Tucson, Arizona was originally founded as a military fort by the Spanish in 1775. In 1853, the United States acquired the land as part of the Gadsden Purchase, and Tucson would serve as the capital of the Arizona Territory from 1867 to 1877. For a long time, Tucson was the most populated city in Arizona, until it was eventually surpassed by Phoenix in 1920. Today, roughly 543,000 people live in the city.
Tucson is revered for its beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape, tasty Southwestern cuisine, exceptionally clean air, and diverse attractions. For any visitors looking to explore the scenic desert, there are a variety of excellent hiking areas. For example, you could hike the breathtaking Sabino Canyon or Tumamoc Hill. Alternatively, if you're an off-roading enthusiast, you could head over to Mount Lemmon to ride your ATV or motorcycle. While the region is mostly arid, there are still some bodies of water around the city. One such location is Kennedy Lake, where visitors can go boating or fishing for trout, bass, catfish, and carp.
If you want to get out of the persistent Arizona heat, you can visit some of the many unique indoor attractions. One option is to learn about aerospace at the amazing Pima Air & Space Museum. You could also do some stargazing at the incredible Kitt Peak National Observatory. Another possibility is to enjoy the pleasant air conditioning while browsing the many stores at Foothills Mall.
You won't want to leave Tucson without sampling some of the top-notch cuisines around the city. You could try the Southwestern bistro fare at Tito and Pep, sit outside at Cielos, or enjoy the excellent Mexican food at El Charro Café.
Annual Sun Sounds Great Tucson Beer Festival - This annual beer festival takes place in late October and features beer, wine-tasting, music, food samples, and lots more.
Margarita Fest - What's better than an ice-cold margarita on a hot Arizona day? Come out to The Oasis at Wild Horse Ranch in late May to enjoy the food trucks, drinks, live music, and dancing!
Tucson Greek Festival - Tucson's annual celebration of Greek culture is happening in mid-September at St. Demetrios Orthodox Church. Attendees will enjoy homemade food, music, dancing, and imports.
Tucson is a wonderful environment for pets that travel with you when you’re RVing. Abundant sunshine means plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with four-legged family members. You can hike with your dog on one of the many trails at Catalina State Park or go up to Mt. Lemmon in the wintertime and let him play in the snow. Tucson is considered one of the most dog-friendly places in the United States. It has an abundance of dog parks, and many shops and eateries welcome dogs.
If you plan to leave your pet in your RV rental while you explore, check ahead of time to make sure it has air conditioning. Not all RVs do, and you'll want to make sure your pet is safe and comfortable if you're not there.
The closest national park to Tucson is Saguaro National Park, which is located just outside of the city. The park is named for the unique saguaro cacti, which are found all throughout the beautiful landscape. The fascinating cacti are only found in the Sonoran Desert, so viewing them up close is a rare treat. The most popular activities at the park are hiking and scenic driving, and there are also opportunities for primitive camping.
Another unique national park in Arizona is Petrified Forest National Park. The park covers 220 square miles of stunning desert land, and it's filled with the fascinating fossilized wood that it's named for. There are also a variety of interesting paleontological exhibits and ancient petroglyphs for visitors to explore. During your visit, you can go hiking, backpacking, or horseback riding. You can also observe or take photos of the many wildlife species living in the park, including bobcats, coyotes, pronghorns, and many different types of birds.
Easily the most famous destination in all of Arizona is Grand Canyon National Park. The unbelievable gorge draws millions of tourists each year and is one of the most popular destinations in the entire country. Some visitors choose to embark on backpacking adventures down into the canyon, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Other popular activities in the vast park include mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking in the mighty Colorado River.
Catalina State Park, located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, is a lovely stretch of desert that's home to numerous plants and over 5,000 saguaro cacti. The park offers beautiful views and great opportunities for hiking, camping, bird-watching, and horseback riding.
Oracle State Park lies only about 30 minutes from Tucson and covers roughly 4,000 acres of picturesque land. Because of the park's high elevation, its temperatures are typically a bit milder than in lower cities like Tucson. The area contains 15 miles of scenic trails, which are wonderful for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Picacho Peak State Park, which lies right between Tucson and Phoenix, is home to its namesake Picacho Peak, which stands at 3,374 feet above sea level. The desert park is especially beautiful to visit during spring due to the colorful flowers that appear all over the area. The park is a perfect spot for hiking and picnicking, but it's most known for its wildlife viewing opportunities. Some of the species you might see there include desert mules, badgers, desert cottontail rabbits, western banded geckos, and a variety of reptiles and birds.
While you're traveling in Arizona, consider exploring some of the state's most noteworthy monuments and landmarks. One of the most impressive sights is Horseshoe Bend, which is technically part of the Grand Canyon. The popular destination features an amazing viewpoint of the landmark as well as a short hike.
Another destination you should consider visiting is Montezuma Castle National Monument, which lies between the cities of Prescott, Arizona and Sedona, Arizona. There, you'll find some of the best-preserved remains of Native American civilizations, including an incredible 20-story-high apartment carved into a limestone cliff.
One landmark that's located right within Tucson is the Old Tucson theme park. At the park, you can get a taste of what life was like in the Wild West.
When you're deciding where to camp overnight, one quality option to consider is the Tucson/Lazydays KOA. The park features 30 RV campsites, which are all covered to guarantee guest privacy. There's also a snack bar, swimming pool, hot tub, and store with camping supplies available.
Another place where you can have a relaxing stay is the Crazy Horse RV Park, which boasts full-hookup RV sites and a friendly, helpful staff. As a guest, you'll also have access to the recreation hall, free coffee, and brand-new shower facilities.
The Cactus Country RV Resort is an affordable place to camp. The park features over 200 RV sites with full hookups, and they're available for only $33 per night or $204 per week. Plus, there's a heated pool, a clubhouse with television, and an on-site dog park.
When renting an RV in Tucson, AZ, you can expect to pay $200 a night for motorhomes and $100 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Tucson, AZ RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Tucson, AZ?Tucson has freeway access to make RV driving a breeze. But just outside the city are parks and recreation areas where you can enjoy the Arizona desert. Be sure to include time in your plans to explore nearby Saguaro National Park, the Tucson Botanical Gardens, or the city's various art galleries.
What are the RV rental requirements in Tucson, AZ?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites if you are unsure about traveling there. and any regulations they may have.
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Tucson, AZ?Renting an RV in Tucson, AZ means endless blue skies, wide open roads and dramatic desert scenery. With all the wide open space and desert, make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food and water before you hit the road. Because of the warm climate, you'll find plenty of RV campgrounds with pools and other fun amenities. Busy season is in the winter and spring so book early to make sure you get a spot.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Tucson, AZ?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Tucson, AZ RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Tucson, AZ?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Tucson, AZ RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Tucson, AZ?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
