Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building
Open year-round. Reservations through Recreation.gov required. Fire danger is currently Very High. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, linens, towels, toilet paper, and garbage bags. No maid service provided.
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
Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters Building sits in the Santa Rita Mountains near Sonoita, Arizona, within the Coronado National Forest. The five adobe buildings originated as headquarters for the Santa Rita Water and Mining Company's gold placer mining operation from 1902 to 1906, later serving as a cattle ranch through the 1960s before the Forest Service acquired the land in 1989. The rental cabin offers a distinctive overnight experience steeped in regional history. The cabin features two twin beds, a twin bunkbed, and a full-sized futon, accommodating up to five guests. Amenities include electricity, propane heat, a small refrigerator, microwave, hot plate, coffee pot, dishes, utensils, cookware, and a dining table. An outdoor grill and picnic table are available. There is no indoor running water; drinking water is available from a hand pump, and a vault toilet sits less than 100 feet away. A solar shower stall and outdoor sink are provided, though guests must bring their own solar shower equipment. The surrounding area spans four life zones from Sonoran desert to Sky Island peaks, supporting diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and elusive mountain lions. Southeastern Arizona is considered one of the premier birding destinations in the country, with 15 hummingbird species and 36 wood warbler species. The Arizona Trail runs directly through Kentucky Camp, and numerous hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails access nearby peaks including 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson.
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 FS Road 163 and continue approximately 5 miles to Kentucky Camp. Stay left and continue to the parking lot and gate marking the entrance.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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
| Phone | +1 (520) 761-6000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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