Ghost Town Camping In Arizona At Kentucky Camp Near Sonoita

As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

There are so many unique and incredible places to go camping in Arizona, but Kentucky Camp just might take the cake. Tucked away in the Santa Rita Mountains near the town of Sonoita, this ghost town served as a gold mining camp from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s. Today, the site is home to several historic buildings that have been preserved for the public – including a restored cabin open to overnight guests. There’s a good chance you won’t see anyone else in the area during your stay, making for an eerie, yet fascinating experience.

Can you imagine having an entire campground almost all to yourself? What about a whole *town*? That is precisely what Kentucky Camp, Arizona offers, and it's a truly life-changing experience.

Situated along the Arizona Trail near Sonoita, this former mining town got its start in 1874, when gold was discovered on the eastern slope of the Santa Rita Mountains. The town was a lucrative mining camp until 1912, when James Stetson, an engineer who helped bring hydraulic mining to Kentucky Camp, died in a freak accident when he fell from a window at the Santa Rita Hotel in Tucson.

The U.S. Forest Service acquired the site in 1989 with plans to preserve and open it to the public to showcase the important role mining played in Arizona history.

Presently, Kentucky Camp consists of five adobe buildings: the headquarters, which now serves as a museum of sorts, a gold processing building, a barn, and two cabins.

One of the cabins is available for overnight stays as part of the Forest Service's "Rooms with a View" program.

The 3-room cabin sleeps up to five guests, featuring two twin beds, a bunk bed, and a full-sized futon.

Kitchen amenities include basic appliances such as a small refrigerator, microwave, hot plate, and coffee pot, plus other essentials like dishes, utensils, cookware, and a table and chairs. There is electricity, but no running water (vault toilets and an outdoor sink are available).

A cozy living room features an old-fashioned heating stove, and the cabin is powered by propane. Picture curling up here with a good book - to me, that is the definition of heaven!

Outdoors, guests have access to a BBQ grill, and there is a picnic table for al fresco dining.

Speaking of patio dining, check out the view from Kentucky Camp. With the peaks of the majestic Santa Rita Mountains stretching high up into the clouds, this scene belongs on a postcard.

Also, both the headquarters and the cabin offer spacious porches ideal for relaxing and soaking up the scenery. If you're up for a hike, the 13.8-mile Santa Rita Mountains segment passes straight through Kentucky Camp, so you can get out there and explore in between R&R sessions.

Check out this YouTube video by Don Butler for a virtual tour of Kentucky Camp (including the cabin!):

For more information about Kentucky Camp and the cabin, please visit the U.S. Forest Service website. Reservations must be made in advance on Recreation.gov.

Have you ever gone camping in Arizona at this ghost town campground? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about Sonoita Vineyards in nearby Elgin. It’s Arizona’s first and oldest winery, and it definitely belongs on your bucket list.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses

Kentucky Camp, Sonoita, AZ 85637, USA

This Ghost Town Campground In Arizona Is One Of The Eeriest, Most Desolate Places You'll Ever Sleep

Katie Lawrence

Author

Related Stories

There's A Bed & Breakfast Hidden In An Arizona Forest That Feels Like Heaven

The Most Epic Resort Campground In Arizona Is An Outdoor Playground With A Heated Pool, Hot Tubs, Pickleball Courts, And More

7 Secluded Arizona Campgrounds That Are Great For A Relaxing Getaway

Want more Arizona in your inbox?

Related Articles

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses