Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building

Star4.32
190 reviews
NOGALES RANGER DISTRICT, 303 OLD TUCSON ROAD, NOGALES, AZ 85621

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season from Jan...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Opens Nogales Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabin fees are $75.00 per night during peak season (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025). Fees do not reflect taxes or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
520-281-2296kmakansi@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 190 reviews

19 Google reviews

"Reviews for Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters are largely positive, with visitors appreciating its historical charm and rustic experience. "How many other ghost towns can you rent for an overnight stay? Kentucky Camp is wonderful," shared Eva R. Negative reviews highlighted issues like cleanliness and maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

NOGALES RANGER DISTRICT, 303 OLD TUCSON ROAD, NOGALES, AZ 85621

Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building

NOGALES RANGER DISTRICT, 303 OLD TUCSON ROAD, NOGALES, AZ 85621

Driving directionsFrom Tucson, take I-10 east to Exit #281 (Highway 83 - Sonoita/Patagonia). Travel south on Highway 83 for approximately 21 miles to the signed turnoff for Gardner Canyon Road. Turn right on Gardner Canyon Road and continue 0.9 mile to Forest Service Road 163. Turn right on Forest Service Road 163 and continue approximately 5 miles to the entrance to Kentucky Camp. Stay to the left and continue to the parking lot and gate that marks the entrance to Kentucky Camp.
The access road leading into the cabin is passable by passenger car, but high clearance vehicles are recommended.
Nearby places
Sonoita (approximately 21 miles from the entrance).
Nearby supplies
Guests are required to bring their own food, linens, and other supplies
no grocery or supply stores mentioned nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building

The high desert climate here offers four distinct seasons, each painting the landscape in different hues. Spring and fall bring perfect hiking weather with crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons. Summer days can climb into comfortable warmth, though the historic adobe stays naturally cool without modern air conditioning. Winter transforms the camp into a cozy retreat, where frosty mornings and potential freezing temperatures make the warmth of the cabin all the more welcoming.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open year-round; summer likely warm but trails and higher elevation moderate temps.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers crisp mornings and excellent hiking per description; a top season.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring cited as ideal hiking weather with warm afternoons and crisp mornings.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Reviewers report chilly nights, no heat in cabin and frozen water lines at 4,400'.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season from January 01, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No specific active alerts mentioned.

About Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building

Step back in time at Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters, where weathered adobe walls whisper tales of Arizona's mining boom. Nestled in the rolling Santa Rita Mountains near Sonoita, this authentic frontier outpost invites you to experience the rugged beauty and rich heritage of the Old West. More than just a place to stay, it's your gateway to understanding how prospectors and ranchers shaped this dramatic landscape over a century ago.
Kentucky Camp Cabin offers a unique, historical lodging experience alongside the Arizona Trail. Primitive tent camping is prohibited within the site boundary.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in details are provided upon reservation
  • exact times not mentioned.
Check-out
  • Details provided upon reservation
  • exact times not mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and bird watching. "Fun to see and speak with some of the Through-Hikers on the Arizona Trail," shared Jeff S. The location is also ideal for wildlife viewing and exploring historical sites.
HikingThe Arizona Trail runs directly through Kentucky Camp, offering both easy walking paths and challenging options. "Don't forget to get a hike in on the Arizona National Scenic Trail. This is one of the most scenic segments," Wendy L recommends.
BikingMountain biking trails are described as part of the recreational offerings.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant in the area, with sightings of deer, rabbits, and turkeys being common. "Black bear, Coati, foxes, ring-tailed cats, bobcats, and mountain lions are more elusive," reads the description.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe history of Kentucky Camp, including its origins in mining and ranching, provides cultural enrichment. "The cabin is a gem in the ruff... history is palpable here," shared David D.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include scorpions, snakes, and mice inside the cabin. Guests are advised to store food securely to deter wildlife.
Active AlertsNo specific active alerts mentioned.

Weather at Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building

Reviews

4.3
190 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters are largely positive, with visitors appreciating its historical charm and rustic experience. "How many other ghost towns can you rent for an overnight stay? Kentucky Camp is wonderful," shared Eva R. Negative reviews highlighted issues like cleanliness and maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 190 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests admire the historical significance, scenic surroundings, and unique atmosphere of the cabin. "The adobe walls keep the cabin warm at night and cool during the day," shared Anne S.
Based on 190 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include cleanliness issues, poorly functioning appliances, and mouse infestation. "The building was pretty gross... mouse droppings all over," noted Rebecca N.
Based on 190 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing all needed supplies including food, bedding, and cleaning materials. "Bring everything you need, just as if you were camping," recommended Rebecca P.
Based on 190 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors often reported difficulties with heating and frozen water systems. "Winter time at 4400’ elevation with no heat... very chilly night," noted Corey C. Spring and fall seasons offer...
Show more
Based on 190 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely nothing beats sitting on that creaky porch watching a spectacular Arizona sunset," stated Wendy L. "Kentucky Camp is a gem in the ruff... would aim to stay here again," shared David D.
Based on 190 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews focus on cabin number 001 due to its unique offerings. "The cabin was clean but I would recommend covering the mattresses," said David H.
Based on 190 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility complications noted include a short hike from parking to the cabin and unreliable cell service. "No cell coverage in camp, only on hilltop," shared Anne S.
Based on 190 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, but owners must clean up after them. "Dog friendly and great place for water!" shared Sarah S.
Based on 190 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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