Go RVing Around the Saguaro National Park
Have you always wanted to cruise America, but never had the chance? Or maybe you’ve gone a few times, but always around the same region?
Well, this is your opportunity to venture out and explore a new area — Saguaro National Park. Nestled in the heart of the Tucson, Arizona area, Saguaro National Park is home to America’s largest cactus forest and boasts miles of scenic trails waiting to be explored. What’s more, there are plenty of RV rental companies in the area ready and willing to help you get on your way.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there with your RV rental and go RVing!
The Saguaro National Park Has A Long History
The history of Saguaro National Park dates back to the late 1800s when miners and settlers began to filter into the area, and in 1920 the area was set aside as a forest reserve. In 1933, President Hoover created Saguaro National Monument to protect the saguaros, and in 1994, Saguaro National Park was finally established as a national park.
Fun Facts: The Park is one of the most iconic parks in the US
Saguaro National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the United States, and it’s a must-see while you cruise America on your road trip. The park is named after the saguaro cactus, which can only be found in North America. The cactus is a symbol of the American Southwest and has been featured in many movies and TV shows. Here are some other fun facts about this national park and its inhabitants!
- The name “saguaro” comes from the Tohono O’odham (desert people) word for “sacred tree.”
- Saguaro National Park is home to more than 2,000,000 saguaros. These iconic cacti are a must-see for visitors to the park. These cacti can grow up to 50 feet tall and weigh up to 8,000 pounds. Their average lifespan is 150 to 175 years!
- The park is also home to a variety of other cacti and desert plants, as well as wildlife such as deer, horned lizards, coyotes, javelina (no, not the spear they throw in the Olympics), and roadrunners.
- The park has two sections: the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. Each district offers its own unique set of attractions and activities., which make it perfect for RVing as you can see the views as you drive.
Watch Birds, Take A Hike Or A Scenic Drive
There are plenty of things to do, whether you’re planning to go RVing or take a road trip. Here are some of our favorites:
- Hike (or bike) the trails. There are over 150 miles of hiking trails in the park, at varying difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone.
- Stop by the visitor centers. Learn about the history and ecology of the park at the visitor centers on the east and west sides.
- Take a scenic drive. The roads in Saguaro National Park offer beautiful views of the desert landscape and can be great for roadside picnics.
- Go bird watching. More than 250 species of birds have been known to reside here.
- Watch the sunset. The Gates Pass Overlook is a popular site for desert photography and sunset gazing.
Find An RV Rental Friendly Scenic Stop
There are many picnic spots on the roads around this beautiful park that allow you to park your RV rental and enjoy the view. There are seven in total, six of which are accessible by RV, so make sure to stop at one or two while you cruise America.
- Signal Hill Picnic Area is located on the west side of the park and has great views of the mountains on the west side. It also features a lot of rock art like petroglyphs that are over 900 years old.
- Javelina Picnic Area is on the east side and is situated in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains. This area has a lot of space for parking and is at the head of the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail.
- Mica View Picnic Area is on the east side of the park near the visitor center. It has great views of the Rincon Mountains to the east and the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north.
- Cam-Boh Picnic Area is in the central area of the park and offers both shady and sunny spots. It’s the only picnic area on a paved road and has views of Safford Peak to the north plus Panther Peak.
Stay At One Of The Best RV Parks And Campgrounds
With so many different campgrounds to choose from, there’s something for everyone who wants to go RVing or on a road trip. Here are our picks for the best RV parks and campgrounds for you and your RV rental to stop at while you cruise America:
Sunset RV Park
Sunset RV Park is one of the most popular RV parks for people who are planning to go RVing, and it’s easy to see why. With beautiful views of the Rincon Mountains, plenty of trees for shade, and easy access to all the sights and sounds of the park, Sunset RV Park is a great choice to bring your RV rental.
Signal Hill RV Park
The Signal Hill RV Park is another great option for RV rentals and for those who want to go RVing and cruise America. This park offers spectacular views of the Tucson valley and the Santa Catalina Mountains, and it’s conveniently located close to downtown Tucson.
All camping sites are on hiking trails so they have NO AMENITIES. No water is available along the way, either, so be sure to bring plenty.
Douglas Spring Campground
The Douglas Spring Campground is located in a remote area of the park, and it offers hikers and horseback riders access to miles of trails. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for deer, javelinas, and other animals.
Manning Camp is located in the Rincon Mountain District of the park, and it’s a great place to camp if you want to be near the action. There are restrooms and running water available at this campground, and a ranger is posted there from April to September.
Spud Rock Spring
Spud Rock Spring is the most secluded campground and offers stunning views of the desert landscape. The access road is not well-maintained, so you need a lifted jeep or truck to get there, and there are only three campsites.
Happy Valley
Happy Valley is also a secluded campground located in the Rincon Mountain District. It offers plenty of shade and privacy, as well as access to the park’s trails.
Psst. Here’s The Top Tourist Tips for Visiting
There are a few things you should keep in mind when planning to go RVing to Saguaro National Park with your RV rental. The park is located in the Sonoran Desert, so it can be extremely hot during the day and quite chilly at night.
- Make sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and dress appropriately. Dehydration has been a problem for many unprepared visitors, so bring a lot more water than you think you may need.
- The park is home to a variety of wildlife, so be sure to keep your distance and respect their territory. If you are bringing a furry friend with you, never leave them unattended, since bobcats and cougars are the bosses of the park, especially at night.
- Saguaro National Park is also a popular destination for hikers, so be prepared for some challenging trails. If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s a good idea to consult a map or ask a ranger for advice before setting out on a hike. Oh, and watch out for rattlesnakes!
- Finally, remember that this is a national park and should be treated as such. Leave no trace of your visit behind and enjoy the natural beauty of Saguaro National Park.
PS – RVnGO For Your RV Rental To Saguaro National Park
If you’re looking for a beautiful RV-rental-friendly place to go RVing or on a road trip, the Saguaro National Park is definitely worth checking out. Not only are there plenty of places to pull off the road and enjoy the view, but there are also tourist information centers where you can get more information on what to do in the area and some great camping tips.
There are also plenty of scenic spots to pull over and camp, and if you don’t have an RV but still want to check out this amazing park, no problem! RVnGO has you covered with affordable rental options.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next vacation while you cruise America with your RV rental around America’s largest cactus forest!
The Saguaro National Park is an amazing place in the unique Arizona desert region to go RVing. Immerse yourself in the desert (not literally) and become one with the wildlife and scenery using the tips and tricks in this article!
Consider the park as a spring break RV vacation as it’s especially beautiful following seasonal rains.
RVing is one of the best ways to cruise America.
Along with booking your camping site either at the park or a nearby RV resort, don’t delay in booking an RV rental through RVnGO.
It’s highly encouraged to reserve your RV 3-6 months ahead of your trip.
Also, check out America’s Top 20 National Parks for Your Summer Vacation. There are 19 other fabulous national parks to visit when you go RVing! Check them out.