Walnut Grove Campground

Star4.78
12 reviews
.

Quick Facts

5,533 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Walnut Grove Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping discounts only apply to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not any additional campsite(s) occupied by the pass...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
nullnull
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.78

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleansites

"User reviews are generally positive, appreciating the spacious campsites and the historical significance of the nearby Camp Rucker site. However, reviewers mentioned that some supplies, like toilet paper, might run out, and there are cows that occasionally enter the campground."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

.

Walnut Grove Campground

.

Driving directionsFrom Douglas, Arizona: Take Leslie Canyon Road north to Rucker Canyon. Stay on the main road, which becomes Forest Road 74. Turn left on Forest Road 74E and left again to the Camp Rucker Group Site. From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 east for 72 miles to U.S. 191. Turn right and drive 29 miles to the turnoff for Rucker Canyon. Turn left and continue 17 miles to the national forest boundary. Continue on FR 74, then turn left on FR 74E and left again to the Camp Rucker Group Site.
High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. 4-wheel drive is also beneficial, if available.
Nearby places
Douglas, Arizona (exact distance unavailable)
Tucson, Arizona (approximately 72 miles from I-10 junction).
Nearby supplies
.

Best Time to Camp at Walnut Grove Campground

Experience the delightful diversity of mountain weather at Walnut Grove, where temperatures dance between crisp winter mornings at 34°F and pleasantly warm summer afternoons reaching 80°F. The campground enjoys abundant dry, sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures, while seasonal variations bring their own charm—from cool, star-filled nights ideal for campfire gatherings to warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation. Each season paints the landscape with different colors and moods, offering visitors a fresh perspective throughout the year.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Pleasant summer afternoons around 80°F; tree shade improves comfort at elevation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Mountain oaks and scenic canyon country imply excellent fall colors and mild weather.

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

Birdwatching and riparian vegetation make spring especially appealing for nature viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Crisp winter mornings (~34°F) with occasional snow noted; limited winter services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: .. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: .
  • Current Alerts: None explicitly stated.

About Walnut Grove Campground

Nestled along the gentle waters of Rucker Creek, Walnut Grove Campground offers a tranquil escape into one of Arizona's most photographed mountain landscapes. Once known as Camp Rucker Group Site, this serene destination beckons nature enthusiasts with its exceptional birdwatching opportunities and peaceful ambiance. The nearby Rucker Lake tells a story of nature's transformation—after the dramatic 1992 Rattlesnake Fire, the lake gradually filled with silt and evolved into a fascinating dry lake bed where riparian vegetation now thrives, creating a unique ecosystem that draws photographers and naturalists alike.
Walnut Grove Campground offers camping options suitable for tent and RV camping. The campground was recently converted from a group site to 10 individual sites.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The area around Walnut Grove Campground offers opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and historical exploration. Visitors can enjoy the Rucker and Tex Canyon scenic drive, which passes through picturesque canyon country and provides access to hiking trails. Additionally, history enthusiasts may find the nearby historic Camp Rucker site, with its remaining buildings and informational placards, of interest.
HikingThe Rucker and Tex Canyon scenic drive provides access to trails leading into the Chiricahua Wilderness, making the area suitable for hiking. Specific trail details, such as difficulty levels or lengths, are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe area is noted for birdwatching and opportunities to observe riparian vegetation and local wildlife.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife (cows mentioned in user review), terrain challenges requiring high clearance vehicles, and the absence of potable water.
Active AlertsNone explicitly stated.
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-proof trash containers available, but no explicit mention of food storage lockers size or details.

Weather at Walnut Grove Campground

Reviews

4.8
12 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Walnut Grove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, appreciating the spacious campsites and the historical significance of the nearby Camp Rucker site. However, reviewers mentioned that some supplies, like toilet paper, might run out, and there are cows that occasionally enter the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great campground." The sites are described as large enough for trailers, and the bathrooms were noted to be clean. Visitors also appreciated the historical context provided by the nearby Camp Rucker.
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Toilet paper running out in the bathrooms was noted as an inconvenience. Additionally, the presence of cows near the campsite was highlighted as a minor issue.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own toilet paper as supplies may run out. High-clearance vehicles and 4WD are recommended due to the road conditions leading to the campground.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not explicitly discussed in user reviews, but the elevation and natural shade from trees suggest the campground might be more comfortable during warmer months.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campground." "Bathrooms were very clean, but they did run out of tp while we were there, so bring your own." "Beware that there are cows in the area." "Historic Camp Rucker is just a bit...
Show more
Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

A user review mentions that there are now 10 individual campsites available, converted from the previous group site arrangement.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews or observations regarding accessibility features are noted in the user feedback.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no specific user reviews or mentions of pet policies or pet-related features.
Based on 12 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Walnut Grove Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Arizona

Campgrounds
Coronado National Forest
Walnut Grove Campground