OutReserve

Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters Building

Vault Toilet
Back patio

Featured amenities

Parking
Pet Friendly

About Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters Building

Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters is located in the Santa Rita Mountains near Sonoita, Arizona in the Coronado National Forest. The five adobe buildings originally served as headquarters for the Santa Rita Water and Mining Company from 1902 to 1906. The facility also served as a cattle ranch from the 1920s through the 1960s. The Forest Service acquired the land in 1989 and it has since become an ideal location for guests seeking a unique lodging experience, rich in mining and ranching history. For a more detailed look at Kentucky Camp's history and facilities, please click here 

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking
Pet friendly
Connectivity and Media

Connectivity and Media

  • Cell Reception
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 5 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Parallel
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (61)

What Guests Are Saying

Kentucky Camp Cabin offers a remote retreat perfect for disconnecting and enjoying nature, with stunning views and rich history. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to meet fellow hikers and explore the surrounding area, although some recommend bringing insect repellent and being prepared for rustic conditions. While there are minor maintenance issues, including occasional mouse sightings, many guests find the cabin clean, cozy, and a great base for outdoor adventures.

Review Summary

4.2
61 reviews
5
59.0%
36
4
14.8%
9
3
13.1%
8
2
9.8%
6
1
3.3%
2

Chad W

Verified

March 17, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

Enjoyed a quick overnight stay for Spring Break! We were surprised by the hikers passing through on the Arizona trail both evening and morning,, but they were not intrusive. Cabin is rustic, but cute and uniquely adobe. It was a bit cold outside at night but the little heater stover and one space heater kept us quite warm. There is a bunkbed that is stacked and one that is apart as two twin beds, plus the futon. Microwave and minifridge worked fine. We recommend the game "Made for Trade" (like colonial Monopoly) but if someone could bring in two replacement dice for it that would best. It was fun to go see the old hotel on site as well. If you go, DO NOT FOLLOW GPS as it will try to take you through the monastery. Follow the Forest Service map and look for the vertical forest service road markers with forest service road numbers on them at forks in the road! We made if fine in my Hyundai Kona, but had to go very slowly due to washer board ruts. Would recommend a stay and we plan to return. Be sure to bring the key codes on your reservation!

benjamin d

Verified

February 23, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

Road mob on the Arizona trail. Nice riding south.

Saif A

Verified

January 11, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

I drive a Prius and was able to access Kentucky Camp without issue, although I opted to stay in place once I arrived versus traveling back and forth by car for day trips. I went towards the Abbey in the wrong direction, so I took a right at that junction. Otherwise, the signage is consistent and easy to navigate. The cabin features a number of items in the event you forgot to bring something or if you are packing light. Many folks travel by bike, horse, or foot on the Arizona Trail and come knocking thinking you are the camp host. The mice are a thing, but my dogs enjoyed chasing their sounds and sniffing their entry points. The pilot ignition button is found below the gas heater and quickly reignites to stay warm.

Jim R

Verified

September 30, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

What an incredible weekend! What an incredible step into past AZ history!
The Kentucky Camp cabin was perfect for staging a starting point for a great MTB day ride. The cabin is super basic but exactly what we were looking for. I would suggest following the recommendations on the Kentucky Camp site for things to bring and be prepared for. In addition, a fire starter/lighter is a smart thing to throw in. BBQ is rough but very serviceable. You need a lighter to get it started.
AZ Trail nearby is great hike. I would recommend the Passage 4/5 sections. Great path by historic Flume trail area. In addition, Sierra Vista is a 45 minute drive but Tombstone Brewing is well worth it! Great spot for Beer and food.

Jason V

Verified

July 8, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

4

Beautiful area. Lots of history

Fil K

Verified

April 21, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

Cabin located in remote area;
When it rains heavily, the road gets muddy and some vehicles might struggle driving through;
The heating worked well and the cabin was warm (at night, the temps. dropped to about 40°F);
Visible (Verizon) had no coverage until you got back about 300 yds. up the road (to the hill);
Some cooking utensils, plates, glasses were available, but it is definitely worth bringing some to the cabin;
Drip coffee maker was there, but we haven't used it so cannot say if it works;
Bring your own cookware, camping stove;
Keep in mind the fridge is quite small (think mini-bar at a hotel room), albeit it works quite well;
There are mice in the cabin - bring some disinfectant spray / wipes;
There is a shower cabin outdoors, but no running water there - just the space to wash yourself using water from some sort of canister;
Vault toilet was clean and had some toilet paper, but I recommend you bring your own;
The area is wonderful to wander about; Bisbee is about 90 mins. away - definitely worth a visit;

Patricia M

Verified

March 27, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

Great place to disconnect. Enjoyed interacting and feeding AZT hikers.

Tim B

Verified

February 2, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

1

They have a real problem with mice and rats in this cabin it shouldn’t be rented out until they can figure out how to keep them out our somebody is going to end up getting really sick from unsanitary conditions

rachel s

Verified

January 29, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

Peaceful and quiet

Joe C

Verified

January 29, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

The cabin at Kentucky Camp is fantastic, and we enjoyed our stay very much. It's rustic, historic, and very interesting. The heaters worked well (very necessary for January nights), there were simple but useful tools for modest cooking, and overall the space was just as we expected it to be. Namely, like staying at an old backwoods hunting-camp type setting.

Do not expect luxury! The cabin is old and rickety, there are mice around, the sheets are of dubious cleanliness (BRING YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAG), and the sink and pit toilet are outside. All of this is part of the very charm that we were seeking in staying there.

Location Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters Building

Address:

Nogales, AZ, 85621
United States

Highway access

Kentucky Camp is accessible via I-10, taking Exit #281 to Highway 83, which is approximately 21 miles north of the camp.

Latitude & Longitude: 31.7443 / -110.742

Elevation: 1567 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • Access to the cabin is via a driveway & locked gate from Forest Service Road 163, accessible by passenger car. The house key is located in a lock box on the back door near the grill. The combinations for gate and the lock box are provided once a reservation is made.
  • A cabin manual is located inside the cabin to answer specific questions during your stay as well as provide you with information on recreation opportunities in the area.
  • Maid service is NOT provided. Before leaving, renters are expected to clean the cabin; this includes washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down countertops, and removing ALL trash.
  • Guests MUST provide some of their own supplies including: food, sleeping bags, linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.
  • A vault toilet is located nearby (less than 100 feet).
  • Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears, and other wildlife from area.
  • Cell phone coverage is usually available in the general area, but may be unreliable in the cabin.
  • Pets are permitted in the cabin, but owners MUST clean-up after their pets.
  • The house is located in a desert environment; please be aware that scorpions, snakes and other insects may be present at any time.
  • The access road leading into the cabin is passable by passenger car, but high clearance vehicles are recommended.
  • Off-highway vehicles are also only allowed on designated roads and trails.
  • The cabin is a no-smoking facility.
  • Reservation dates subject to weather conditions.
  • This cabin does not honor Golden Passport Discounts.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 13, 2026

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