Just a little over 120 years ago, Casa Grande was home to six permanent residents, who made a living moving freight between the train station and nearby mines. When Southern Pacific stopped work on the rail line it was building from Yuma across southern Arizona in 1879, the supplies piled up and the town stayed on. Originally named “Terminus,” Casa Grande, or “Big House,” was renamed for a four-story Hohokam Indian adobe building located 20 miles to the east.
Today, the population of Casa Grande is more than 23,000 and the railroad and agriculture are responsible for its continuing growth. The history of the railroad and agriculture can be explored at the Casa Grande Valley Historical Society.
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is located in Coolidge, about 20 miles northeast of Casa Grande. Built in the early 1300s, this was once the home of a settlement of Hohokam Indians who declined and vanished by the end of that century.
Between Phoenix and Tucson, Casa Grande is a lovely rural retreat with easy access to a variety of attractions.
Listings
Picacho Peak State Park Campground
15520 Picacho Peak Rd., Picacho, AZ 85141
TELEPHONE: 520-466-3183
Back-ins & pull-thrus. No max. RV length. No tractor trailers allowed. All sites have picnic table & BBQ/fire ring. Many have ramadas. Some are handicap-accessible. FAC: Restrooms, showers, dump station, potable water. Quiet hours 10pm-6am. No generators allowed.
Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort
1110 N. Henness Rd., Casa Grande, AZ, 85122
TELEPHONE: 520-421-7000
TOLL-FREE: 800-421-7004
FAX: 520-876-8962
55+ Good paved interior roads. No tents. Pet restrictions. Handicap access. Rentals. SITES: 1888 gravel, patios, 1863 full hookups (30/50 amp), large lots (50×50), back-ins (40×50), big rig sites, city water, Wi-Fi, CATV. FAC: Restrooms, showers, laundry, computer lab, gate attendant. REC: Heated pool, spa, rec. hall, game room, shuffleboard, horseshoes, lawn bowling, tennis, pickleball, golf, organized activities. From Jct. of I-10 & Florence Blvd. (exit 194), W. 1.0 mi. on Florence Blvd. to Henness Rd. (R.).
Picacho Peak RV Resort
17065 E. Peak Ln., Picacho, AZ 85141
TELEPHONE: 520-466-7841
55+ Open all year. Pets welcome. Rentals. SITES: 312 full hookups, back-ins, pull thrus, big rig sites, Wi-Fi. FAC: Restrooms, showers, laundry, RV storage, dog run, LP gas, grills, courtesy patrol. REC: Swim pool, spa, activities ctr, exercise rm, billiards, shuffleboard, horseshoes, dances, concerts, bingo, darts, ping pong, library, wood working, driving range, craft house, rec hall w/kitchen, free a.m. coffee, organized activities. From I-10, take exit 219 south of Casa Grande.
