Camp Rucker Group Site
Open year-round for individual walk-in camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Group reservations are not available due to site redesign. No reservations accepted during Easter, Memorial Day, and Labor Day weekends when the area serves as overflow camping.
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,…
Ski Run Road Closure
PURPOSETo protect public health and safety from potential hazards. This closure is necessary to remove hazard trees and snags overhanging the road.
Rose Canyon Lake restriction to being in or on the lake
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on theNational Forest System (NFS) lands in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, CoronadoNational Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into thisOrder as Exhibit A (the "Described…
Tanque Verde Fall Camping Closure
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on theNational Forest System (NFS) lands in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, CoronadoNational Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into thisOrder as Exhibit A (the "Described…
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).
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure
No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area
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…
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.
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.
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…
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 5,533 feet elevation in the remote Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. The campground underwent redesign and now operates as a first-come, first-served facility with 10 individual camping sites in a grassy setting shaded by oak, juniper, and Arizona walnut trees. Rucker Creek flows intermittently nearby, and Monte Vista Peak provides a scenic backdrop. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit with grill. Vault toilets and bear-proof trash containers are provided, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The area has no cell service and active bear presence requires proper food storage. Access roads (Rucker Canyon Road, FR 74, and FR 74E) can become impassable after rain or snow, and flash floods are a risk from distant storms. The campground lies along the Rucker and Tex Canyon scenic drive, which passes through beautiful canyon country and provides access to several trails into the Chiricahua Wilderness. History enthusiasts can visit the nearby Camp Rucker Historic Site, a remnant of conflicts between the U.S. Cavalry and Chiricahua Apaches. Chiricahua National Monument is a popular day trip destination.
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 reach the campground. From Tucson, take I-10 east for 72 miles to US 191, turn right and drive 29 miles to the Rucker Canyon turnoff, then continue 17 miles to the national forest boundary and follow FR 74 to FR 74E. Roads can become impassable after rain or snow.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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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