Tumacácori National Historical Park Arizona (AZ) RV Rentals

RV Rentals Dates
Home / National & State Park Guides / National Park /  Tumacácori National Historical Park

Looking for RV rentals, camper van rentals or travel trailer rentals near Tumacácori National Historical Park?


Introduction

Tumacácori National Historical Park is an excellent destination for RV camping due to its rich history, cultural significance, and unique natural features. Established in 1908, the park preserves the ruins of three Spanish mission communities, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early European settlers and the indigenous O’odham people. The park’s unique features, such as the adobe structures and the ancient irrigation systems, are a testament to the ingenuity of these early inhabitants.

The park’s location in the Santa Cruz River valley also contributes to its unique natural beauty. The river, which once flowed year-round, has now been reduced to a seasonal waterway, but it still supports a diverse array of plant and animal life. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and photography in this picturesque setting.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Tumacácori National Historical Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Tumacácori National Historical Park.

Transportation

Visitors to Tumacácori National Historical Park can access the park by private vehicle through the main entrance on Highway 19 which is open daily from 9

00 am to 5

00 pm. There are no restrictions on rig sizes but RV renters should be aware that the park’s roads are narrow and winding and there are no hookups or dump stations available. The park’s visitor center offers parking restrooms and a gift shop.

RV parking is limited at Tumacácori National Historical Park. There are no designated RV parking areas throughout the park and overnight parking is not allowed outside of designated campsites. It is recommended to camp with an RV at a nearby campground and explore the park using alternative transportation methods.

Public transportation within Tumacácori National Historical Park is limited. However there are walking paths available for visitors to explore the park. No shuttle buses are currently in operation.

Top Campsites in Tumacácori National Historical Park

The top 4 most popular campsites/KOA within or near Tumacácori National Historical Park that require reservations are

Patagonia Lake State Park

Located just 30 minutes from the park this campground features 105 sites for tents and RVs with full hookups available. Visitors can enjoy fishing boating hiking and birdwatching. The park is pet-friendly and open year-round. RVs up to 40 feet are permitted.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

This campground is about an hour and a half from the park and offers 62 sites with electric and water hookups. Visitors can explore the nearby caverns hike and attend ranger-led programs. The park is pet-friendly and open year-round. RVs up to 45 feet are permitted.

Gilbert Ray Campground

Located just outside of Tucson this campground is about an hour and a half from the park. It features 130 sites for tents and RVs with electric and water hookups available. Visitors can enjoy hiking horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The campground is pet-friendly and open from October to May. RVs up to 40 feet are permitted.

Lazy Days KOA

Located in Tucson this campground is about an hour and a half from the park. It features 214 sites for tents and RVs with full hookups available. Visitors can enjoy a pool hot tub mini-golf and a dog park. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round. RVs up to 70 feet are permitted.

Three to 4 campground/campsites that are first-come-first-served in Tumacácori National Historical Park are

Juan Bautista de Anza Campground

This campground features 25 sites for tents and RVs with no hookups available. Visitors can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing. The campground is pet-friendly and open from October to April. RVs up to 22 feet are permitted.

Anza Trailhead Campground

This campground features 5 sites for tents only. Visitors can enjoy hiking and horseback riding. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round.

Brown Canyon Trailhead Campground

This campground features 5 sites for tents only. Visitors can enjoy hiking and birdwatching. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round.

Alternative camping options that RV renters can do nearby Tumacácori National Historical Park if the campsites inside the park are full include

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds in the area including Tucson Lazydays KOA and the Pima County Fairgrounds. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities including full hookups laundry facilities and recreational activities.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is permitted in the Coronado National Forest which is located just outside of the park. Visitors must obtain a permit from the Forest Service and campfires are only allowed in designated areas.

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is permitted on some BLM lands in the area. Visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 100 feet from any water source.

Tumacácori National Historical Park is a hidden gem for RV campers who love outdoor recreational activities. Here are some popular options

Hiking the Anza Trail

This trail is a favorite among hikers offering stunning views of the park’s diverse landscapes. It’s a 4.5-mile round trip hike that starts at the visitor center and takes you through the ruins of the mission and the surrounding desert.

Biking the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

This trail is perfect for cyclists who want to explore the park’s history and scenic beauty. It’s a 10-mile round trip ride that takes you past the mission the San Pedro River and the rolling hills of the Santa Cruz River Valley.

Fishing at the Santa Cruz River

The river is a popular spot for fishing with a variety of fish species such as catfish bass and sunfish. The best time to fish is in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.

Wildlife Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife including javelinas coyotes and over 200 species of birds. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the park on their own to spot these amazing creatures.

Visiting the Mission San José de Tumacácori

This historic mission is a must-see for anyone visiting the park. It was established in 1691 and is one of the oldest missions in Arizona. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the mission and learn about its rich history.

