Exploring an Unconventional Campground in Tucson

El Pais Motel and Campgrounds is a quirky, family-run motel and RV park in Tucson, Arizona. They feature vintage motel rooms and full hook-up sites for RVs and trailers. They also provide discounted sites for vans, cars, and tent camping. I was here to visit a friend who was doing a short 3-day stay in her minivan, and she gave the place a big thumbs up.

The nightly rate for cars (SUVs and minivans, too) was a very affordable $25. What does the $25 include? Well, El Pais offers a secure, gated campground with a pool, a covered patio with a dining area, and a fire pit (wood provided). All guests also have access to a clubhouse with two full restrooms and hot showers, shared work and lounge spaces, and an indoor kitchen with supplies and a refrigerator. There’s also an outdoor kitchen with a propane barbecue grill and another refrigerator. Additional freebies include access to a washer and dryer and complimentary morning coffee.

They also show movies every Friday and Saturday night on a large screen above the pool. You don’t have to be a paid guest to enjoy the movies. People are invited to watch the films, seated outdoors or in their vehicles, drive-in style.

Last but not least, they run a 100% vegan food truck onsite for movie nights. They offer a selection of vegan sandwiches, fries, popcorn, and vegan shakes. I’m all about trying out vegan restaurants and food trucks, so I decided to have their Mushroom Philly sandwich and a small order of fries. Delicious.

I’m definitely adding this place to my list for when I pass through Tucson again next winter. I’ve mainly camped for free on BLM land while traveling the desert Southwest, but this would be a great spot to stay for a couple of days to enjoy the amenities (especially free laundry), vegan food, and, of course, free coffee.

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I live and travel out of my SUV. You can follow my adventures on Facebook and Instagram