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 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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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
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
| kmakansi@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (520) 761-6000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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