We will be in the Tucson area next week, and the Gilbert Ray camp ground sounds like a great place. It's a "first come first served" camp ground so I'm wondering if any of you have experience with site availability.If we were to arrive on a Monday or Tuesday morning what would be the chances finding a spot?Tucson has been on our bucket list for about four years now, and we're both stoked to finally get to spend some time there to explore.Thanks in advance.

My recommendation would be to take a look at Catalina State Park - our favorite place in the area around Tucson. Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Very scenic, lots of hiking trails, huge camping spaces, elec, water and a dump station, and you can reserve a spot on line.Catalina State Park Link

Gilbert Ray is, indeed, a gorgeous campground and very popular. It's hard to say if there will be a opening for you so have a backup in mind. Stay limit is 7 days and check-out is 11am so some folks will be moving out. Good luck!Gilbert Ray Campground

We are at Gilbert Ray right now. It is a very nice park. At present there are sites open.

Here's what's going on in the Tucson area: I just booked 3 nights at Catalina State Park the end of February and got the last available rv space with hookups. Tucson is packed this time of year. I wouldn't come here without a reservation.

Desert Trails and Diamond J both back up against BLM land that is adjacent to Tucson Mountain Park. There are trails between here and Gilbert Ray.There is also a BLM Boondocking area nearby.

Tucson Camp Ground, Gilbert Ray? | Good Sam Community

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jan 24, 2015
You can't compare Gilbert Ray to a KOA - two completely different parks.
Sooner_Schooner
Explorer
Jan 24, 2015
Might not be your cup of tea, but we are at the KOA/Lazydays RV park and it is very nice! By the way, the weather has been great.
mockturtle
Explorer II
Jan 24, 2015
Some friends of mine are hosting at Gilbert Ray, so it must be a nice place. ;)
dicknellen
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2015
We called the park office the day before arriving on a week day regarding site availability had no trouble getting in, it was in mid March 2013. Close to the park is a great Mexican restaurant in Tucson Estates, Los Nopales. Google the park, it is a county park. It is a great campground. Dick
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2015
"Best Mexican Restaurant"? You're opening up a can of worms because there are so many to pick from. One of our favorites is Casa Molina at the NW corner of Speedway and Wilmot.

As mentioned earlier, the Tucson Gem and Mineral show is starting next week. If you don't have a reservation for a camp ground, you might be hard pressed to find one.
Islandman
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
Gilbert Ray is one of the most pleasant CG's we've ever stayed at, quiet and the quail that run around are really neat. Only problem I remember is that a unit about a hundred yards away had a scare light underneath his motorhome lit up all night long, sort of disturbed the peaceful evening and looking at stars.
Bull_Rider
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
Great info! Thank You to all that responded. Now, best Mexican restaurant?

We're in Deming NM right now, 18 degrees!

Drove through El Paso yesterday in the snow and wind. Sloppy and windy.
soricobob
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
January 31st is when the Gem and Bead Show starts, and goes for a month. If you don't know what it is, you soon will. Tucson's population more than doubles, and there are venues all over town. Enjoy it wherever you stay!
Dennis_M_M
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
Desert Trails and Diamond J both back up against BLM land that is adjacent to Tucson Mountain Park. There are trails between here and Gilbert Ray.

There is also a BLM Boondocking area nearby.
azdryheat
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
Here's what's going on in the Tucson area: I just booked 3 nights at Catalina State Park the end of February and got the last available rv space with hookups. Tucson is packed this time of year. I wouldn't come here without a reservation.

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