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Camp Rucker
This campground is tucked away along Rucker Creek. Unfortunately, Rucker Lake silted in after the Rattlesnake Fire in 1992. It is now a dry lake bed slowly being reclaimed by riparian vegetation.
The area, however, remains an excellent place to take photographs, do a little birdwatching, or just kick back and relax. With all that to offer, it should come as no surprise that campsites here are in high demand. During the peak of the summer season and holidays, unless you come early during a weekday, you may have trouble finding a site. Campsites are spacious and shady with graveled pull-ins.
Note: Black bears in area.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | The Camp Rucker Group Site is not available for reservations at this time for site re-design and facility improvements. The group camp area is open year-round to individual party walk-in camping. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | Single site: $15. Has a limit of 10 people and 2 vehicles per single site. With Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access pass a single site is $7.50. Payable with cash or check. |
| Usage: | Light-Medium |
| Restrictions: | Trailer Camping is 16 feet and less. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14 day stay limit. No hook-ups. |
| Closest Towns: | Douglas is south 38 miles. |
| Water: | No drinking water. |
| Restroom: | Yes |
| Operated By: | Douglas Ranger District |
| Information Center: | Douglas Ranger District 520-364-3468 |
General Information
Directions:From Douglas, Arizona: take Leslie Canyon Road north to Rucker Canyon. Stay on the main road, which becomes Forest Road 74. Turn left on Forest Road 74E and left again to the Camp Rucker Group Site.
From Tucson, Arizona: take I-10 east for 72 miles to U.S. 191. Turn right and drive 29 miles to the turnoff for Rucker Canyon. Turn left and continue 17 miles to the national forest boundary. Continue on FR 74, then turn left on FR 74E and left again to the Camp Rucker Group Site.
General Notes:
Natural Features:
Located at an elevation of 5,533 feet, Camp Rucker is situated in a grassy area with plenty of open space between the oak, juniper and Arizona walnut trees that provide welcome shade on a summer day.
A short distance from the camp, Rucker Creek runs intermittently throughout the year. Monte Vista Peak to the northeast and a number of other minor peaks and foothills provide a scenic backdrop.
Recreation:
The Rucker and Tex Canyon scenic drive takes visitors over the southern reaches of the Chiricahua Mountains through beautiful canyon country, several forest campgrounds and a number of trails into the Chiricahua Wilderness. History buffs might want to stop at the historic Rucker Military Camp and Ranch, a remnant of the region's warring between U.S. Cavalry and Chiricahua Apaches.
Facilities:
Camp Rucker has one spacious group campsite that includes eight picnic tables, two large serving tables, campfire rings with grills, bear-proof trash containers and vault toilets.
The site was designed for groups. However, if the area has not been reserved by a group, individuals are permitted to camp.
High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. 4 Wheel Drive is also beneficial, if available.
Activities
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | 13 |
| No. of Accessible sites |
Group Camping
Trailer maximum length is 16 feet.
| No. of Sites | 8 |
| Fire Information | Tables and fire grills |
| Hookups - Electric | No hook-ups. |
| Rental info: | Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov. |
|---|
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | Yes |
| Tent camping: | Yes |
| Parking: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Yes |