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Imagine pulling your rig into the heart of the Sonoran Desert, expecting scorching sun and dust, only to find yourself parking underneath a massive, futuristic canopy that blocks the UV rays while generating clean energy. You step out of your RV, not onto gravel, but onto a clean patio where you can reach up and pluck a fresh orange right from a tree next to your picnic table.
Welcome to the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort. Is it a campground? Is it a solar power plant? Is it an orchard? It’s all three, and it might just be the most unique RV experience you’ll have in Arizona. But is it worth the premium price tag? Let’s dive deep into what makes this resort tick.
The Overview: More Than Just a Place to Park
You know the feeling—you’ve been driving for hours on I-10, fighting crosswinds and dodging semi-trucks. You need more than just a patch of dirt; you need an oasis. The Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort positions itself as exactly that. Located just minutes from downtown Tucson, this isn’t your standard roadside stopover. It’s a destination resort designed to keep you entertained, fed, and comfortable.
This massive park features pull-through sites that can accommodate rigs up to 73 feet, deluxe cabins for those without wheels, and tent sites for the rustic adventurers. But what really sets it apart is the “Lazydays” connection. Sitting right next door to the Lazydays RV dealership and service center, it’s a strategic haven for anyone needing repairs or upgrades while on the road.
📍 Contact Information
Address: 5151 S Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85706
Phone: 1-520-799-3701
Website: koa.com/campgrounds/tucson
Unique Features: Why This Isn’t Your Average KOA
If you’ve stayed at one KOA, you haven’t necessarily stayed at them all. This location has two distinct features that you won’t find just anywhere else.
☀️ The PowerParasol Solar Structure
This is the showstopper. The resort features two massive solar shade structures known as PowerParasols. These aren’t just ugly industrial panels; they are 28 feet high, cover 2 acres of the campground, and provide shaded camping for 30 RV sites.
The Specs:
- Height: 28 feet (plenty of clearance for your AC units)
- Capacity: 3,500 solar panels
- Power: Generates enough electricity to power 150 homes
- Benefit: It creates dappled light, significantly lowering the temperature around your rig without blocking the airy feeling of being outdoors.
🍊 The Edible Landscape
Forget standard landscaping bushes. This resort is dotted with citrus fruit trees—oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Depending on the season (usually winter/spring), you are welcome to pick fresh fruit right from the tree at your site. As one reviewer noted:
“We had a little orange tree, grass and privacy with the oleander trees. Will definitely be back!” – Shannon Burke, KOA Reviews
The Good, The Bad, and The Honest
No resort is perfect, and deep research reveals a mixed bag of glowing praise and specific complaints. Here is what real travelers are saying.
👍 The Pros
| Advantage | Real Review Quote |
|---|---|
| Immaculate Maintenance | “Park was beautiful and lots of room between sites… Very well kept up.” – KOA Reviewer |
| Resort Amenities | “Very kid friendly camp with bounce pillow, playground, bike rentals, mining station.” – Facebook Review |
| Big-Rig Friendly | “Nice roomy sites… The Wi-Fi is excellent and always dependable.” – KOA Reviewer |
| On-Site Dining | “The steakhouse was great, they deliver right to your site!” – Multiple Reviewers |
| Dog Paradise | “Very large and well-maintained dog parks. Dogs love it here!” – Campendium |
👎 The Cons
| Challenge | Real Review Quote |
|---|---|
| Noise Pollution | “Very noisy from traffic and helicopters… the train horn.” – Multiple KOA Reviews |
| Industrial Setting | “The resort is surrounded by a high wall and razor wire… it’s located in a very run down area.” – Campendium Reviewer |
| Premium Pricing | “They are priced so outrageously ($52/night, with no weekly rate)… looking for alternatives.” – Good Sam Forum |
| Crowded | “This place is full to the max with the snowbirds’ big rigs.” – Campendium |
| Pigeon Issue | “Covered sites under the solar panels, but pigeons are roosting above.” – Campendium |
Amenities Breakdown
You are paying a premium rate, so you should know exactly what you are getting. Here is the full inventory.
| Category | Amenities Included |
|---|---|
| Recreation | 2 Resort-Style Pools (Year-Round), Hot Tubs, 9-Hole Putting Course, Mini Golf, Pickleball, Bocce Ball, Basketball, Bike Rentals |
| Comfort | Steak Rush Grill (Restaurant/Bar), Kamp Store, Propane ($), Firewood ($), Laundry, Workout Room |
| Connectivity | Upgraded Wi-Fi, Cable TV, Starlink-Friendly Sites |
| Pets | KampK9® Dog Parks (Off-leash), Pet Wash Station, Paw Pen Sites (Fenced) |
| Unique | PowerParasol Solar Shade Sites, U-Pick Citrus Trees, 12,000 sq ft Event Center |
Site Types & Pricing
This KOA offers a tiered system for sites. Pro Tip: Pricing is dynamic and fluctuates based on season and demand.
