect the orange sunlight as twilight falls.The restroom here was excellent by campground standards. Large stalls and clean faucets. The flush -however- is notable, as there is no lever, only a button above the shitter; which causes an immense rush of water to befall the blissfully unaware basin. This may be the loudest wash-down I have yet heard.
March 21 · Kieran FNice campground. Electric at RV sites, water and dump at station. Bathrooms are clean. Close to Old Tucson Studios (walking distance). Some sites are tight and not all are level. Overall a nice place to stay
April 03 · Chris Phillips
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