Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters Building

If I write a bad review does it mean no one else will visit and I can have this amazing and magical place to myself?
The cabin is not lux, it's not "well appointed". The walls are made of earth, you can smell the years, and I'm pretty sure there many more non-human residents living under the roof than we can count. But absolutely nothing beats sitting on that creaky porch looking over the oak woodlands and watching a spectacular Arizona sunset. It's more like deluxe camping so as long as you're prepared to be outdoors even when your indoors, you'll have a great time!

Don't forget to get a hike in on the Arizona National Scenic Trail. This is one of the most scenic segments!

We LOVE Kentucky Camp. Sadly, I fell and fractured my wrist. We had leave fast and early. Forgive us if we didn't clean as thoroughly as usual.

The place is eclectic, but we had a great time and hiking on the nearby Arizona Trail was great.

Kentucky Camp is not for the Beemer Wine'n Cheese set. It's not primitive but it's not an AirB'nB in the Rockies either. It requires tolerance for hot plates, the workings of a propane grill, mini-fridge, making your own bed with your own bedding, an outside cold water sink, visitations from desert critters, and a short walk thru Mother Nature to commune with the spirits in the dungeon-like pit toilet down the hill (mild hyperbole). And those are its blessings. It's a getaway with a capital G. It makes an excellent library-like setting (bring your own books) or observatory, and I've mapped out dozens of miles of hiking trails and gravel roads History is palpable here. You can chew on it. When you return to the 21st Century you return with the calm demeanor of a Tibetan monk (that lasts till you hit Highway 83).

This would be an incredible base camp for a group with off-road toys to use. We were just 2 guys and a dog looking to get out and walk. Being on the Arizona Trail was great for that. No A/C in Mid May meant it warm. Still a blast.

The combination padlock at the gate at the top of the hill would not open on the day of the arrival. At the time, it appeared that the wrong combination had been provided, but by the next day it became clear that the lock was seized. There was no caretaker onsite this weekend and no help available from the forest service. Rec.gov did their best to help that first evening, but there was not much they could do other than have us try alternate combinations. After applying a lock lubricant product (Lock-Ease) the next evening, the lock returned to normal operation. The end result was that we had no vehicle access to the property for the first night and day and had to hike in all of our supplies down the 1/4 mile access road to the cabin. The lock should work now for at least a few weeks and maybe a few months, but if you can't make the 1/4 mile hike with all your supplies, you might want to come prepared with a lock lubricant.

The cabin was well equipped with more than we expected for a rustic period cabin. The gas burning fireplace/stove made the living area very cozy and inviting. The adobe walls helped keep the cabin warm at night and cool during the day. There is a sink on the back patio next to the grill, and included wash basins and drying racks for cleaning dishes. There are also a few games and books in the cabin. There are quite a few more books in the Headquarters building. We did not see any evidence of mice at all in the cabin as noted by prior reviewers and people in the guest book. But we were also very careful with food and trash storage so as to not encourage any visitations. There is some evidence of a roof leak on the ceiling above the kitchen area.

The area is generally very quiet except for the occasional vehicle driving by on the nearby road (1/4 mile away). The Arizona Trail also passes directly through Kentucky Camp, so expect to see hikers and bikers passing through on this trail. No cell coverage in camp, only on hilltop.

Super cute cabin. It had what we needed and more. The water was cold!! But, we were grateful for it. We were also somewhat surprised by the number of people coming and going.

The place had a mouse problem which is to be expected but the amount of mouse poop in the false ceiling should be worked on. We were also met with people that did not want to leave and no one was there to care take.

We had a very enjoyable and restfull time during our two day stay at Kentuckey camp. Walked the Arizona trail some and walked thru the main builing and enjoyed the displays. Quite a bit of foot , horse and bike traffic so we didn't feel that we were isolated out at the end of the road. Facilities were somewhat rustic but very doable for our short stay. Will consider booking again in 2021. Highly recommend this getaway.

Beautiful. Bring a telescope. If you stay at the cabin, there is electricity and things to cook with, but bring your own supplies and food and water. It is comfortable, historical and fun. Prepare to hike! Flashlights needed for your bathroom trek.