- Standard Back-In/Pull-Thru: Full hookups, patio, grassy area. ($50 – $75+ per night)
- Deluxe Sites (KOA Patio®): Upscale patio furniture, fire feature, gas grill. ($80 – $110+ per night)
- PowerParasol Sites: Covered parking under solar canopy. Great for summer heat. (Premium Pricing)
- Paw Pen Sites: Private fenced area for your dog. (Varies)
- Monthly Rates: Extended stay rates available starting at $679/month
Video Tours: See It Before You Book
Don’t just take our word for it. Here are three excellent video reviews that give you a boots-on-the-ground look.
1. Andy Commons – Honest Campground Review (9 min)
2. Cruisin’ with the Colemans – Full Tour (8 min)
3. RV Homeschool – Complete Resort Review (6:53)
Tips from Real Reviewers
We scoured forums and comments to find these nuggets of advice for your stay:
- Book Early for Snowbird Season: Winter spots fill up fast. Plan months ahead if you want January-March dates.
- Use the Text Service: The front desk sends daily texts with food specials and activity schedules. Don’t ignore them!
- Fruit Picking Etiquette: Ask the office which trees are ripe for picking. Nothing beats fresh-squeezed juice in the morning.
- Service Appointments: If you need RV work, book at Lazydays next door and stay here while you wait.
- Watch for Pigeons: Solar sites have 28 feet clearance, but check for birds roosting above your roof.
- Bring Backup Internet: WiFi is good but not perfect. Starlink works well in open sites.
- Request Corner Sites: For less neighbor noise, ask for end-of-row locations.
- Try the Restaurant: Steak Rush Grill gets solid reviews and delivers to your site.
Nearby Attractions
While the resort is great, Tucson is begging to be explored:
- Saguaro National Park (East & West): See the giant cacti that define the Southwest (20-30 min drive)
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: World-class zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden (35 min)
- Pima Air & Space Museum: One of the world’s largest aerospace museums (15 min)
- Tucson Botanical Gardens: Lush oasis in the city (20 min)
- Reid Park Zoo: Great for families (15 min)
- Downtown Tucson: Restaurants, galleries, nightlife (10-15 min)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes this KOA unique?
A: The 28-foot tall PowerParasol solar structures that shade two acres of the park and the edible fruit trees located at campsites. This is the first KOA to feature this innovative solar technology.
Q: Is there an on-site restaurant?
A: Yes! The Steak Rush Grill serves BBQ, steaks, and American fare with site delivery available.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes. While the surrounding neighborhood is industrial, the resort itself is gated, walled, and has security, making it feel very safe for guests.
Q: What are the rates?
A: Rates vary by season and site type, ranging from $50 for basic sites in low season to over $140 for premium sites in peak season. Monthly rates start at $679.
Q: Can I pick the fruit?
A: Yes! When fruit is in season (typically winter/spring), guests are encouraged to pick what they can eat from trees at their site.
Q: What is the PowerParasol?
A: It’s a patented solar shade structure with 3,500 panels that provides dappled shade for RVs while generating clean energy—enough to power 150 homes!
Q: How far is it from downtown Tucson?
A: It’s a short 10-15 minute drive to downtown attractions, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the city.
Q: Do they have WiFi?
A: Yes, recently upgraded WiFi is available. However, for critical work, many reviewers recommend having a backup hotspot or Starlink.
Q: Are there monthly rates?
A: Yes, extended stay rates are available starting at $679/month, but they’re in high demand during winter. Call well in advance.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Absolutely! It’s extremely pet-friendly with multiple enclosed dog parks (KampK9®) and special Paw Pen sites with fenced areas.
Q: What’s the maximum RV length?
A: Sites can accommodate RVs up to 73 feet with full hookups and 50-amp service.
Q: Is it noisy?
A: This is the most common complaint. The park is near I-10, an active railroad, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Bring earplugs if you’re noise-sensitive.
Final Verdict
The Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort is a “love it or hate it” experience depending on what you value. If you’re looking for a quiet, rustic retreat in nature, this is not it. The noise from the city and the density of the park will frustrate you.
However, if you want a safe, clean, high-end basecamp with resort-level amenities, reliable utilities, and unique features like solar shade and fresh fruit, this is hands-down the best option in Tucson. It turns a standard RV stop into a comfortable vacation.
Article sources: KOA Official Reviews, TripAdvisor, Campendium, RV LIFE, Good Sam Forums, YouTube reviews, and personal interviews with guests. All quotes are from verified reviewers and linked to original sources.
