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Campsites here are spread among a stand of exceptionally large Arizona cypress trees. These old water loving conifers lend a unique character to this mountain camp nestled along the banks of Rucker Creek. Since campsites are arranged among the trees, trailer size is limited to sixteen feet. Some sites are quite spacious with ample room to pitch a big tent. Cypress Park Campground is on the Rucker Canyonspur of the Rucker/Tex Canyon scenic drive, so it's a good place to spend the night if you’re taking your time touring the mountains. A short distance up the road beyond the campground, you will find the old Rucker Lake bed and numerous hiking trail heads. Note: Black bears in area.
From Douglas, take Leslie Canyon Road north to Rucker Canyon. Stay on the main road, which will become Forest Road 74. From Tucson, take I-10 east 72 miles to US 191. Turn right (south) and drive 37 miles to the turnoff to Rucker Lake. Turn left (east) and drive 17 miles to the Forest boundary. Continue on FR 74 to FR 74E. Turn left (north) on FR 74E and follow the signs to Rucker Lake. Cypress Park Campground is about 5 miles up this road.
important note: This campground is closed for 2020, apparently as a result of a destructive flood in October 2019. That said, it's in a gorgeous streamside location with great birding nearby. Townsend's and Wilson's warblers, painted redstarts, and many more delightful birds frequent the creek area. Folks were looking for the quetzals which had been seen in the area too. Good shade cover. In early September there was a patch of red-blooming flowers that the hummingbirds were all over. Access is via a well-maintained gravel road, did not need a 4wd vehicle to reach.
