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.
Marshall Gulch Area Closure
Marshall Gulch area closed during reconstruction of picnic area and trailhead
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…
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
Photos
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