Monday, May 2, 2022

Snowbird RV Adventure: Lazydays to Gilbert Ray Campground

Days 7-10

November 20-23: After six days relaxing at Lazydays, we moved to nearby Gilbert Ray Campground in Tucson Mountain Park. It's a Pima County Park only 16 miles from Lazydays, but worlds away in atmosphere.

Gilbert Ray has four loops with 130 sites. Most have power for $20 a night and a few tent only sites are $10. There are online reservations a year in advance for three loops. H Loop is first-come, first-serve.

Heading west on Irvington we were caught for an hour and a half waiting for the Tour de Tucson bike race to pass in front of us. That made us late for the USC vs UCLA football game, so Wayne pulled into a turnout after we entered Tucson Mountain Park and we watched the first half with a cellular hot spot and displayed on our RV TV. As USC fans, the results were disappointing.

We stopped at registration (only manned from January to March) but with a reservation there was already an tag at our site. I reserved early, so we got a private spot, #42 in Loop A. In addition to park personnel, there are camp hosts to provide assistance if needed.

Site #42 in A Loop has an unobstructed mountain view.

All RV sites have a 30 amp hookup and picnic table. No wood fires are allowed, but you can use a charcoal or gas grill. The sites are packed dirt and gravel. We haven't been here in the rain, but they are fine in the dry season. Water and restrooms are easily accessible.

Enjoying the privacy of our site, lots of Chain Fruit Chollas.

Reading quietly we saw some wildlife: hummingbirds, Cactus Wrens, two kinds of butterflies (one on my toe), a Harris ground squirrel and evening coyote howls.

A pair of Cactus Wrens visited us in camp.

Partly cloudy skies ended each of our four nights with gorgeous, colourful Arizona sunsets framed by tall saguaro cactus, spiky ocotillo and wispy green mesquite trees.

What better way to end the day than sitting outdoors enjoying the last evening warmth with a spectacular view. -- Wayne and Margy





On the way we stopped at Fry's to shop for groceries. In Arizona it's our market of choice.

I applied for a Fry's customer loyalty reward card years ago. I bring it with me each trip to save on my grocery bills. I have several other cards I can use if there isn't a Fry's nearby. You can get loyalty cards at the register or customer service desk. Register them online for extra benefits, or just use them to get the discount prices. Why pay the shelf price when you can get a lower one. -- Margy

31 comments :

  1. Great sunset!
    I love the cactus wrens.

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    1. They are so much fun to watch running through camp and singing from perches on prickly cactus tops. - Margy

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  2. Beautiful photos. You can't beat an Arizona sunset!

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    1. That is true. I bet you get some great ones in Joshua Tree National Park. - Margy

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  3. you have so much fun in your travels - thanks for sharing them

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    1. We try, but it is mostly about finding a nice place to stay and relaxing. We are too much for sightseeing. - Margy

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  4. I'm not sure I'd like camping. I enjoy your trips, though!

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    1. Growing up as a tent camper this took a bit getting used to. It's hard for me to call it camping with a bed, toilet, kitchen, heater, air conditioner and TV in the RV. But at our age it's a lot more fun than sleeping on the ground. - Margy

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  5. It looks like heaven! Especially the birds and sunset!

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    1. We really like the natural environment at Gilbert Ray. - Margy

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  6. Hello,
    Your RV camp site sounds wonderful, I would enjoy the warmer weather.
    Love the views of the mountains and cactus. Cool captures of the Cactus Wrens. The sunset is gorgeous. Have fun! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment!

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    1. Thanks for sponsoring our critter pics all these years. The critters in camp were fun to watch. Too bad the ground squirrel was too quick to get a picture. He was cute. - Margy

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  7. It's a world away from life here at the moment. I love the idea of just sitting there and the wildlife comes to you.

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    1. Yes it is. This November is warmer than average, but not as hot as when we were here last June. - Margy

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  8. Looks like a nice place. I have too many loyalty cards. Some of the stores don't exist anymore!

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    1. I just learned that you can use cards from different stores within a chain (such as Kroger). I haven't tried it, but will soon. - Margy

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  9. The bird sure is a beauty and I love the views from your camp! WOW! Good tips for traveling too. Enjoy your week!

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    1. Thanks for visiting and commenting. It is one of our favourite campgrounds near Tucson. - Margy

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  10. wow! great sky shots and what an event for you ~ Xo

    Happy Holidays,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  11. Enjoyed your sunset picture and the cactus wrens. I never did any camping in deserts, back in my tent camping days. It sure would have been different. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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    1. Living in southern California for most of life I did lots of desert camping, but never in an RV. We just started that three years ago. - Margy

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  12. Beautiful sunset! I used to live in Tucson - brings back memories.

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  13. Luv that shot of the cactus wren
    Nice set of photos

    Happy mosaic Monday

    I am at #10 on the linky

    Much💜love

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  14. ...enjoy the sunshine, send some our way if you can.

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  15. Love those barefeet -- that's why we leave the Pacific Northwest isn't it! That State Park looks like a fabulous place to stay and I'm sorry we didn't venture there when we RV'd in Arizona. And Arizona skies are wonderful. You are making some great memories -- and giving me some while you're at it! I'm so happy you two are enjoying your RV life! ....

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  16. Margy - those Cactus Wrens are large. When I think of wrens, I imagine a petite bird. And that sunset framing the saguaro is spectacular!

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Thanks for stopping by. Comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcome. - Margy