Bedroom of Kentucky Camp, sleeps 4 people.
Kentucky Camp Cabin
Living room of Kentucky Camp, including futon.

Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building

Closed — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. The cabin is available for overnight use, while the headquarters building is available for day use events.

Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.

Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…

Mount Graham Inclement Weather Road Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads within the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, (“Described…

Fuelwood Sales

The minimum charge for a firewood permit is $20. Depending on the location and availability, for $20 you can select up to 10 cords of softwood or hardwood ($2/cord).  The dates listed in the table below are subject to change depending on conditions and availability of wood.  We recommend you…

Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure

No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area

Target Shooting Refuse Restriction

Possessing or storing any refuse for the purpose of target shooting with a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc).

No Fire Restrictions

There are currently no fire restrictions within the Coronado National Forest.

Jacobson Fire

In response to the Jacobson Fire that started on 5/26, areas are closed to visitor access. Inciweb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azcnf-jacobson-fire

Stronghold Fire

Stronghold Fire information is available at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-stronghold-fire.

Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-005 (Phase 2)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-004 (Phase 1)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

Bighorn Sheep Closure Order

Renewal of the previous Bighorn Sheep closure.

Sabino and Bear Canyon Closure Order 03-05-03-25-002

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources from environmental degradation.Effective January 22, 2025, through January 21, 2028, the Santa Catalina Ranger District has implemented a closure order in the area of Bear Canyon Trail and the Wilderness boundary…

14 Day Camping Closure 03-05-00-24-005

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to mitigate impacts on sensitive plant and wildlife species.

Alcohol Closure

The purpose of this Order is to comply with the Arizona and New Mexico state law and to restrict underage consumption of alcoholic beverages to provide for public health and safety.

Tanque Verde Falls Camping Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources in the Described Area.

Barfoot Snake Closure Order 03-05-01-24-004

The twin-spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) is a Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species and a State of Arizona protected reptile. Due to this species’ extremely limited habitat and population numbers, this Order provides for the protection of this species by precluding entry into the…

Rose Canyon Lake Closure Order 03-05-05-23-022

The Coronado National Forest is renewing the closure of the surface of Rose Canyon Lake. The overall recreation area remains open and fishing from the shore is allowed.

Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure Order 03-05-05-23-019

The purpose of this Order is to protect riparian ecosystem and water quality from the impacts of heavy recreation use in the Described Area. Recreation activities such as camping or offroad motor vehicle use can cause soil compactions and erosion, which is difficult to repair and can lead to…

SVRD Rec Shooting Closure Order 03-05-03-23-010

Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.

Olson Cabin Closure 03-05-05-22-030

Olson Cabin Permit Area is located on the west side of Forest System Road 4458 and approximately 1,500 feet northwest of the junction of Forest System Road 4458 and Forest System Road 639.There are many problems associated with the Olson Cabin Permit Area. The permit area and improvements were…

About

Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters is nestled in the scenic Santa Rita Mountains near Sonoita, Arizona within the Coronado National Forest. The five adobe buildings originally served as headquarters for the Santa Rita Water and Mining Company from 1902 to 1906, and later functioned as a cattle ranch through the 1960s. The Forest Service acquired the property in 1989 and restored it as part of the Rooms with a View program, offering visitors a unique lodging experience rich in mining and ranching history. The rental cabin accommodates up to 5 people and features two twin beds, a bunkbed, and a convertible loveseat, all with mattresses. The kitchen includes a small refrigerator, microwave, hot plate, coffee pot, dishes, utensils, and cookware. The cabin has electricity and propane heat, but no running water, so guests must bring sufficient water for all needs. Outdoor amenities include a grill, picnic table, vault toilet, solar shower stall, and outdoor sink. Spanning four life zones between the Sonoran desert and sky island mountain peaks, the area supports abundant wildlife including white-tailed deer, mule deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. The location provides access to popular hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, including the Arizona Trail which passes through Kentucky Camp. With 15 species of hummingbirds and over 256 documented bird species, the area is renowned for birding. The headquarters building contains exhibits on the local mining era and is open to the public.

Directions

From Tucson, take I-10 east to Exit 281 (Highway 83 Sonoita/Patagonia). Travel south on Highway 83 for approximately 21 miles to Gardner Canyon Road. Turn right on Gardner Canyon Road and continue 0.9 mile to Forest Service Road 163. Turn right on FSR 163 and continue approximately 5 miles to Kentucky Camp. Stay left to the parking lot and gate. Park and walk 0.25 miles to the cabin. Accessible by passenger vehicles, but the last 5 miles may be muddy in wet weather.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email kmakansi@fs.fed.us
Phone +1 (520) 761-6000

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Bedroom of Kentucky Camp, sleeps 4 people.
Kentucky Camp Cabin
Living room of Kentucky Camp, including futon.
Vault toilet located within 100 feef of the cabin.
Front porch of Kentucky Camp.
Kitchen of Kentucky Camp, outfitted with fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster oven.
Kentucky Camp Cabin
Back patio of Kentucky Camp, where cleaning station is located.

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