Camp Rucker Group Site
Open — Open year-round for first-come, first-served camping at $15 per night. No advance reservations available. Cash or check payment only. High clearance vehicles strongly recommended.
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).
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).
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
Walnut Grove Campground, formerly known as Camp Rucker Group Site, is located at an elevation of 5,533 feet in the beautiful and remote Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. The campground is situated in a grassy area with plenty of open space between the oak, juniper, and Arizona walnut trees that provide welcome shade. Rucker Creek runs intermittently throughout the year a short distance from camp, while Monte Vista Peak to the northeast and other minor peaks provide a scenic backdrop. 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 trails into the Chiricahua Wilderness. History buffs can explore the historic Rucker Military Camp and Ranch, a remnant of the region's warring between U.S. Cavalry and Chiricahua Apaches. The area is excellent for photography, birdwatching, and relaxation. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for access, with four-wheel drive being beneficial.
Directions
From Douglas, 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 Walnut Grove Campground. From Tucson, 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 campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
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 | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 364-3468 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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