Campground Overview:
**ATTENTION** Camping Area might be closed. Updated July 2023. There are numerous dispersed camping areas in Chiricahua Mountains. Please due your research and always have a back up plan.
West Turkey Creek Campground is small, out-of-the-way disperse campground located on the banks of West Turkey Creek, a sprightly stream flowing from the Chiricahua high country. The creek helps support healthy populations of silver-barked Arizona sycamores. Rocky, flat-topped peaks form the rim of the canyon here, and Forest trails branch off from the road to follow the side canyons. All of those trails are just a short drive away.
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.
From Tucson, take I-10 east for 72 miles to US 191. Turn south 21 miles to AZ 181 and drive 12 miles east to the Turkey Creek turnoff (Forest Road 41). Take AZ 181 east approximately 14 miles to where it makes a sharp left turn. Continue east on Forest Road 41. Follow FR 41 approximately 8 miles east to the campground. 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.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Sierra Vista |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
West Turkey Creek 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
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
