Catalina State Park

Welcome to Catalina State Park nestled at the foot of the majestic Catalina Mountains near Tuscon, Arizona.

Park History: In the early 1970's a real estate developer by the name of John Ratliff petitioned Pima County to rezone a 4,000 acre property known as the Rancho Romero for a proposed residential development for over 17,000 people. Once the request came before the zoning commission, the local residents rose up in opposition by local residents who wanted the land protected as open space. Shortly after, Arizona State Representative Charles King wrote a letter to Arizona State Parks requesting a feasibility study for Rancho Romero. In October 1973, Ron Asta, chairman of the Pima County board of Supervisors founded the Oracle Road Green Belt Committee which advocated for the land's protection. On December 10, 1973 the State Park's board voted overwhelmingly against the creation of a State Park at Rancho Romero, but the fight was not over yet. In early 1974, the efforts of the Rancho Romero Coalition, a Tuscon citizen's group, and the Oracle Road Greenbelt Committee pushed Representative King to introduce House Bill 2280 calling for the establishment of Catalina State Park. On May 1, 1974, House Bill 2280 reached the desk of Governor Jack Williams, and was signed into law. Today, the land is managed by Arizona State Parks but actually belongs to the U.S. Forest Service.

Today Catalina State Park boasts multipurpose trails, campgrounds (120 sites 95 with hookups), and much more. Come out and explore!

To reserve a campsite or other facility please call 520-628-5798.

This was RecPlanet place of the day on August 20, 2016.