Rustler Park Campground

Star4.64
28 reviews
Rustler Park Campground, Chiricahua Wilderness, AZ

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$7.5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open April 1 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website
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Rustler Park Campground
$7.50 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsite fee is $15 per night, discounted to $7.50 per night with applicable federal passes such as Golden Age or Interagency Senior Pass....
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 28 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerypeacefulhiking

"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful, high-altitude location and proximity to hiking trails leading into the Chiricahua Wilderness. However, some users note the lack of tent-friendly flat surfaces and the rugged nature of the area."

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Campground Map

Rustler Park Campground, Chiricahua Wilderness, AZ

Rustler Park Campground

Rustler Park Campground, Chiricahua Wilderness, AZ

Driving directionsFrom Tucson, take I-10 east 81 miles. Turn right (south) on AZ 186 and continue for 23 miles. Turn left (east) on AZ 181 toward Chiricahua National Monument and drive 3 miles, then turn right (south) on Forest Road 42. From Douglas, take US 80 two miles west to US 191. Go north on US 19135 miles to Sunizona. Take AZ 181 east, then north, for approximately 28 miles (stay on paved road) to FR 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.
The last stretch (Forest Roads 42 and 42D) are gravel roads suitable for two-wheel drive passenger vehicles, though high-clearance vehicles like pickup trucks or SUVs are recommended. The terrain is curvy, rough, and single-lane dirt road.
Nearby places
Tucson (120 miles), Portal (18 miles), Douglas (approx. 65 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Portal, AZ (18 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Rustler Park Campground

At 8,500 feet, Rustler Park enjoys a delightfully cool mountain climate that feels worlds away from the desert floor. Open from April through October, the campground transforms with each season—spring brings wildflower explosions, summer offers blessed relief from valley heat, and early fall paints the meadows gold. Summer monsoons create dramatic afternoon skies, bringing life-giving rains and spectacular cloud formations. Winter snows close this high country retreat, preserving its wild character for the next season's visitors.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool mountain climate and positive summer reviews; good birdwatching and relief from desert heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through October; crisp mountain conditions and good solitude likely in fall.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Spring wildflower displays (iris meadows) and migrating birds make spring a prime season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed November–March due to snow; winter use limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No explicit peak season pricing dates mentioned; normal rates apply.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 1 - October 31. Closed seasonally due to snow from November to March.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closure from November to March due to snow.

About Rustler Park Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 8,500 feet in the heart of the Chiricahua Wilderness, Rustler Park Campground beckons adventurers to its enchanting high-altitude meadow. This mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from the desert's intensity below, where birdsong fills the crisp air and wilderness trails wind through ancient forests. While the provided bear boxes remind visitors they're sharing this pristine habitat with black bears, the reward is an authentic wilderness experience in one of Arizona's most spectacular sky islands.
Rustler Park Campground provides options for tent camping with no RV hookups or group sites. It is primarily a rustic, primitive camping experience.
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Check-in
Check-in policy not mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out policy not mentioned.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum stay per visit.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rustler Park Campground caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include birdwatching, hiking into the Chiricahua Wilderness, and wildlife viewing.
HikingTrails lead from the campground into the Chiricahua Wilderness and other areas of interest. User reviews mention hiking trails are overgrown but provide unique exploration opportunities.
Wildlife viewingRustler Park is noted for birdwatching and larger wildlife such as black bears.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are active in the area; use bear boxes. High altitude increases dehydration risk; prepare adequately.
Active AlertsSeasonal closure from November to March due to snow.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided and recommended due to black bear presence.

Weather at Rustler Park Campground

Reviews

4.6
28 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Rustler Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful, high-altitude location and proximity to hiking trails leading into the Chiricahua Wilderness. However, some users note the lack of tent-friendly flat surfaces and the rugged nature of the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive remarks include beautiful scenery, birdwatching opportunities, and access to challenging hiking trails. "Excellent access to the Crest Trail," one reviewer notes. Others praise the...
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Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of flat tent sites, dry conditions leading to risk of dehydration (elevation ~8,300 ft), and trails being overgrown. "Nowhere to pitch a tent," one reviewer laments.
Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early during monsoon season due to afternoon clouds and ensuring proper hydration given the dry climate. "Come prepared, no services are available."
Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are generally positive due to cooler temperatures and birdwatching opportunities. Monsoon season brings afternoon clouds, while winter closures limit accessibility. Users emphasize the...
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Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful high altitude campground." - John Lawson. "The campground offers sites mostly devoid of trees, as forest fires have ravaged the area." - Jeff Wong. "Very peaceful and cool at 8500'...
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Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites are terraced on hillsides while others overlook the 'iris meadow.' Reviewers advise selecting sites based on proximity to the meadow for better views.
Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly toilets are available at the entrance, but no other accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No explicit mentions of pet policies or experiences are found in reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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