Gilbert Ray Campground

8451 West McCain Loop Road
Tucson, AZ 85735
(520) 403-8116 

Get Directions (or see details below)

Campground Site Map
Reservation options

You can now reserve a camp site online

Campsite reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance.

Cancellations/Refunds: If you need to cancel your reservation please email Frontdesk.NRPR@pima.gov 
You may receive a 50% refund if cancellation request is received with a MINIMUM of 14 days notice. NO REFUNDS if LESS than 14 days notice.

 **Note that once your reservation has begun there are no refunds for same day or partial cancellations.**

H loop is available for first come first served, no reservation required.

On-line reservations for A Loop sites are not currently available for May 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024, due to electrical upgrades being performed on A Loop. A-Loop will be closed while work is being performed. A-Loop reservations access will be modified and opened as soon as work is completed. B, C & H Loop sites are not affected.

Attention: ActiveNet charges a convenience fee of $2.50 per transaction, plus 3 percent of the cost of the transaction applies to reservations made online for facilities and activities.

 

Gilbert Ray CampgroundNext time you need a break in your busy life consider cool weather camping at Tucson Mountain Park's beautiful Gilbert Ray Campground, located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, a convenient 13 miles from Tucson. RV campers should access the park by way of Ajo Highway to Kinney Road and follow the signs to the campground.

The campground has 130 RV sites with individual 30-amp electrical hook-ups. The campground has 5 sites that are designated tent only, however tenters are welcome to camp in an RV site but are asked not to use the electrical hook-ups. It has centrally located water, picnic tables, modern restrooms, and an RV dumping station. Shower facilities are not available. There are handicap bathrooms.

There is a seven-day length of stay limit. The park's peak season is January 1st through March 31st. Camping fees are $10.00 per night for tents and $20.00 per night for trailers and RVs. Senior Pass/Golden Age Pass NOT valid. Due to limited tent sites you can tent in a RV site, however, during peak season the RV campsite fee applies. Wood fires are prohibited.

The registration building is staffed January through March only. Call (520) 403-8116 during those months. Any other questions please call (520) 724-5000.

Note: Weight restrictions apply to Gates Pass Road. Long rigs should enter Tucson Mountain Park from Ajo Highway to Kinney Road.

Directions from Tucson: Speedway Boulevard west of I-10. At Camino de Oeste, Speedway Boulevard turns into Gates Pass Road. Follow Gates Pass Road across Gates Pass (NOT recommended for trailers or RVs over 24 feet) to the "T" intersection with Kinney Road. Turn right on Kinney Road. Travel approximately 0.6 miles and then turn left on McCain Loop. The campground entrance is on the left.

Directions from I-10 east of Tucson: I-10 west to I-19 south. Exit at Ajo Way (exit 99), turn right. Go west to Kinney Road approximately 5 miles, turn right. Follow Kinney Road to McCain Loop, turn left. The campground entrance is on the left.

Directions from I-19 south of Tucson: I-19 north. Exit at Ajo Way (exit 99), turn left. Go west to Kinney Road approximately 5 miles, turn right. Follow Kinney Road to McCain Loop, turn left. The campground entrance is on the left.

Directions from I-10 west of Tucson: I-10 west. Exit on Avra Valley Road (exit 242), turn right. Take Avra Valley Road west to Sandario Road, turn left. Take Sandario Road south to Mile Wide Road, turn left. Mile Wide Road merges with Kinney Road after two miles. Pass the first McCain Loop turnoff. Turn right at the second McCain Loop turnoff. The campground entrance is on the left.

Map of driving directions

Gilbert Ray CampgroundRegistration

  • Registration at time of entry is required. Starting January 2, 2020 you will be able to register online for a camping spot.
  • Fees must be paid in advance.
  • Must include vehicle license number and state.
  • Requires submission of exact fees. Cash or check acceptable. Credit cards accepted online beginning January 2, 2020. Change is NOT available on premises.
  • Senior Pass/Golden Age Pass NOT valid.

Regulations

  1. Only 1 camping unit per site. Park ONLY in your registered site.
  2. A 7-day camping limit is enforced without exception. Campers must leave the campground for a minimum of 7 days before returning.
  3. Check out is 11:00 a.m.
  4. Pets must be on a leash at all times and must not be left unattended. Owners must clean up all animal litter and deposit in trash receptacles.
  5. Hair washing and cleaning of pots, pans, and dishes is prohibited in restrooms. Please use outdoor spigots.
  6. All wastewater must be disposed of at the sanitary dumping site.
  7. Direct water hook-up to RVs or the washing of vehicles is prohibited.
  8. No collecting or disturbing of any vegetation, geological specimens, or wildlife.
  9. Wood fires are strictly prohibited – charcoal fires are permitted. Fires must be confined to grills.
  10. Under no circumstances may clothes lines, lanterns, wiring, flags, or any other articles be strung across or secured to any vegetation.
  11. Generators are not permitted.
  12. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Gilbert Ray CampgroundGilbert Ray Campground is located in the Tucson Mountain Park, here are some things to keep in mind while visiting the park.

Tucson Mountain Park Rules 

  • Tucson Mountain Park is open from dawn to dusk.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited off roads.
  • It is illegal to remove or disturb any natural or cultural resources.
  • Do not feed wildlife.
  • Dogs are not allowed in Tucson Mountain Park, however they are allowed in the campground.
  • Geocaching is not allowed.
  • Loitering is not allowed at trailheads or in other areas.
  • Trailheads are for park access only.

Safety Checklist

  • Take an ample supply of water with you.
  • Wear a wide brimmed hat.
  • Apply sunscreen.
  • Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Know your route.
  • Hike with a friend.
  • Inform someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • Know your limitations.
  • Carry a cell phone but be aware that reception may not be available in all areas.
  • Do not litter – pack it in, pack it out.
  • Be aware of cacti and venomous animals.
  • Washes and streams can fill up quickly after a rainstorm. Stay away from the banks and do not attempt to walk or drive across washes, streams, or rivers.
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Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation

3500 W. River Road
Tucson, AZ 85741

(520) 724-5000


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