📷 Photo by Alex Parisi on UnsplashCatalina State Park
Oro Valley, AZ
Saguaro-covered foothills at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, with a large RV-friendly campground and trails to Romero Pools. On the northern edge of Tucson off AZ-77.
Catalina State Park lies north of Tucson, Arizona, in the northwestern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Oro Valley is about 3 miles (roughly 5 km) away, Tucson about 7 miles (roughly 11 km). Mount Lemmon reaches 9,157 feet (about 2,791 m). The park borders Coronado National Forest, and some trails lead into it. Lonely Planet calls it one of the city's favorite playgrounds.
Many saguaros grow on the slopes north of the Canyon Loop Trail. The Canyon Loop is 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long. The Romero Canyon Trail forks off after 0.6 miles and leads to the Romero Pools, seasonal water tanks. The Romero Ruin Trail (0.7 miles) leads to the remains of a Hohokam village about 1,500 years old.
The park has a campground, an equestrian center and picnic areas. Winter, spring and autumn are the best times to visit; summers are hot. Ask about RV sites, fees and access beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Oro Valley, AZ
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 32.4260, -110.9380
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Hot in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Catalina State Park: Loop BCampsite1 mi from Catalina State Park
- Prince of Tucson RV ParkMotorhome stopover12 mi from Catalina State ParkMotorhomes
- Rose Canyon CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Catalina State ParkTentsCaravans
- Haycreek RanchMotorhome stopover16 mi from Catalina State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Tucson / Lazydays KOAMotorhome stopover19 mi from Catalina State ParkMotorhomes
- Camp SaguaroCampsite21 mi from Catalina State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Catalina State Park?
Catalina State Park is in Oro Valley, AZ, at GPS 32.4260, -110.9380. It is about 10 mi from Summerhaven.
Can you camp near Catalina State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Catalina State Park: Loop B, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 29 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Catalina State Park?
Catalina State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Tucson and Mount Lemmon: from saguaros to pine forest.
What is there to see near Catalina State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (10 mi), Biosphere 2 (12 mi), Windy Point Vista (14 mi) and Saguaro National Park (16 mi).
When is the best time to visit Catalina State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)