Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Snowbird RV Adventure: Patagonia Lake to Fort Huachuca

Days 21-23

December 4-6: We left Patagonia Lake State Park and headed north, then east, then south again to U.S. Army Fort Huachuca. We originally wanted to spend three nights at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, but they don't take reservations. Searching for an alternative, we discovered Apache Flats RV Resort at Fort Huachuca near Sierra Vista.

Wayne is retired military so we can stay at RV parks on bases. They are always a good choice for location, quality and reasonable cost.

It was only 55 miles away so we were there in about an hour. We'd hoped to have lunch at The Steak Out restaurant in Sonoita, but they changed their hours. Maybe another trip!


First we went to the Commissary to stock up on food for the next week of travel. Then we walked over to the Exchange for a few items.

We were assigned #25 of the 56 sites. They are nice sized with full hookups and mesquite trees for shade. We didn't use the restrooms or showers, but did use the laundry.

The park is surrounded by desert. It's quiet except for a distant bugle playing reveille at 6:00 a.m.


There are walking trails from the park. We especially enjoyed the Heritage Park trail with plant identification signs. There were other signs of importance and we made sure not to stray off the designated trails!

We missed the summer blooms that come with the monsoon season, but there were still lots of beautiful desert plants to enjoy. We've been good about walking for exercise each evening before dinner.


Fort Huachuca has a long history. It was set up as a cavalry camp in 1877 to protect settlers and travelers. In 1882 it was made a permanent Army fort to protect the border region. From 1913 to 1933, the 10th Cavalry of African-American "Buffalo Soldiers" became the garrison regiment.

After World War II the base was briefly closed, but reopened in 1950 as a national defense asset. Today the focus is on technology, communications and intelligence.

A warm November evening at Fort Huachuca.

Now that we know about Apache Flats RV Resort at Fort Huachuca we will be returning. If you are active duty or retired military or Department of Defense you can make a reservation at this popular destination up to 90 days in advance. -- Wayne and Margy


Are you eligible to stay in RV parks and Family Camps on military bases? If so, what are some of your favourite ones? 

Our list includes Whidbey Island's Cliffside RV Park, Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Holiday Park FamCamp, and Port Hueneme's Fairways RV Resort. Now we will add Fort Huachuca's Apache Flat's RV Resort to that illustrious list.
-- Margy

20 comments :

  1. That really is a good choice for those that are able to stay there. And nice to pick up supplies too. I love a trail that has some ID signs. I'm always fascinated that them. Enjoy your travels! Stay safe and enjoy the holiday season.

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    1. The trail signs sure help, otherwise I have to go back and look things up in my guide books. I wish they were more signs on farms along the roads to know what is growing. - Margy

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  2. What a great place to stay. Your travels are taking you through some interesting places.

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    1. It was a great spot especially since we found it at the last moment and they still had space. - Margy

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  3. I'm glad that they make places like that available for retired military and their families.

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    1. Yes, it is a good thing. Some active duty individuals and families need this option for housing. We enjoy it for the recreation. - Margy

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  4. seem so nice to be able to travel the way you are :)

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    1. It has become quite popular to self isolate and be careful during Covid. - Margy

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  5. That seems like such a bonus being able to stay at military bases. The bugle in the early morning hour must have sounded a bit haunting and a sentimental awakening.

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    1. Yes the bugle call did back sentimental memories of my years at summer camp. It was for Camp Fire Girls rather than a military theme though. We also ended the day at the fire circle with taps. - Margy

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  6. That sounds like a great place to camp - with all the trails and the history!

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    1. I know you are a horse person. Almost all of Arizona State Parks and some of the regional ones have special areas for campers who bring their horses to enjoy the multi-use trails (minus any motorized vehicles). - Margy

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  7. Such a great place to stay. I like to hear the army bugle.

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  8. That is fantastic for ex-military. It really opens up a lot of possibilities. Nice accomodations!

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  9. So interesting to be taken on travels in other places of the world. We learn so much. thank you. Enjoy your week, travel safe, and thank you for popping over to my blog this week.

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  10. It's fun to follow your adventures. I think we have something very similar to that Desert Bloom plant in the Joshua Tree area.

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  11. We aren't a military family, but have several friends who have told us how great the on-base RV Parks are -- I wish I could remember which ones Ft Apache sounds perfect, with those walking trails. I admire your dedication to the daily walks and I really must use your example and get started once again. I like to do before breakfast, because it's cooler here in Florida.

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  12. To answer your question, the Canal picture in my last week's post is "ours". Our little cottage is about in the middle of what you see there -- I was standing on one end when I took the picture.

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Thanks for stopping by. Comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcome. - Margy