Canelo Ranger Residence

3 reviews

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

ElectricShowers

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

ElectricShowers

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Get Directions

Canelo Ranger Residence

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Provider

(520) 378-0311

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

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Best Time to Camp at Canelo Ranger Residence

Perched at a comfortable 5,000-foot elevation, the Canelo Ranger Residence enjoys that sweet spot of Arizona weather—pleasant conditions throughout the year that make any season perfect for your visit. Whether you're seeking a summer escape from the desert heat or a mild winter retreat, this historic hideaway delivers.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Canelo Ranger Residence

Step back in time at the Canelo Ranger Residence, a lovingly restored 1932 historic bungalow nestled at the base of the rolling Canelo Hills. This National Register gem, known locally as the "Big House," offers two bedrooms of authentic Southwestern charm at 5,000 feet elevation, just 15 miles southeast of Sonoita in Arizona's picturesque oak grassland country.

Historic bungalow-style lodging (rental cabin/residence) at the Canelo Work Center; not described as a tent, RV, primitive or group campground. Two rentable cabins are noted at the Historic Canelo Work Center.

Historical SignificanceBuilt in 1932-33 to house the District Ranger of what was then the Huachuca Ranger District, this distinguished bungalow carries nearly a century of Forest Service history within its walls. The "Big House," as rangers affectionately called it, served as home to the men and women who protected these borderlands. Recognized for its architectural and historical importance with listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the residence underwent careful renovation in 2023 to preserve its character while welcoming modern guests to experience a piece of living history.

Weather and SeasonsPerched at a comfortable 5,000-foot elevation, the Canelo Ranger Residence enjoys that sweet spot of Arizona weather—pleasant conditions throughout the year that make any season perfect for your visit. Whether you're seeking a summer escape from the desert heat or a mild winter retreat, this historic hideaway delivers.

ElevationAt approximately 5,000 feet, the residence occupies a perfect elevation zone where Arizona's iconic oak grasslands thrive, offering cooler temperatures than the surrounding desert valleys while remaining accessible year-round.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Canelo Hills unfold around you in waves of golden grassland dotted with ancient oaks, creating a landscape that feels both intimate and expansive. This remarkably biodiverse region showcases the best of Southern Arizona's ecosystems—rolling rocky terrain gives way to lush riparian corridors, while oak woodlands create shaded pockets of wilderness. Adventure awaits nearby at Parker Canyon Lake, and hikers will find themselves perfectly positioned to access the legendary Arizona National Scenic Trail, which threads through this remarkable country.

Geological RegionThe Canelo Hills rise at the eastern edge of the Sonoita Plain, forming a critical wildlife corridor between the towering Huachuca Mountains to the east and the Santa Rita Mountains to the west. This oak grassland ecosystem serves as a living bridge in Southern Arizona's famous "sky island" region, where mountain ranges rise like islands from a sea of desert, each harboring unique communities of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.

Campsite details

AccessibilityEasy-entry shower.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended CampsitesGuests should bring food, sleeping bags, linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. Although electricity is available, bring an additional light source in case of emergencies. The Forest Service is unable to provide firewood and propane for the outdoor grill; guests may bring their own.

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Suitable for groups of up to 7 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix-room residence: two bedrooms (one with a queen bed; one with a twin bed and full-sized futon), one bathroom with easy-entry shower, living room with double-sized futon, kitchen (stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, cookware, utensils, coffeepot), dining room with seating for four, and a small outside patio.

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Lodging and accommodations

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

The area around the Canelo Ranger Residence offers outdoor recreation including hiking on nearby sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, birdwatching and wildlife viewing in biodiverse oak woodlands and grasslands, and fishing and boating at nearby Parker Canyon Lake. Visitors may also enjoy scenic drives and visiting vineyards in the Sonoita-Elgin area.

Hiking

Access to nearby sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (Canelo Hills East and West) and many local trails and scenic ridge/valley routes for day hikes.

Fishing

Fishing is available at Parker Canyon Lake (located nearby), which offers a marina and boat ramp.

Boating

Boating available at Parker Canyon Lake, which has a marina and boat ramp.

Wildlife viewing

The Canelo Hills region features oak woodlands, riparian areas and grasslands noted for high biodiversity and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Forest Service does not provide firewood or propane for the outdoor grill; guests are welcome to bring their own. No additional fire policy details provided.

Hazards

Weather at Canelo Ranger Residence

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 19%

Wind: 6 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresParker Canyon Lake is located 13 miles south on Highway 83 (marina, campground, boat ramp). The area also contains riparian areas and provides access to the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Campground Map

Canelo Ranger Residence

Driving directionsFrom Tucson: Follow I-10 W and AZ-83 S to Membrillo Lane in Santa Cruz County (69.1 miles). Turn L on Membrillo Lane. Look for the brown Coronado National Forest sign; the Canelo Ranger Residence is the second, larger cabin on the left. From Sierra Vista: Follow AZ-90 N and AZ-82 W to Upper Elgin Road (21.9 miles), then follow Upper Elgin Road, Elgin Canelo Road, and AZ-83 S to Membrillo Lane (17.8 miles). Look for the brown Coronado National Forest sign; the Canelo Ranger Residence is the second, larger cabin on the left. From Patagonia: Head northeast on AZ-82 E/Naugle Ave (12.6 miles). In Sonoita turn R onto AZ-83 S (17.1 miles). Turn L onto Membrillo Lane. Look for the brown Coronado National Forest sign; the Canelo Ranger Residence is the second, larger cabin on the left.

Access via I-10, AZ-83, AZ-82 and AZ-90 per provided driving directions; see specific routes from Tucson, Sierra Vista and Patagonia.

Nearby places

Sonoita (~15 miles northwest)

Parker Canyon Lake (13 miles south on Highway 83).

Nearby supplies

Sonoita (closest stores, amenities, and gasoline).