For those RV campers who prefer less strenuous activities Tumacácori National Historical Park offers plenty of alternative options

Sightseeing at the Mission San José de Tumacácori

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the mission and admire its beautiful architecture and history.

Nature Watching

The park is home to a variety of unique plant species including the iconic saguaro cactus. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the park on their own to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Photography

The park’s stunning landscapes and historic buildings offer plenty of opportunities for photography enthusiasts. Some popular spots include the mission the San Pedro River and the rolling hills of the Santa Cruz River Valley.

Visiting the Tumacácori National Historical Park Museum

The museum offers a fascinating look into the park’s history and culture. Visitors can learn about the O’odham people the missionaries who established the mission and the park’s unique ecosystem.

Attending Ranger-led Programs

The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs including guided tours talks and demonstrations. These programs are a great way to learn about the park’s history and culture while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Season-specific experiences in Tumacácori National Historical Park

Springtime in Tumacácori National Historical Park offers a variety of recreational activities for RV campers. One popular attraction is the Anza Trail a historic route that runs through the park and offers hiking biking and horseback riding opportunities. The trail is especially beautiful in the spring when wildflowers are in bloom.

Another must-see landmark is the mission church of San José de Tumacácori. This historic building which dates back to the 18th century is open for guided tours and offers a glimpse into the area’s past.

For those interested in birdwatching the park is home to a variety of species including hummingbirds hawks and eagles. The best time to spot these birds is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The park also offers ranger-led programs such as lectures on the history and culture of the area as well as guided nature walks. These programs are a great way to learn more about the park and its surroundings.

Finally RV campers can take advantage of the park’s picnic areas and enjoy a meal outdoors while taking in the beautiful views.

Summer is also a great time to visit Tumacácori National Historical Park. One popular activity is taking a scenic drive along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. This route offers breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz River and the surrounding mountains.

Another must-see attraction is the Tumacácori Museum which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the area’s history and culture. Visitors can learn about the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area as well as the Spanish missionaries who established the park’s mission church.

For those looking to beat the heat the park offers several shaded picnic areas and a swimming hole at the nearby Patagonia Lake State Park.

The park also offers ranger-led programs during the summer months such as star gazing and birdwatching. These programs are a great way to learn more about the park and its surroundings.

Finally RV campers can take advantage of the park’s many hiking trails which offer beautiful views and the chance to see local wildlife.

In the fall Tumacácori National Historical Park is a popular destination for RV campers. One of the most popular recreational activities is hiking the Anza Trail. This trail follows the route taken by Juan Bautista de Anza in 1775-1776 and offers stunning views of the Santa Cruz River and the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located near the park’s visitor center.

Another popular activity in the fall is bird watching. The park is home to a variety of bird species including hawks eagles and songbirds. The best time to go bird watching is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The park’s bird watching hotspots include the Santa Cruz River and the Tumacácori Mission ruins.

For history buffs a visit to the Tumacácori Mission is a must. The mission was founded in 1691 and is one of the oldest European structures in Arizona. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the mission and learn about its history and the people who lived there. The mission is located near the park’s visitor center.

The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs in the fall. These programs include guided hikes bird watching walks and talks on the park’s history and culture. The schedule of ranger-led programs can be found on the park’s website.

Finally RV campers can enjoy the park’s beautiful fall foliage. The park’s cottonwood and willow trees turn a golden yellow in the fall creating a stunning contrast with the red rocks of the Santa Rita Mountains. The best time to see the fall foliage is in late October or early November.

When winter rolls around Tumacácori National Historical Park takes on a whole new look. The park’s mild winter weather makes it a popular destination for RV campers looking to escape the cold. Here are five recreational activities landmarks and famous activities that attract RV campers to the park in the winter.

One of the most popular winter activities is hiking. The park’s trails offer stunning views of the Santa Cruz River and the surrounding mountains. The Anza Trail and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail are both popular choices for winter hikes. Visitors should be aware that the trails can be muddy and slippery after rain or snow.

Another popular winter activity is bird watching. The park is home to a variety of bird species including hawks eagles and songbirds. Winter is a great time to see migratory birds such as sandhill cranes and snow geese. The best time to go bird watching is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

For history buffs a visit to the Tumacácori Mission is a must. The mission was founded in 1691 and is one of the oldest European structures in Arizona. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the mission and learn about its history and the people who lived there. The mission is located near the park’s visitor center.

The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs in the winter. These programs include guided hikes bird watching walks and talks on the park’s history and culture. The schedule of ranger-led programs can be found on the park’s website.

Finally RV campers can enjoy the park’s peaceful winter scenery. The park’s cottonwood and willow trees are bare and the red rocks of the Santa Rita Mountains are even more striking against the clear blue winter sky. The park’s picnic areas and scenic overlooks are great places to relax and enjoy the view.

(Limited time offer expires soon)
Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*
(Limited time offer expires soon)
Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*