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Submission
Single site: $15. With Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access pass $7.50. Group site: $50 plus $10 per vehicle. Payable with cash or check.
Trailer Camping is 16 feet and less. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14 day stay limit. No hook-ups.
Lt. Rucker & his fellow Lt. Henley drowned in the rushing creek near the old US Army camp they helped build. This happened at the end of the 1800s in July. The creek was probably running fast from monsoon rains. This place has a nice selection of historical markers that explain the US Army campaign against the Chiricahua Apache.
Rucker Canyon is a beautiful area of the southern end of the Chiricahua Mountains. I highly suggest that you take the first "Forest Access" road on the north side of Rucker Canyon road itself if you come in from the west end. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle and preferably 4-wheel drive, however you'll find amazing campsites 1/2 mile to 1 mile in. You won't be able to pull any trailer in on this 4x4 road unless it is one of the short, high-clearance style camp trailers. We camped 100 yards from a dirt tank (man-made pond for livestock) that was secluded and offered incredible views of the canyon and cliffs. This forest access passes through private land at first, with lots of "No Camping" signs, but continue on and you will be hugely rewarded.
Very little traffic in March though the local forest service office said that summer is the busy time. The day temps were 60 - 68F and the night dipped down to 23F so bring your best cold weather gear. We saw 7 vehicles in 3 days.....
Interesting historical site. A bit overgrown during monsoon time. Definitely an interesting drive to get here.
