Growing up, I always wanted a horse. My wish probably stemmed from the popular television shows of the 1950s and ’60s: Westerns.
My sisters and I sat transfixed while watching Roy Rogers, Zorro, The Lone Ranger, and Bonanza. If the same is true for you, it’s time to saddle up! Old Tucson awaits your visit.
What is Old Tucson?
Old Tucson is a time capsule of past Western-themed television shows and movies. Built as a Hollywood set in 1939, it later opened to the public as a Western-themed park.
Columbia Pictures built a replica of 1860s-era Tucson in 1939 for the feature film, Arizona. Construction crews reportedly erected more than 50 buildings for the movie in just a few weeks.
After more movies and TV shows used Old Tucson through the 1940s and 1950s, the site was refurbished and opened as a theme park in 1960.
Over the decades, Hollywood kept coming back. Old Tucson has been a backdrop for hundreds of film and TV productions. Included in this list are movies like Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Rio Bravo, and El Dorado. Old Tucson also provided the setting for television hits like The High Chaparral and Little House on the Prairie.
In 1995, the Old Tucson Movie Studio was deliberately set on fire by an arsonist, and the historic backlot that doubled for countless Westerns was heavily damaged. The blaze destroyed roughly 40 percent of the park’s buildings, creating a huge restoration challenge for fans and staff alike. Rather than close for good, Old Tucson began a reconstruction effort and reopened to the public about 18 months after the fire.
How to find it
Old Tucson’s address is 201 Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ 85735. The film set is tucked between the Tucson Mountains, near Saguaro National Park (West) and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It makes a great stop on a desert-loop day.
Old Tucson has free parking, but for a stress-free day, aim for a weekday or arrive when the park opens. Big events bring crowds and special parking rules.
Hours and ticketing
Old Tucson runs a mix of year-round attractions and seasonal events, so hours vary by day. The park asks visitors to consult the online Park Hours calendar for exact times.
Standard “Western Experience” admission (which typically includes the staged shows, tours, and most attractions) is often available at an online price ($25), with walk-up tickets sometimes costing a bit more. Old Tucson also hosts special events (Nightfall, Yuletide) with separate pricing, plus season-pass deals.
What you’ll see
Expect a mix of living history and family-park fun. There are staged high-noon gunfights and stunt shows, can-can performances, a narrow-gauge train ride, costumed actors wandering the streets, and historical tours that point out filming locations. Look for photo-op portrait studios, snack eateries, and seasonal haunted or holiday events, as well.
The “Hollywood in the Desert” tours and ghost tours are popular add-ons, if you want insider stories. If you’re a film buff, be sure to bring a list of your favorite Western movies and a camera.
Other nearby stops
While camped in the area, don’t miss the following:
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. A world-class desert zoo and gardens right near Old Tucson. Combine your visit with a sunrise or cooler-hour visit.
• Saguaro National Park. Expect scenic drives, hiking, and iconic saguaro silhouettes at sunset.
• Pima Air & Space Museum is a great stop for aviation fans.
• San Xavier del Bac Mission should be on your list if you want to see historic mission architecture.
Nearby RV campgrounds
• Gilbert Ray Campground (Tucson Mountain Park / Pima County)
Address and notes: Make a reservation via Pima County. Many sites have 20/30/50-amp hookups, dump station, and potable water. This campground is in the Tucson Mountain Park area, very scenic, and close to Old Tucson and the Desert Museum.
• Prince of Tucson RV Park
Address and notes: This private RV park on Tucson’s northwest side is just minutes from Old Tucson and other local attractions. Pull-through sites and full hookups make it an easy, comfortable base if you want full amenities and an easy drive to entertainment and services.
• Rincon Country East (Rincon Country RV Resorts)
Address and notes: This is a well-appointed RV resort-style park (marketed to snowbirds and 55+ guests) with full hookups and lots of on-site amenities. It’s a little farther east of downtown but still an easy drive to Old Tucson. This park is a good choice if you’re looking for resort comforts after a day of sightseeing.
A few final tips
• Bring water, sun protection, and comfy walking shoes.
• For big rigs, plan your scenic detours carefully (Gates Pass is beautiful but narrow). Use the park’s suggested alternative routes when recommended.
• Buy online tickets in advance.
• Time your visit for a quieter weekday morning.
Well, cowboy?
Have you visited Old Tucson while RVing? Tell us about your experience using the comments below.
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RVT1228
A great place to stay in the area is the Escapee Saguaro Co-op in Benson.
Members only policy.
We live in Tucson and love it! We’re about 3 miles from old Tucson! It’s marvelous!
Wonderful horse ride into the desert
found the whole park worth the ticket price
it’s definitely a must see experience
Easy to spend the whole day there! I highly recommend a stop at the Mission as well, it’s truly beautiful. If you’ve not been to Tucson, plan a few days, there is so much to see and do…and eat! Best Mexican food in AZ!!
When I was stationed in Tucson, one of my squadron mates had his wedding in the Rio Bravo church and had his reception in the indoor saloon set. I was one of his ushers in the church.
Thank you for the information, Gail! All this sounds wonderful and extremely enticing. We rarely travel far to the west, but you certainly have given me a reason to venture as far as Tucson. Have a great day and safe travels!