State: Arizona
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 7
Elevation: 6000
Free: No
About: Campsites here are spread among a stand of exceptionally large Arizona cypress trees. These venerable old water-loving conifers lend a unique character to this mountain camp nestled along the banks of Rucker Creek. Since campsites are arranged among the trees, trailer size is limited to sixteen feet. Some sites are quite spacious, however, with ample room to pitch a big tent and fly.
Cypress Park Campground is on the Rucker Canyon spur of the Rucker/Tex Canyon scenic drive, so it’s a good place to spend the night if youre taking your time touring the mountains. A short distance up the road beyond the campground, find old Rucker Lake bed and numerous hiking trail heads.
There are a number of Forest trails in this area that lead from the road into the Chiricahua Wilderness. The closest one to the campground is the Monte Vista Peak Trail #221 which climbs 6 miles to a magnificent view of the Chiricahua Range and the Sky Island region of southeastern Arizona.
Fees: $10 (2011)
Water: None
Restrooms: Vault Toilet
Directions: From Douglas, take Leslie Canyon Road north to Rucker Canyon. Stay on the main road, which will become Forest Road 74.
From Tucson, take I-10 east 72 miles to US 191. Turn right (south) and drive 37 miles to the turnoff to Rucker Lake. Turn left (east) and drive 17 miles to the Forest boundary. Continue on FR 74 to FR 74E. Turn left (north) on FR 74E and follow the signs to Rucker Lake. Cypress Park Campground is about 5 miles up this road.
