Tucson/SE area in Feb - cheap, decent, kid and dog friendly

[Candikane]

Is anything decent priced? Would love a pool for the kiddo, and would like to stay below $175 for a week. I'm probably dreaming, right? 🙂

Basically, we're coming from southern NM into AZ, wanting o explore Tucson, Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns, then head up to Phoenix area to explore zoo, museums, whatever, then over to Albuquerque NM.

Prices are insane. What's my best bet? Do some dry camping? I'm open to national/state land (have the national access pass) but kind of concerned with the wildlife aspect.

[mileshuff]

Candikane wrote:
Perfect recommendations! Thank you both!

2gypsies, how does Phoenix look for boondocking 2-3 nights? We're from WI, so our idea of cold is below 0 😉 Really though, what kind of lows are we talking? And maybe we could run a generator for a bit for a space heater, if needed? We're totally cool with being a little adventurous 🙂

In February the AZ open deserts away from the city can dip into the mid 20's occasionally. Most of the nights will be in the 40's, day time in the 60's-70's. We've usually not needed much heat as we use more blankets. Just a bit some nights.

[mileshuff]

I second Tombstone Territories RV park. About $150-$200/week. Nice park, large spots and away from congestion, city etc.

Around the area is of course Tombstone but also close to Kartchner Caverns, Fort Huachuca (Tour civil war museums), Take a drive to Bisbee. Theres the ghost town of Fairbanks just down the road with a restored one room school house. Great area!

[2gypsies1]

Boondocking in the Phoenix area would be doable - weatherwise - but finding a place would be difficult. As I recall on one of your other posts you plan on attending spring training games so if you find a place to park overnight near the games it's going to be on a parking lot, if that interests you.

[soricobob]

If you want "the area", and not Tucson, don't look in Tucson in February as the Gem and Bead Show makes the town crowded, crazy and expensive. Benson is a good bet, and Bisbee is another. Something the kids might get a kick out of is the observatory at Butterfield RV Resort (it's not cheap, but they have a nightly show which is free for those who stay there). Boondocking in Phoenix is good that time of year. There's a nice place behind the Dicount Mall/Casino in Chandler, where the San Tan 202 meets I-10 (Wild Horse Pass), opposite Love's Truck stop.

[Candikane]

Perfect recommendations! Thank you both!

2gypsies, how does Phoenix look for boondocking 2-3 nights? We're from WI, so our idea of cold is below 0 😉 Really though, what kind of lows are we talking? And maybe we could run a generator for a bit for a space heater, if needed? We're totally cool with being a little adventurous 🙂

[2gypsies1]

In February that area will still be cool so an indoor pool would be nice. Have you looked at this site for ideas?

Look under Benson and Tucson:

RV Park Reviews

For a good price but no pool you might consider in Tucson - Gilbert Ray campground in Tucson Mountain Park, right next to the wonderful Desert Museum and Old Tucson cowboy town is right there, also. Another nice place for Tucson is Catalina State Park. If you're a member of Passport American, Tra-Tel RV is a good value and there's also Pima County Fairgrounds.

Benson would be a good base for some of your planned activities. Kartchner Caverns State Park has an excellent campground. Pools? look at Butterfield or Cochise Terrace and I believe there's a KOA there, too. Tombstone can be very cold in February so dress warm! Benson is a little warmer. Have a great trip.

Boondocking? I think in February you'll be a lot happier with electric, especially for the little one. 🙂

[Us_out_West]

Candikane wrote:
Is anything decent priced? Would love a pool for the kiddo, and would like to stay below $175 for a week. I'm probably dreaming, right? 🙂

Basically, we're coming from southern NM into AZ, wanting o explore Tucson, Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns, then head up to Phoenix area to explore zoo, museums, whatever, then over to Albuquerque NM.

Prices are insane. What's my best bet? Do some dry camping? I'm open to national/state land (have the national access pass) but kind of concerned with the wildlife aspect.

For Tombstone, Kartchner, Huachuca City area we always stay and recommend Tombstone Territories RV Park