Rustler Park Campground
4.637 reviewsRustler Park Campground, Chiricahua Wilderness, AZ
Rustler Park Campground
$7.50 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single campsite fee is $15 per night, discounted to $7.50 per night with applicable federal passes such as Golden Age or Interagency Senior Pass. Double sites cost $30 per night.
About this campground
Perched at a breathtaking 8,500 feet in the heart of the Chiricahua Wilderness, Rustler Park Campground beckons adventurers to its enchanting high-altitude meadow. This mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from the desert's intensity below, where birdsong fills the crisp air and wilderness trails wind through ancient forests. While the provided bear boxes remind visitors they're sharing this pristine habitat with black bears, the reward is an authentic wilderness experience in one of Arizona's most spectacular sky islands.
Rustler Park Campground provides options for tent camping with no RV hookups or group sites. It is primarily a rustic, primitive camping experience.
Historical SignificanceThe name Rustler Park whispers tales of the Old West, when cattle thieves used these remote meadows as their mountain hideaway in the late 1800s. Today's peaceful campers share the landscape with echoes of that rowdy past, while Depression-era CCC cabins standing near the meadow tell another story—of young men who built trails and structures throughout these mountains in the 1930s, leaving a legacy that still serves modern adventurers.
Weather and SeasonsAt 8,500 feet, Rustler Park enjoys a delightfully cool mountain climate that feels worlds away from the desert floor. Open from April through October, the campground transforms with each season—spring brings wildflower explosions, summer offers blessed relief from valley heat, and early fall paints the meadows gold. Summer monsoons create dramatic afternoon skies, bringing life-giving rains and spectacular cloud formations. Winter snows close this high country retreat, preserving its wild character for the next season's visitors.
ElevationRising to 8,500 feet above sea level, Rustler Park occupies a rare alpine environment in the Southwest. This lofty perch delivers naturally air-conditioned camping even in summer's peak, though the thin mountain air reminds visitors to stay hydrated and pace themselves. The elevation creates a unique ecosystem where desert meets mountain, supporting plant and animal communities found nowhere else in the region.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine camping in a natural amphitheater where wildflower meadows stretch beneath towering Douglas-firs and stately ponderosa pines. In season, carpets of wild iris paint the meadows purple, creating Instagram-worthy scenes at every turn. The surrounding forest tells a story of resilience, with views across valleys showing nature's remarkable recovery from past wildfires. This living landscape changes daily with shifting light, making each sunrise and sunset a unique spectacle.
Geological RegionRustler Park crowns the Chiricahua Wilderness, one of Arizona's legendary sky islands where biology defies expectations. This verdant meadow, ringed by Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forests, exists as an ecological miracle—a pocket of Canadian-zone habitat floating above the Sonoran Desert. From this natural balcony, visitors witness the ongoing story of fire and rebirth across the valleys below, where new growth emerges from the ashes of past blazes, demonstrating nature's endless cycle of renewal.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available at the entrance. No other accessibility features are explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are terraced on hillsides and some overlook the 'iris meadow.'
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy; some overlook the meadow, while others are terraced on hillsides.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose terraced sites for privacy and views or meadow sites for proximity to wildflowers.
Best CampsitesSites overlooking the 'iris meadow' and those terraced along hillsides are popular for their views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in policy not mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out policy not mentioned.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum stay per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of 10 persons per site.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are scattered along access roads, intentionally kept out of the meadow to protect fragile plants.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1 - October 31. Closed seasonally due to snow from November to March.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served as reservations are not accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is stated as reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rustler Park Campground caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include birdwatching, hiking into the Chiricahua Wilderness, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Trails lead from the campground into the Chiricahua Wilderness and other areas of interest. User reviews mention hiking trails are overgrown but provide unique exploration opportunities.Wildlife viewing
Rustler Park is noted for birdwatching and larger wildlife such as black bears.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable since the campground is closed from November through March.Water Sports
Not applicable, as there are no lakes or water bodies suitable for water sports in the area.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, and dead wood is available for collection.
- Quiet hours not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are active in the area; use bear boxes. High altitude increases dehydration risk; prepare adequately.
Active alertsSeasonal closure from November to March due to snow.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located in Portal, AZ (18 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesNo explicit peak season pricing dates mentioned; normal rates apply.
Trash and recyclingThe campground is 'pack it in, pack it out,' meaning visitors must take their trash and recyclables with them when they leave.
Proximity to water featuresNo major water features present in the campground.
Common complaintsSome users have cited lack of flat terrain for pitching tents, dead wood scattered, and limited tree coverage due to past fires.
HostNo host information is provided.
Campground Map
Rustler Park Campground, Chiricahua Wilderness, AZ
Driving directionsFrom Tucson, take I-10 east 81 miles. Turn right (south) on AZ 186 and continue for 23 miles. Turn left (east) on AZ 181 toward Chiricahua National Monument and drive 3 miles, then turn right (south) on Forest Road 42. From Douglas, take US 80 two miles west to US 191. Go north on US 19135 miles to Sunizona. Take AZ 181 east, then north, for approximately 28 miles (stay on paved road) to FR 42. Continue up FR 42 (Pinery Canyon) 12 miles to Forest Road 42D. Turn right at Onion Saddle and drive approximately 2.5 miles to Rustler Park Campground.
The last stretch (Forest Roads 42 and 42D) are gravel roads suitable for two-wheel drive passenger vehicles, though high-clearance vehicles like pickup trucks or SUVs are recommended. The terrain is curvy, rough, and single-lane dirt road.Nearby places
Tucson (120 miles), Portal (18 miles), Douglas (approx. 65 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Portal, AZ (18 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.6
7 reviews
Rustler Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful, high-altitude location and proximity to hiking trails leading into the Chiricahua Wilderness. However, some users note the lack of tent-friendly flat surfaces and the rugged nature of the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Common positive remarks include beautiful scenery, birdwatching opportunities, and access to challenging hiking trails. "Excellent access to the Crest Trail," one reviewer notes. Others praise the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of flat tent sites, dry conditions leading to risk of dehydration (elevation ~8,300 ft), and trails being overgrown. "Nowhere to pitch a tent," one reviewer laments.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving early during monsoon season due to afternoon clouds and ensuring proper hydration given the dry climate. "Come prepared, no services are available."
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews are generally positive due to cooler temperatures and birdwatching opportunities. Monsoon season brings afternoon clouds, while winter closures limit accessibility. Users emphasize the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful high altitude campground." - John Lawson. "The campground offers sites mostly devoid of trees, as forest fires have ravaged the area." - Jeff Wong. "Very peaceful and cool at 8500'...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some sites are terraced on hillsides while others overlook the 'iris meadow.' Reviewers advise selecting sites based on proximity to the meadow for better views.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly toilets are available at the entrance, but no other accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No explicit mentions of pet policies or experiences are found in reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025