Glamping near Tucson with swimming

Camp near Tucson to explore caves, ancient ruins, and more diverse natural landscapes.

94% (652 reviews)

United States
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Arizona
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Tucson

94% (652 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Tucson

2 top glamping sites near Tucson with swimming

67%

(3)

Land O'Patches

13 sites · Lodging, Tents8 acres · Patagonia, AZ

8 acres surrounded by Nature Conservancy and a 1100 acre ranch. Close to 2 hiking trails. In between Hummingbird Center and Nature Conservancy. Great place to bird watch and on a great road for gravel biking. Pitch a tent on property. Picnic tables around, composting toilet, well water from a hose and a shower bag and tent to use. Quiet place close to town. Cell service available. Everything within walking distance. I work overnights so I am not on property. There are animals in a fenced area. Please leave them be. You are welcome to roam the property except on the main hill as I am building a house. Come relax and enjoy nature.

100%

(3)

Ranchito Paraiso -

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Benson, AZ

Imagine pulling through the gate into Ranchito Paraiso - a desert paradise, seemingly remote, but just minutes from the town of Benson. First, you will feel calm and peaceful. On your right, you will see the corrals for our sweet donkeys, Miss Fiona, Haiku, and Felipe Ortiz, sureley hanging out with their sidekick naughty goats, Harley and Quinn. To the left, you will see an abundance of giant Mesquite trees and Kassandra - a lovingly renovated RV nicknamed the Micro Mansion. To the right of the south ranch gate, you will see the rustic elegance of Kasita Morada, the purple house. Our neighbors tend to be javelina, owls and coyotes. There have been occasional bobcats and lynx. We live in a ranching community, so neighbors are few and far. (there is a KOA across the north side of our unpaved road). You will love the stars and the moon and the quiet here at the Ranchito. It is a wonderful getaway. The views are phenomenal. Sunsets are magical and sunrises provide beauty and hope. You will be within 15 minutes to Kartchner caverns. Tombstone is 20 mins, whereas Bisbee, AZ vineyards and Tucson are about 40 mins away. The Ranchito is 3/4 mile north of I-10 and one mile from the Amtrak line that runs between LA and Texas. San Pedro golf course is a few hundred yards away. The Ranchito is an artsy retreat with quirky yet elegant accommodations and a wonderful space to breathe, create, write, binge on Netflix, or just take a break to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine and bird watch. Let us know if you'd like to hang with the donkeys. They love to cuddle. Even though the grocery store is two miles away, you will feel remote. So far, elegant glamping is available in a lovingly renovated RV named Kassandra and a custom DIY tiny home (Kasita Morada). Guests find both units quite stunning (check out our reviews via our website, ranchitoparaisoaz.com). My name is Kareva and I am a professional host who works hard to make your stay memorable, comfortable, and rustically elegant. You will find the fridge stocked with fresh local farm eggs, butter, muffins, half and haf, French jam and cheese. There is a selection of teas. I grind fresh coffee beans. If you'd like a firepit under the stars, one will be ready for you already set up with kindle and a stack of wood. If you need more wood, you are welcome to gather it on the property. Both Kassandra and Kasita Morada have outdoor seating and dining areas, kitchens, and Smart TVs with high-speed Wifi. The Ranchito has beautiful mountain views. Pets are welcome, but please keep on a leash as we do not have individual guest yards as of yet. We do have our two amazing potbelly pigs, Jonah and Benjamin, who roam and forage. They are sweet and sociable and would love fruit and veggie scraps. Please keep dogs away from them and keep ranch gate closed. Please keep children away from the donkeys and never let them approach them without my supervision. There may be other guests and their pets present on the property. If you are traveling with large animals, such as horses or cows, we can accommodate them also.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Glamping near Tucson with swimming guide

Overview

Found in the Sonoran Desert, Tucson has an arid landscape dotted with giant saguaro cacti and rugged mountains. Look for camping areas nearby in Santa Catalina Mountains to catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep or one of the many bird species that call it home. Catalina State Park features ancient ruins and plenty of campsites, including extra-large spots for RVers. Saguaro National Park also has walk-in campsites (with no vehicle access) and plenty of serene scenery. Rustic campsites that do offer drive-in access can be found in Colossal Cave Mountain Park, where campers can book a guide-led cave tour through underground passages.

Where to go

Saguaro National Park

Situated right next to Tucson, Saguaro National Park is under 20 minutes from the heart of the city. The park is divided into two districts—Rincon Mountain District on the east side and Tucson Mountain District on the west. The park is booming with biodiversity—new plant species are still recorded today. Campers can snag a home base within the park boundary, but be prepared to pack light since campsites are walk-in only. Camping permits are also required. Then, view the beautiful desert landscape by foot, on horseback, or comfortably in a car—Cactus Forest Drive and Bajada Loop Drive are two vehicle-friendly options.

Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park offers 5,500 acres only a 20-minute drive from Tucson. The park is situated at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains and is open year-round for hiking, horseback riding, cycling, birdwatching, and camping. RV and tent campsites are up for grabs, featuring picnic tables, fire rings with BBQ grills, and full hookups. Campers will also find restrooms and shower facilities available. Fill the hours of the day by exploring Romero Ruins Interpretive Trail—a popular favorite that showcases ruins from the Hohokam culture dating back to 500 AD.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Drive southeast to venture through 3.5 miles of underground passageways in Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Scramble along rock bridges, climb ladders, and look at the stalagmites and stalactites that started forming 80 million years ago. Colossal Cave Mountain Park also has plenty of horseback riding trails, hiking trails, and scenic picnic spots above ground. Pet-friendly campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is limited, so bring extra. Small to medium-sized RVs are welcome, but there are no electricity or dump stations.

When to go

The most comfortable times to visit Tucson are May and April before summer begins, and September and October when it’s coming to a close. In late April, May, and early June, the giant saguaro cacti flower, making the already beautiful landscape even more picturesque. The rainiest and hottest months in Tucson are July and August, when daytime temperatures often exceed 100°F. The desert does get chilly when the sun goes down, so bring some layers for late nights around the firepit.