Kentucky Camp Cabin

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Nestled in the scenic Santa Rita Mountains near Sonoita, Kentucky Camp consists of five adobe buildings: the headquarters, two cabins, the assay office and the remains of a barn. A small cabin and headquarters building have been restored for public use in the “Rooms with a View” program. One of the charms of the site is the evening quiet and dark night sky. The two buildings are located within 100 yards of each other, so to preserve the privacy and tranquility of the visitor experience, guests renting the headquarters for day use automatically have use of the cabin the night before and the night of the day use. A caretaker is usually available on site to greet the public and answer questions. However, this is a volunteer position and the caretaker may not be there at all times.

 

 

 

General Information

From Tucson, take I-10 east to Exit #281 (Highway 83 Sonoita/Patagonia). Travel south on Highway 83 for approximately 21 miles to the Gardner Canyon Road. Turn right on Gardner Canyon Road and continue a quarter-mile to Forest Service Road 163. Turn right on Forest Service Road 163 and continue approximately 5 miles to the junction of 163 and the entrance to Kentucky Camp. Stay to the left and continue to the parking lot and gate that marks the entrance to Kentucky Camp. There are signs to Kentucky Camp from Highway 83.

Natural Features:

Spanning four life zones and several ecosystems between desert and mountain peaks, the area surrounding the camp and cabin is considered a "sky island," supporting abundant and biologically diverse plant and animal communities.

Mountain peaks, high desert grasslands, and seasonal streams provide diverse habitat for wildlife abundant in the area. White-tailed and mule deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, and squirrels are commonly seen, while black bear, Coati, foxes, ring-tailed cats, bobcats and the more elusive mountain lion.

Recreation:

Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails are popular in the area and vary from paved and gentle walking paths, to steep, strenuous trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson and other nearby peaks. The Arizona Trail is routed through Kentucky Camp.

Roads extending from Kentucky Camp are available for off-highway vehicle travel; however, off-highway vehicles may not be ridden within the boundaries of Kentucky Camp.

Birders congregate in southeastern Arizona as it is touted as one of the country's revered birding areas. With fifteen species of hummingbirds, 36 species of wood warblers, and over 256 documented bird species, the area is a birder's paradise.

Facilities:

This facility consists of a cabin and headquarters building. The cabin can accommodate up to five people, and is equipped with two twin beds and a bunkbed, all with mattresses. A small loveseat in the living area turns into a single bed. The kitchen has basic amenities including a small refrigerator, microwave, hot plate, coffee pot, dishes, utensils, cookware, and a table and four chairs. The cabin has propane heat. Outside, there is a grill and picnic table for outdoor dining. A vault toilet, stall for solar showers, and an outdoor sink are located on site.

The cabin has electricity, but no running water. Guests must bring a sufficient supply for drinking, cleaning and washing. Additionally, guests must bring their own food, sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.

The headquarters building is a day-use area only, and can accommodate up to 50 people. The building is available for meetings, retreats, weddings, and family reunions. Amenities in this building include tables and chairs, couches, rocking chairs, and a large wrap-around porch with four Adirondack chairs. A small kitchenette is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, crockpot, dishes, utensils, and some cookware. Outside there is a charcoal grill and two picnic tables. This building also has electricity, but no heat or indoor plumbing.