Campground Overview:
Camp Rucker is located at the end of a Forest road that wanders up Rucker Canyon into the Chiricahua high country. Campsites are situated on both sides of the road in a stand of big trees that include ponderosa pine, Apache pine and Arizona cypress. The campground is located high in the Chiricahua Mountains on the Coronado National Forest.
Camp Rucker is on the Rucker Canyon spur of the Rucker Tex Canyon Scenic Drive, so it’s a good place to spend the night if you’re taking your time touring the mountains. A short distance up the road beyond the campground, you will find the old Rucker Lake bed and numerous hiking trail heads. The remnants of Camp Rucker are also located on nearby along Tex Canyon Rd.
Campsites:
Camp Rucker has 13 remote campsites that are arranged among the trees. Some campsites are quite spacious with ample room to pitch a big tent. Each site include picnic tables and fire grills. Vault toilets are available. You will have to bring your own water and pack out all trash.
Bear Warning: To avoid putting a bear’s life in danger and risking the loss of some of your own property, remember to keep all food out of reach and out of sight of these curious and powerful animals.
While the majority of the forest roads in the area are well maintained and used frequently, during snow or heavy rain, a high clearance vehicle may be required. Always use common sense and be prepared.
From Tucson, take I-10 east 72 miles to US 191. Turn right (south) and drive 37 miles to the turnoff to Rucker Canyon. Turn left (east) and drive 17 miles to the Forest boundary. Continue on FR 74 to FR 74E. Turn left (north) on FR 74E and follow the signs to Rucker Canyon. Rucker Forest Camp is about 6 miles up this road.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Sierra Vista |
Fishing: |
Rucker Lake |
Campground Website: |
Camp Rucker |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Fort Rucker, or Camp Rucker, is a former United States Army post in Cochise County, Arizona. First known as Camp Supply and Camp Powers, its name was changed on October 1, 1878 in honor of Lieutenant John Anthony “Tony” Rucker. On July 11, 1878, Lieutenant Rucker died in an unsuccessful attempt to save the life of a fellow soldier, Lieutenant Austin Henley, when the two tried to cross a nearby river which had swelled following a rainstorm.
The camp was initially built to protect settlers in the area and housed mounted cavalry units. During the 1880s, Camp Rucker became Fort Rucker. It was one of the more important military stations in the campaign against the Apache tribes led by Geronimo and Cochise. A small community grew up around the fort, as the military method of obtaining necessary supplies was through civilian contractors. It was abandoned by 1890.
The remnants of Camp Rucker are located on Coronado National Forest land today along Tex Canyon Rd. Officers’ quarters, a bunkhouse, a sheltered latrine, a commissary warehouse, and a bakery are still standing. The site is adjacent to the south side of the Chiricahua Wilderness in the Douglas Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest; walk-in public access is permitted. Click here for more Information on the history of Camp Rucker.
Chiricahua Wilderness is home to a fascinating diversity of both plant and animal life, as well as some of the Southwest’s most spectacular geology. Climaxed by 9,797 foot Chiricahua Peak, this 87,700-acre Wilderness covers the upper slopes and inner canyons of the largest mountain range in the “Sky Island” region. Here, you will find views international in scope set in an area that supports a variety of birds and other wildlife, some of which are more commonly thought of as denizens of subtropical habitats in Mexico or Central America. This natural cornucopia attracts nature lovers from all over the world. The sharp ridges, high peaks and deep canyons of the Chiricahuas once served as a home and refuge to Chiricahua Apaches led by Cochise and Geronimo. Later, the area attracted prospectors, loggers and ranchers searching to find fortune or a home with elbow room in America’s far corners. Today, the Chiricahua Wilderness with its extensive system of trails provides an opportunity for nature lovers to engage in a more gentle quest, one of self-renewal, inspiration and personal discovery.
Due to dense brush and timber growth, steep elevations, precipitous canyon walls, an undependable water supply few humans venture from the 13 established trails. Trailheads in Rucker Canyon, Turkey Creek and Cave Creek give easy access to the Wilderness, and the Morse Canyon Trail rewards hikers for their efforts with excellent views over some of the roughest country in southeastern Arizona
Hiking the Chiricahua Mountains
The best way to get in touch with the canyon is on foot. The Chiricahua Mountains contain numerous trails of all lengths and varying degrees of difficulty. When choosing a trail, an important consideration is the temperature and season in which you will be hiking. In winter, hikes in the canyon bottom and up to ~7,000 feet are pleasant. Above 7,000 you might encounter snow and it may not be possible to drive to trailheads at high elevation. In summer, hikes in the high country are delightful and the temperatures are cooler than in the canyon floor. In all seasons, be sure to carry adequate water and clothing, as well as emergency supplies (high energy food, first aid kit, etc). Some of the more popular trails through Rucker and Turkey Canyon include: Rucker Trail #222, Price Canyon Trail #224, Rucker Peak Trail #601, Turkey Pen Trail #262, and Pole Bridge Trail #264.
For more information Friends of Cave Creek Canyon and Chiricahua Mountains Hiking Trails are great resources for the area.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
