Walnut Grove Campground
01 review.
Walnut Grove Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Camping discounts only apply to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not any additional campsite(s) occupied by the pass holder's party. Cash or checks are accepted for payment. Online passes are available.
About this campground
Nestled along the gentle waters of Rucker Creek, Walnut Grove Campground offers a tranquil escape into one of Arizona's most photographed mountain landscapes. Once known as Camp Rucker Group Site, this serene destination beckons nature enthusiasts with its exceptional birdwatching opportunities and peaceful ambiance. The nearby Rucker Lake tells a story of nature's transformation—after the dramatic 1992 Rattlesnake Fire, the lake gradually filled with silt and evolved into a fascinating dry lake bed where riparian vegetation now thrives, creating a unique ecosystem that draws photographers and naturalists alike.
Walnut Grove Campground offers camping options suitable for tent and RV camping. The campground was recently converted from a group site to 10 individual sites.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this historically rich location, situated near the legendary Rucker Military Camp and Ranch. These grounds once echoed with the footsteps of U.S. Cavalry soldiers and witnessed the complex history between the military and the Chiricahua Apache people. Today, visitors can explore this compelling chapter of the American Southwest, where the landscape itself serves as a living museum to the frontier era's dramatic encounters and cultural exchanges.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the delightful diversity of mountain weather at Walnut Grove, where temperatures dance between crisp winter mornings at 34°F and pleasantly warm summer afternoons reaching 80°F. The campground enjoys abundant dry, sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures, while seasonal variations bring their own charm—from cool, star-filled nights ideal for campfire gatherings to warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation. Each season paints the landscape with different colors and moods, offering visitors a fresh perspective throughout the year.
ElevationPerched at 5,533 feet above sea level, Walnut Grove Campground offers the perfect mountain retreat where the air is crisp, clean, and refreshingly cool. This elevated position not only provides relief from desert heat but also rewards visitors with sweeping vistas and dramatic sky views. The altitude creates an ideal climate for comfortable camping and contributes to the area's stunning natural beauty, where mountain breezes carry the scent of juniper and oak through the campground.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a photographer's paradise at 5,533 feet in the majestic Chiricahua Mountains, where Walnut Grove Campground spreads across rolling grassy meadows dotted with stately oak, aromatic juniper, and graceful Arizona walnut trees. These natural shade providers create intimate camping spots while framing spectacular views of Monte Vista Peak and surrounding summits. The interplay of open meadows and woodland groves offers diverse habitats for wildlife viewing, while the dramatic canyon country backdrop provides endless opportunities for scenic photography and quiet contemplation.
Geological RegionSet within the remarkable Chiricahua Mountains, Walnut Grove Campground showcases the region's unique geological character through its stunning canyon country setting. The campground's grassy expanses are beautifully punctuated by groves of oak, juniper, and Arizona walnut trees, creating a mosaic of ecosystems along Rucker Creek. Monte Vista Peak towers above, offering a dramatic geological backdrop that tells the story of ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion. This remarkable landscape provides visitors with front-row seats to one of Arizona's most geologically fascinating regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSome sites are large enough to accommodate good-sized trailers, as noted in user reviews.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit information on the level of privacy between campsites is provided.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThis campground was recently converted into 10 individual sites, most large enough for trailers.
Best CampsitesNone explicitly identified.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
.
Guests Allowed Per Site
.
Groups
The campground was previously a group site but has been converted into 10 individual campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutConverted from a group site to 10 individual sites. Open grassy areas with shade trees.
Open and Closed Season.
Reservation PlatformsOnline platforms.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policy.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The area around Walnut Grove Campground offers opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and historical exploration. Visitors can enjoy the Rucker and Tex Canyon scenic drive, which passes through picturesque canyon country and provides access to hiking trails. Additionally, history enthusiasts may find the nearby historic Camp Rucker site, with its remaining buildings and informational placards, of interest.
Hiking
The Rucker and Tex Canyon scenic drive provides access to trails leading into the Chiricahua Wilderness, making the area suitable for hiking. Specific trail details, such as difficulty levels or lengths, are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The area is noted for birdwatching and opportunities to observe riparian vegetation and local wildlife.Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreation activities, such as skiing or ice fishing, are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings with grills are available.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife (cows mentioned in user review), terrain challenges requiring high clearance vehicles, and the absence of potable water.
Active alertsNone explicitly stated.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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
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Good to know
Peak season dates.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash containers are provided at the site for waste disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNearby Rucker Creek runs intermittently. Rucker Lake, once a water feature, is now a dry bed.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention running out of toilet paper despite clean bathrooms and the presence of cows near the campground.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Douglas, Arizona: Take Leslie Canyon Road north to Rucker Canyon. Stay on the main road, which becomes Forest Road 74. Turn left on Forest Road 74E and left again to the Camp Rucker Group Site. From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 east for 72 miles to U.S. 191. Turn right and drive 29 miles to the turnoff for Rucker Canyon. Turn left and continue 17 miles to the national forest boundary. Continue on FR 74, then turn left on FR 74E and left again to the Camp Rucker Group Site.
High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. 4-wheel drive is also beneficial, if available.Nearby places
Douglas, Arizona (exact distance unavailable)
Tucson, Arizona (approximately 72 miles from I-10 junction).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Walnut Grove Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, appreciating the spacious campsites and the historical significance of the nearby Camp Rucker site. However, reviewers mentioned that some supplies, like toilet paper, might run out, and there are cows that occasionally enter the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Great campground." The sites are described as large enough for trailers, and the bathrooms were noted to be clean. Visitors also appreciated the historical context provided by the nearby Camp Rucker.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Toilet paper running out in the bathrooms was noted as an inconvenience. Additionally, the presence of cows near the campsite was highlighted as a minor issue.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own toilet paper as supplies may run out. High-clearance vehicles and 4WD are recommended due to the road conditions leading to the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not explicitly discussed in user reviews, but the elevation and natural shade from trees suggest the campground might be more comfortable during warmer months.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great campground."
"Bathrooms were very clean, but they did run out of tp while we were there, so bring your own."
"Beware that there are cows in the area."
"Historic Camp Rucker is just a bit...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
A user review mentions that there are now 10 individual campsites available, converted from the previous group site arrangement.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews or observations regarding accessibility features are noted in the user feedback.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no specific user reviews or mentions of pet policies or pet-related features.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025