Coronado National Forest

Rucker Lake Campground

This campground is tucked away along Rucker Creek. Unfortunately, the Rucker Lake after which the campground was named silted in after the Rattlesnake Fire in 1992. It is now a dry lake bed slowly being reclaimed by riparian vegetation. The lake was small but beautiful, formed by a dam across scenic Rucker Canyon. The old Rucker Lake area, however, remains an excellent place to take photographs, do a little birdwatching, or just kick back and relax.

With all that to offer, it should come as no surprise that campsites here are in high demand. During the peak of the summer season and holidays, unless you come early during a weekday, you may have trouble finding a site.

Campsites are spacious and shady with graveled pull-ins. In addition, a number of nearby Forest trails lead into the Chiricahua Wilderness.

Location: 127 miles southeast of Tucson, 38 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 29 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. Rucker Lake Campground is about 6 miles up this road.

This road is rough and dusty when dry, and may be muddy and slick when wet. There is a flash flood danger at water crossings following summer and winter storms.

Elevation: 6,300'

Season: Year-round, weather and fire conditions permitting.

Notes:

• No drinking water. It's always a good idea to bring drinking water with you on your camping trip.
• No hook-ups. No trailers.
• Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground.
  

For more information, contact the Douglas Ranger District

In the same area:

Rucker Forest Bathtub Cypress