Catalina State Park's 5,493 acres are wholly within the Coronado National Forest, and the property is jointly managed by the Forest Service and Arizona State Parks. This is a scenic desert park in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains that has camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and even the Romero Ruin (a prehistoric Hohokam archeological site) within its' boundaries. Many of the trails that start here head into the Coronado National Forest (some even go to the top of Mt. Lemmon).

Catalina State Park offers 120 campsites with picnic tables and grills. 95 of these campsites have electric and water hookups. The campground has showers, restrooms and a dump station. There is also a picnic area with picnic tables, cooking grills, restrooms and a group-use shade ramada. And there is an equestrian center for off-loading and camping with horses.

Catalina State Park is located 9 miles north of Tucson in Oro Valley along the Oracle Road (State Highway 77) at mile marker 81. The Park is open all year round. Visitor Center hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with day-use hours from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There is also a gift shop and Ranger Station for information.

The usual rules and regs apply but add:

  • Except in the group areas, ground fires and wood fires are prohibited.
  • Camping stay is limited to 14 days in any 30-day period.
  • Generator hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM with Quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.