¿ìÈýƽ̨

I really wanted to love this park after reading great reviews and hearing from a few people that it was great and there were some great things about it, but
To begin with, it is very convenient-located on Rte 77 which is off I-10 and the route to Tucson from Oro Valley where the park is. The entrance is clearly marked and although there is a bit of drive to the campground from the entrance gate it is also well marked. Where the good marking ends is at the campsites. We had reservations for the following day and when plans changed and they had an open spot we headed there getting to the CG just at dusk. The entrance station was closed so we did not have a map, although I'm not sure that would have helped that much. The sites are not marked at the end of the nicely level asphalt pads, either with paint or a sign post but about halfway back the site next to the utility hook ups. The signs are about as big as a paperback book and the numbers are neither glow in the dark nor illuminated so finding the site is a process (even in the day time) of stopping to peer into each site to see the number. Additionally, while the back in sites are lovely-level and quite wide and LONG-the pull thru sites are for the most part quite sharp curves making it difficult to park a longer rig (we are 35' and were just on the pavement). This problem is compounded by the fact that the pull thru sites-at least in loop A- and the direction of the traffic makes it so that your door opens to the road and the back of the rig faces the open area and the south. We went in backwards to correct this but then you have the problem with needeing extensions to hook up. All in all, very frustrating. On the plus side, if you find that shopping therapy helps (regretably I don't) you are only a 5 min drive from the entrance whch is across from a mall and within the next 10 miles you will find virtually every chain store in the US. The sites, for the most part offer some privacy as the spacing is good but there are not a lot of bushy trees (lots of mesquite and desert willow) to block the view. The water pressure at the site was good so we had no complaints on that front.

Because we came in late we had to go to the office the next day to get tags but it was a no hassle procedure and the small store at the gate has some very intersting information.

The bathrooms: clean yes, immaculately so. HOWEVER if you need a handicapped shower do NOT use the one in Loop A. While marked as ADA, with a sign saying to ask the ranger for the appropriate equipment (I presume they mean the stool) the shower is controlled by a pushbutton-ON THE OUTSIDE of the stall and there is no lower hook for the shower nozzle which was a stretch for me at 5'5?. Additionally, if left to hand the nozzle sings aorund spraying water everywhere, especially under the curtain which hangs about 8 off the ground. Anyone with ambulation or standing issues SHOULD NOT use this shower. The one in Loop B looks as if they have been updated and there is the lower hook and a twist on shower control. (Ironically, inone of the other regular showers in Loop B there is a mirror in the spacious shower stall but set at a level for a very short person or child.) Other than the ADA problem however the showers in both loops had plenty of hot water even if the showerheads were low flow and had medium pressure. (The floors in all the showers get wet so I always take a small absorbent dishmat to stand on while dressing.)

The campground was quiet in the evenings except that we could hear traffic noise from Rte 77. Even though the drive to the sites seems to take you farther away from the highway it actually loops closer and at times the rumbling of trucks surprised me. We never had any noise even with several families and a school group of campers. There are coyotes at night but they never sounded to be IN the campground.

While pet friendly the entire area is COVERED with holes (prairie dogs?) and burrs of all types. Our dog came back after each walk with sand burrs in her ears and paws so be diligent about checking them.

We had a wavering 2 bars of ATT and Verizon. But, the signal was 4-5 bars outside the park so one is never far away from reception if needed.

Trash bins are conveniently palced and there is plastic (1&2 only) and aluminum can recycling. The bins were emptied frequently enough that there was never a problem with overflow or smell.

The dump is on the way in/out and nicely set off from the road.


What we loved about this campground was the hiking -even in the heat. There are a number of trails of various length. We were there in the beginning of Oct so did not have the chance to see the saguaro in bloom but the hills are covered with cholla, saguaro, prickly pear and barrel cactus and must be a sight to behold in the spring. The other thing we appreciated was that a number of sites in Loop A are electric/non-electric. I did not ask but presume that if you had opted for non-electric and then found you needed electric you could opt in and pay the difference without having to move. The other nice thing was that we did get to visit historic Tucson (we skipped the main part of the city) and had we needed more than just to stock up on needed items we could have had a great time doing so. After weeks boondocking or in small far flung places it is nice to have a chance to get what needs done done. We did not do laundry while here so I never checked about laundromats but imagine there are some close by. Food shopping exists at virtually every mall on Rte 77.

All in all I think if you choose the right site (I would recommend back ins) this is a good park. Just not as great as we'd been expecting.

Beautiful and quiet. We were here for 6 days and saw maybe 10 campers. The views are to die for, and the hiking is Fantastic. The bathrooms are wonderful, and the showers are cleaner than mine at home. We can't wait to come back and stay here again.

Beautiful!! Amazing views of the mountains right from our site and trails to take a walk. So quiet and serene. Lots of little wildlife! No onsite sewer, but a dumpstation on site.

Awesome spot. If your looking to tent camp, there is great camping on Romero trail about 5 miles in at a spot called "old trail camp". If not, the hike up to Romero pools is well worth the hike. Great pools that you can swim in during the warm season .

Outstanding park located adjacent to Oro Valley. By far the best and most heavily travelled trail is Romero Pools. Spectacular views of granite peaks, 10 to 20 foot waterfalls, and of course Romero Pools where you can swim, jump off rocks into hot tub sized depressions carved out over the years, relax and listen to the bubbling stream, and more. Be careful and investigate before trying to jump in as many serious injuries have occurred from not doing your homework/investigation ahead of time. Truly a remarkable location with clear mountain streams, cat tails lining the creek, cottonwood trees and more. Please pack out what you bring in as too many leave garbage behind!