Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters Building

Vault Toilet
Back patio

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

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 Parking
Pet friendly 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 (62)

What Guests Are Saying

Kentucky Camp Cabin offers a beautiful and remote location perfect for disconnecting and enjoying nature. Guests appreciate the rich history, friendly hikers, and stunning views, with clean and comfortable accommodations. While minor issues like water potability signs and occasional mice were noted, the overall experience is enjoyable for those seeking a rustic adventure.

Review Summary

4.2
62 reviews
5
59.7%
37
4
14.5%
9
3
12.9%
8
2
9.7%
6
1
3.2%
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!

Paul S

Verified

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

4

Who says there are small critters in the building? We experienced none! Whoever got rid of them- thanks very much . The adobe makes the stay very pleasant. The warmth from the day comes in at night and vice-versa during the day. The vault toilet was clean and acceptable. Having solar lights come on with the back light is a nice touch. The microwave worked great and the water basin in back worked great. Yes, there were many hikers frequently passing day & night during the race from globe, but quiet, friendly & nice. I should have brought my telescope. All in all a nice couple days!

Craig M

Verified

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

5

Insect repellent! There are assassin bugs in the futon. Bring a fan to increase circulation in cabin. We bring our stringed instruments down because the acoustics in the kitchen are outstanding.

Steven T

Verified

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

5

What a special spot to spend time in the quiet and dark desert just south of Tucson. The cabin is well maintained and the surrounding area has some great exploring to do if you dig in a little... or its just nice to sit on the shaded porch and watch a thunderstorm roll through.

Sheehan W

Verified

November 3, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

Great time, amazing location, don't trust google maps

Craig M

Verified

January 13, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

It's always a wonderful experience at Kentucky Camp but be aware you're required to be a little more independent, self-reliant, and responsible for yourself and those that come after you.

Craig M

Verified

March 7, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

Not for the 5 Star/Med Club types. But for those who can weather some weather (hot and/or cold), cook on a grill, wash in a cold water sink, and do without wifi or phone connections, you'll be in 7th Heaven. The natural world of Southeast Arizona and the ghosts of the past are everywhere.

ken k

Verified

March 20, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

3

I like the camp, the history, and all there is to see. Enjoyed talking with a few Az Trail hikers while staying there. The cabin needs some maintenance. It needs to be mouse proofed. There were many comments about a mouse visiting in reviews, but droppings were visible around the dishes, on the kitchen table, along walls in all bedrooms. This is unacceptable for any rental.

Jacob J

Verified

March 21, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

5

Not as many ghosts as other cabins in this program, even though it was a full moon and Friday the 13th. Nice collection of info in the binders. Didn’t see any mice. Clean and comfy. Easy drive that a Toyota Camry could handle.

Maura A

Verified

April 12, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KENTUCKY CAMP CABIN AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

2

It's in a beautiful location; beware that the combo numbers change and might not work for the main gate + cabin door. We arrived 9pm at night, with two young kiddos. Had to walk the last 0.3 mile and luckily could open an unlocked door. Otherwise we'd be sleeping in the car. Called the helpline, but did not receive a reply (either the weekend we stayed or after).

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.

Elevation: 1567 feet

Distance to downtown

41 mi drive to downtown Nogales (about 1 hr 1 min)

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: September 4, 2026

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