Wednesday, February 3, 2021

2/1 Gilbert Ray Campground, Tucson, AZ

 This is a well-known county campground in Tucson Mountain Park, just west of Tucson.  It is just south of and borders the western chunk of Saguaro National Park.  The only problem for those of us with big vehicles is that you cannot get to the campground by going over the pass separating Tucson from this area.  But no problem, the northern and southern approaches are a bit boring, but at least mostly flat. 

The campground used to be first-come, first-served, but I am happy that it now allows reservations.  This means you don't have to race to be here first thing in the morning in order to get a camping spot!  

It is a pretty area and the campground is within a couple of miles of the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, a not-to-be-missed mostly open-air botanical gardens with a few desert animals thrown in.  One other disadvantage is that the campground is very old and so spots tend to be small and often a little tricky to get into because of narrow roads and poor design.  Also, they all have only electric service.  There is a very nice dump station and water-fill area, however.  

Anyway, for $20 per night, the campground is a bargain and very popular with everyone--tent or RV.  

Pretty drive in, with snow in the mountains from the recent rains.  


Lots of hiking trails and great views, whether in the national park or the county park. 



This sign indicates you have left the national park and entered the county park.


Some of the photos were taken just before sunset, hence the gold tint to everything. 





And finally, my campsite. 



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