Coronado National Forest

Cypress Park Campground

Campsites here are spread among a stand of exceptionally large Arizona cypress trees. These venerable 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, however, with ample room to pitch a big tent and fly.

Cypress Park Campground is on the Rucker Canyon spur 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, find old Rucker Lake bed and numerous hiking trail heads.

There are a number of Forest trails in this area that lead from the road into the Chiricahua Wilderness. The closest one to the campground is the Monte Vista Peak Trail #221 which climbs 6 miles to a magnificent view of the Chiricahua Range and the Sky Island region of southeastern Arizona.

Location: 37 miles north of Douglas.

Access:

• 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.

Forest roads are rough and dusty and may be muddy and slick when wet. There is a flash flood danger at water crossings following summer and winter storms.

Elevation: 6,000'

Season: Open March through October.

Attractions:

• Big trees
• Streamside setting
• Forest trails

Facilities:

• 7 sites
• Toilets

Notes:

• No drinking water. Always bring drinking water with you on any camping trip.

• No hook-ups. Trailers limited to 16 feet.
• Pack it in, pack it out.
• Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground.
  

In the same area:

Rucker Forest