Pima County Fairgrounds

Best Deal in Tucson

If you're looking for basic hookups and no-frills at a great price, the Pima County Fairgrounds is a good choice. There are hundreds of sites available and even during big events there's usually space for everyone.

The only disadvantage is that you're about 20 miles outside of Tucson, but for the price, it's worth it.

The only hassle we encountered was a workamper with an authority complex who made us buy a new donut for our sewer hose. That was a first in over 3 years of fulltiming and 35,000 miles under our belt. Other than Mr. Crankypants, the other workampers there were really sweet.
The Fairgrounds also has weeklong rent for $100.

Slab City

Slab City: Great for an Experience, Not for the Squeamish

What can you really say about a free place to stay in the middle of the California desert next to an active bombing range?

Well, to begin with, one could say that Slab City is an unusual, extraordinary place where the usual rules governing public lands have been tossed out the window, along with perhaps years of broken furniture, stripped out motor homes and last night's trash.

The thing is, Slab City is neither a public land, nor a private one. It's a free place to stay that happens to be owned by the federal government. But the feds don't want it since it's too costly to clean up, so instead, the drifters of every socioeconomic class have reclaimed it as their own.

Slab City is a place without hookups or services. If you believe in respect for the environment you'll pack out what you came in with, but sadly, many people who stay here don't. If you can tolerate this kind of live-and-let-live attitude, then you just might appreciate the diversity and funkiness that this open space has to offer.

As you pull into the area, you're greeted by one of this country's newest national landmarks, Salvation Mountain, a handmade hillside colorfully painted with religious-themed messages to love one another and love your lord. Beyond this eye candy lies the real heart of Slab City, the two square-mile camping area where million dollar RV busses boondock across the road from burnt out junkies and wandering drifters. Where artists perform on Saturday nights and pirate radio hosts jockey to keep visitors entertained.

Come here in winter if you're sane, and during summer if you're not. Temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees in July.

Be warned, Slab City isn't for everyone. But if you're ready for something really, really different, it's a must see for at least one night.

Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park

Super Convenient, Big Rig Friendly Park

There's not a lot to say about the park other than it's a clean, giant gravel parking lot with great satellite access. We came here at the last minute for Thanksgiving week to visit family, and had no problem getting in, there are so many sites.

The workampers here are great, and the price is the best one in the area for FHU. WiFi is fast, and they have recycling.

For basic accommodations, this place is fine. Don't expect luxurious amenities and you won't be disappointed.

Clatskanie City Park

Great Price, Great Park

A basic city park in a lovely wooded, parklike setting alongside the Clatskanie River. The sites are basically set up as a parking lot next to a ball field, so they're nothing to write home about. BUT, there's a ton of great things to do within walking distance, and the scenery can't be beat.

It's also close to Astoria (40 miles) and Portland (60 miles0.

The park is busy in summer but pretty quiet in winter. We had the whole place to ourselves except for the nighttime high school soccer games.