Starting February 2, 2026 through April 2026, the restroom/shower building in campground A will be closed. A new restroom building will be installed during this timeframe. Portable restrooms will be available throughout the campground, and shower buildings in campground B and group areas will be available. Thank you for your patience as we make these park improvements for you!
Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife.
Explore Catalina State Park
Experienced bird guides lead this bird walk. They will help you spot and identify various birds that live and visit the park. Novices, seasoned birders, and every experience level of birder will enjoy this event. This is an Outdors250 event.
READ MORELearn about and see many reptiles that live naturally in the Sonoran Desert. Listen to our experts talk about the creatures and their adaptions to survive in the desert.
READ MOREJoin one of our park volunteers to explore the history of Catalina State Park and its surroundings from the 1850s to today, and get a sneak peek of exciting upgrades planned.
READ MOREJoin an Arizona Native Plant Society guided tour through the Upland Desert and Riparian plant communities along the Canyon Loop trail. This is an Outdoors250 event.
READ MOREExperience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail. Registration required. This is an Outdors250 event.
READ MOREJoin us for our concert series to experience the funky reggae grooves of A1 Reggae!
READ MOREHow were the Santa Catalina Mountains formed? What are some of the different rocks in the park? Learn about the geology of the park with experienced geologist, Karen. This is an Outdors250 event.
READ MOREJoin our local interpretive guides for a hike to the Romero Ruins. With this program, you'll walk through one thousand years of Hohokam history in 90 minutes. This is an Outdors250 event.
READ MORELocated in the Tucson Sky Islands Important Bird Area, Catalina State Park is home to 150+ species of birds. Experienced birding guides will help you spot and identify beautiful birds as you walk through the park for 3-4 hours. This is an Outdoors250 event.
READ MOREHelp eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
READ MOREShop local and support the park with the annual Art in the Park sale hosted by The Friends of Catalina State Park! Buy paintings, pottery, and more; all sales benefit the park.
READ MOREImagine what you can see with telescopes provided by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association at Catalina State Park! Join us for an exciting, educational Star Party!
READ MOREThe park is open year-round
Day Use
5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily
Visitor Center/Park Store
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily
(Summer hours may vary)
Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Christmas: closed
Per vehicle (1 person): $10.00
Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20.00
Individual/bicycle: $5.00
Self-pay station is available for entrance after hours. Cash only and requires exact change.
