Canelo Ranger Residence
Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Road access may be limited during heavy snowfall as the road is not plowed. Check-in at 3:00 PM, check-out by 12:00 PM.
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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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.
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.
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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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.
About
The Canelo Ranger Residence is a historic single-story bungalow that once served as home to the District Ranger for the Huachuca Ranger District. Built in 1932/33 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this facility was comprehensively renovated in 2023 with new bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, and HVAC systems. The six-room residence accommodates up to 7 guests with two bedrooms (one with queen bed, one with twin bed and full futon), plus a double futon in the living room. The fully equipped kitchen includes stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and all necessary cookware. The bathroom features an easy-entry shower, and the dining room seats four. Located in oak grassland at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, the cabin offers year-round pleasant weather and sits between Sonoita and Parker Canyon Lake. The surrounding Canelo Hills connect the Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains, offering rolling terrain with oak woodlands, riparian areas, and grasslands. The area is considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Nearby attractions include the Arizona National Scenic Trail, Parker Canyon Lake (13 miles south with marina and boat ramp), and Sonoita-Elgin wine country. Guests must bring their own linens, sleeping bags, towels, toilet paper, food, and cleaning supplies.
Directions
From Tucson: Follow I-10 W and AZ-83 South to Membrillo Lane in Santa Cruz County (69.1 miles). Turn left on Membrillo Lane. Look for the brown Coronado National Forest sign; the Canelo Ranger Residence is the second, larger cabin on the left. From Sierra Vista: Follow AZ-90 N and AZ-82 W to Upper Elgin Road in Santa Cruz County (21.9 miles). Follow Upper Elgin Road, Elgin Canelo Road, and AZ-83 S to Membrillo Lane (17.8 miles). Turn left on Membrillo Lane.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $175 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 378-0311 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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