Rustler Park Campground
Open April 1 through October 31. FR 42D closes at first snow. No potable water available. Pack-it-in/pack-it-out trash policy. Fire danger is currently very high but no fire restrictions are in effect.
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 3:46PM MST until July 17 at 6:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
At 346 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.7 and 1.3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Whetstone. This includes Route 82 between mile markers 52 and 61. This includes the following streams and drainages... San Pedro River, Babocomari River and Walnut Gulch.
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.
About
Rustler Park Campground occupies a scenic high-elevation setting at approximately 8,500 feet in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. The campground is nestled within a mixed conifer forest surrounding an open meadow known for its iris blooms. Summer temperatures are comfortable with cool nights, making it a popular escape from desert heat. The campground was rebuilt after the 2011 Horseshoe 2 Fire and now features 21 single-family sites and one group site. Each site has a concrete picnic table and ground-level grill, with some sites featuring shade canopies. Four vault toilet restrooms are distributed throughout. Bear boxes are provided at each site due to active black bear populations in the area. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own supply. This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility with no trash service. RVs and trailers are limited to 22 feet due to the winding gravel access road (FR 42D). The Chiricahua Crest Trail trailhead is located at the campground entrance, providing access to the high country wilderness.
Directions
From Tucson, take I-10 east 81 miles. Turn right (south) on AZ 186 and continue 23 miles. Turn left (east) on AZ 181 toward Chiricahua National Monument and drive 3 miles, then turn right (south) on Forest Road 42. Continue up FR 42 (Pinery Canyon) 12 miles to Forest Road 42D. Turn right at Onion Saddle and drive approximately 2.5 miles to Rustler Park Campground. FR 42 and 42D are gravel roads; high-clearance vehicles recommended.
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 | $15 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Rustler Park Campground | |
| Coronado NF Alerts |
Photos
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