Reef Townsite Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 1 and operates through November. Seasonal closure December 15 through March 15.
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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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
Reef Townsite Campground occupies a unique piece of Arizona mining history in the Huachuca Mountains. Named after the nearby Carr Reef, a dramatic band of quartzite-bearing cliffs forming the mountains' eastern front, this remote outpost saw mining activity from the late 1800s through the 1950s. The Forest Service constructed the campground in 1988 after the property returned to public ownership in 1970, carefully placing picnic tables and tent pads within the visible outlines of old cabin foundations. At 7,200 feet elevation, the campground provides a cool mountain respite from the surrounding desert heat. The site features 16 individual campsites plus a reservable group area that can accommodate up to 50 people. The group site includes a picnic shelter with six tables, two large barbecue grills, food preparation tables, and a large shaded tent area. Throughout the campground, visitors can observe remnants of Reef's mining past, including the town's old water system and miscellaneous mining features. The three-quarter-mile Reef Townsite Loop Trail begins and ends at the northeastern edge of the campground, offering an interpretive experience that showcases mining history alongside beautiful mountain views. Evidence of old mining digs and ore mill foundations provide points of interest along the way. The campground serves as a base for exploring the broader Coronado National Forest's hiking and mountain biking trails. Black bears are present in the area, and campers should take appropriate precautions.
Directions
From Tucson, drive east on I-10 to exit 302 to State Route 90. Drive south 25 miles through Sierra Vista. Proceed 8 miles south of Sierra Vista on State Route 92 and turn west onto Carr Canyon Road/Forest Road 368. Forest Road 368 is a narrow gravel road with steep mountain grades and tight switchbacks.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 12ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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