Can you reserve a site at Historic Empire Ranch?

No. Historic Empire Ranch is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Historic Empire Ranch, Arizona — sites, fees and cancellation alerts

The historic Empire Ranch has been a working cattle ranch for nearly 150 years. Its rich history includes successive ownership by two prominent ranching families, two corporations, and finally by the federal government on behalf of the general public.

The Empire Ranch Headquarters is magnificently situated in the high Sonoran Desert and rolling grasslands of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (LCNCA), located just 50 miles southeast of Tucson, and 10 miles north of Sonoita. The Ranch Headquarters and the LCNCA are open daily to visitors from sunrise to sunset.

The Empire Ranch House is a 22-room adobe and wood frame building, which dates to 1870 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The ranch sits at the heart of the 42,000-acre Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, on public lands acquired and administered since 1988.

The half-mile interpretive Heritage Discovery Trail is at the north end of the Empire Ranch Headquarters. Along this packed gravel trail, visitors learn the history behind the area, including the Hired Man’s House and the New Ranch House.

Getting there

From Tucson, follow I-10 E to AZ-83 (exit 281). Follow AZ-83 S for 18 miles. Watch for Historic Empire Ranch sign between mileposts 39 and 40. Turn E on LC 900 road and follow signs for 3 miles to the Empire Ranch House. From Sierra Vista, follow AZ-90 N to AZ-82 W to AZ-83 N. Follow AZ-83 N for 6.6 miles. Watch for Historic Empire Ranch sign between mileposts 39 and 40. Turn E on LC 900 road and follow signs for 3 miles to the Empire Ranch House.

31.76878, -110.68263 · 31°46'7.6"N 110°40'57.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 91°F in Jun, down to 60°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	60	61	68	74	82	91	89	87	85	78	68	60
Low °F	33	35	39	44	51	61	65	64	59	50	41	33
Precip in	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

The Historic Empire Ranch is free (no fee required) for general visits by the public. Water is not available on site. Please pack enough for your visit. However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Tucson Field Office for more information about special recreation permits.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Historic Empire Ranch

Can you reserve a site at Historic Empire Ranch?: No. Historic Empire Ranch is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Historic Empire Ranch

Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters Building 3.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Kent Springs Cabin 11.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Canelo Ranger Residence 17.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Canelo Ranger Office 18 mi · Campground · we watch it
Tumacacori National Historical Park Tours 25.7 mi · Tickets · we watch it
Rock Bluff Group Site 26.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Kentucky Camp 3.8 mi · Campground
Bog Springs Campground 11.7 mi · Campground
Tumacácori Visitor Center and Museum 25.7 mi · Facility
Lakeview Campground 27.2 mi · Campground
Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate 28.3 mi · Facility
Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (East) 28.6 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-14.

Historic Empire Ranch