Picacho - Tucson NW KOA Journey

We stayed here previously back in January of 2020, before I started making a habit of doing campground reviews. Almost all of the sites are pull-through sites. The two rows nearest the entrance are a bit more compact than the ones in the back of the campground, but can still fit large rigs. The surface of the entire campground is packed dirt under a layer of gravel, with the exception of the tent sites with have more of a dirt surface. All of the sites are level or close to it. Despite the desert setting, there are plenty of shade-producing trees growing between sites.

All of the amenities (except for the dump station) are located near the office: the pool, the laundry room, the playground, the fenced dog park, the propane refill station, and a common social room. The dog park is a good size, though neither of the two entrances were double-gated, so we had to keep watch to make sure no one opened a gate while our dogs were off-leash. The campground shares a fence line with a farm field containing cows, and the vegetation along the fence provided plenty of space for our dogs to take care of business while on-leash.

They were making improvements to individual sites during our stay, pouring concrete to create patio areas for sitting and putting up fencing between sites to create some privacy. One site at the end of a row had its own private dog run. So the owners are clearly interested in investing in the campground. And there are attractions in the area: Picacho Peak State Park - which has two hiking trails leading to the summit of Picacho Peak - is just 15 minutes down the road, and just beyond that is an ostrich farm where tourists can feed the huge birds as well as other critters.

The only negative about the campground is the road noise: it’s close enough to I-10 (and the railroad track on the opposite side of the interstate) that you can hear it inside the RV, even if you’re in the back row.

In terms of cell service, the best speed I got on my Verizon Jetpack with MIMO antenna during our stay was about 8.5Mbps down and 45Mbps up. The fast upload speed may be due to the cell tower on the other side of the farm. Other than the occasional buffering and pixelation we had no trouble steaming video during our stay. The one speed test I did with my AT&T phone showed 64Mbps down and 16 up. Although we didn’t use the campground WiFi (streaming was forbidden), I did do a speed test and got 10Mbps down and 4.5 up, which I thought was pretty good considering we were in the back of the campground.

We would stay here again, and recommend it to anyone traveling through this area.

We came in towards the evening wasn’t dark yet. We had been trying to get a reservation all day at places in the area. KOAs are usually good for evening checkin so we had this as our backup, in the afternoon we looked and there’s was 5-6 spots available.

When we arrived the office was closed no big deal we went to the overnight checkin box and there wasn’t anything updated. Sites available were blank. We called the after hours number nothing.

So because we needed place we decided to walk the park to see what was open. We normally don’t do that but just a few hours earlier it had availability and we didn’t have any other options. There was only one pending reservation so we were careful no to take that spot.

We found a handful of site just like the ones we seen online earlier. However as we were heading back someone stopped us and said she was the owner and there was nothing available. We asked about the sites we seen she said they won’t fit our rig. (Yes we’re 40ft but those sites had neighbors of 40foot class A with toads hooked up) so the was BS, then we said we can unhook and we should fit she said oh those are metered. (I also checked the reservations available for the next night just to be sure we didn’t have to do anything special or anything like that. And those sites came up.) She purely didn’t want to help she said she’s the owner and know what’s going. We only needed a place for the night. But we said fine and left.

This is the most unhelpful RV park we have ever been too and don’t recommend.

Very nice campground. Friendly staff escorted us to our site. Spacious sites are crushed stone with picnic table and fire ring. Some sites have concrete patios and even individual dog pens. We had no trouble getting level. All utilities worked as expected. Good WiFi signal. Good T-mobile signal. Wide roads are crushed stone and easy to navigate in any size rig. The park is nicely landscaped with trees, shrubs and cactus. Everything is very well maintained. Good signage from the highway. We were only here for one night, but would have been happy to stay longer.

I’ve stayed here several times and always enjoy it. Most recent trip there was no water available so I had to fill before entering. Dump station worked though. Sites are nicely spaced and the views are great. Only downside is there isn’t anything close for shopping or restaurants. Not the end of the world though, it’s a very peaceful campground.

We’ve stayed at this KOA over the last 4 years a handful of times, and always had a great experience. Small, but clean, well kept level sites. Roomy for our 42’ 5th wheel. FHU and 50 amp. Easy in and out pull through a. Great little store on site. Eloy is close by for groceries and necessities. Pool is nice, and the sunsets are perfect!

Spent one night. Check in was easy. Staff was helpful. Spots were gravel, level and wide. Some spots have concrete patios with chairs and wall for separation. Road noise from freeway & train can get loud. Price listed for $30 is incorrect. $60 without KOA membership.

Wonderful campground, kept in very good condition. The biggest downside is the endless noise from the proximity to the Interstate.

The kids weren't bothered by it. They loved the pool and the playground (which is really for younger kids).

I loved the cleanliness of the park and the customer service.

The sites can be small, but they were nice and level. The entire campground is crushed rock, which they grade every day from a golf cart.

Ended up here on our way to New Mexico. Friendly and easy to access. There are train tracks relatively close that you can hear but only once during the day did they blow their horn. Didn't use the facilities but their common area has board games, coffee, and your usual small shop. Site was level gravel.

As with a lot of KOAs this park has seen better days. Ladies at check in were very nice, the old guy not so much. Right next to interstate and train tracks, so there is traffic noise 24/7. Park sits right behind a cow pasture and horse arena, corrals. Pretty much smells like you're parked in a stock yard. Dog park is a big dirt area, not kept up. Dog bag bin was over flowing with bagged and untagged poo. After a rain it's just a big mud pit. Can't see picacho peak, not much to look at except cows and horses. Sites are gravel, level.

I arrived at dusk. The office was closed. After-hour checkin was clear, and Easy. The owners son came over to ask if I needed any help, and he escorted me to my site.