Campground Overview:
Rustler Park Campground is a wildflower-carpeted meadow high in the Chiricahuas Mountains on the Coronado National Forest. Around the turn of the century, rustlers concealed stolen stock there while altered brands healed and pursuit cooled. Today, the meadow provides a cool mountain respite from the deserts below. Rimmed with Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine, the meadow is sprinkled with seasonal wildflowers.
Rustler Park is an excellent place to pursue birdwatching. Larger animals, including black bear, are frequently spotted here, too. Trails lead from the campground into the Chiricahua Wilderness and to other places of interest. This area used to be summer boy scout camp. It is no longer active but the remains are still there. One such remains is an old chapel built by the Kiwanis club of Douglas in 1962.
Campsites:
Rustler Park campground is scattered along access roads that have been purposefully kept out of the meadow to avoid damaging fragile plants and soils. There are some established campgrounds and numerous areas for dispersed camping. Since the Horseshoe II fire in 2011, the campground has been rebuilt and the campsites now have canopies to give visitors shade. Vault toilets are available but you will have to bring your own water.
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.
120 miles east of Tucson, 18 miles west of Portal. From Tucson, take I-10 east 81 miles. Turn right (south) on AZ 186 and continue for 23 miles. Turn left (east) on AZ 181 toward Chiricahua National Monument and drive 3 miles, then turn right (south) on Forest Road 42. Continue up FR 42 (Pinery Canyon) 12 miles to Forest Road 42D. Turn right at Onion Saddle and drive approximately 2.5 miles to Rustler Park Campground. Forest Roads 42 and 42D are gravel roads suitable for two-wheel drive passenger vehicles, though high-clearance vehicles such as pickup trucks or SUVs are recommended.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
April – October |
Nearby City: |
Sierra Vista |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Rustler Park Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
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
Chiricahua National Monument is truly one of the National Park Service’s hidden gems. If you are willing to drive the 37 miles to the park from the interstate, you will be surprised to discover a mountain wonderland of trees, charismatic wildlife, and amazing balanced rocks and towering pinnacles that make this place so awe-inspiring. Come explore, whether on foot on the miles of hiking trails or by vehicle along the scenic drive. The monument was established on April 18, 1924, to protect its extensive hoodoos and balancing rocks. The Faraway Ranch, which was owned at one time by Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson, is also preserved within the monument.
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 most popular trails include Cave Creek Nature Trail, Ash Spring Trail #247A, Silver Peak Trail #280, and the Herb Martyr Trail to Pine Park.
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
