Desert Destinations: Fort Tuthill

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ridge Shan
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs


Nestled among the towering Ponderosa pine trees of the Coconino National Forest, a cozy campground designed specifically for Airmen and other military service members exists just on the edge of the city of Flagstaff, 145 miles north of Luke.

The Fort Tuthill Military Recreation Area comprises approximately 15 acres of cabins, tent grounds, RV sites, yurts, trails and a hotel, all within the greater Fort Tuthill County Park.

“Luke Air Force Base runs Fort Tuthill,” said Danielle Lecaro, Fort Tuthill employee. “We are essentially an extension of the base.”

The 56th Force Support Squadron maintains the recreation area’s facilities and manages its staff. Though the area belongs to the Air Force, all of the recreation area’s facilities and amenities are available to any active, reserve, or guard service members and their families from any branch of the U.S. military.

“We cater to all military members, not just the Air Force,” Lecaro said. “We really want to provide service members a place to stay and a place to get away with family and friends.”

The recreation area offers a number of camping options and equipment rentals for outdoor activities at discounted or highly competitive prices compared to neighboring commercial options.

The region itself offers numerous natural attractions, like the San Francisco peaks on which both Arizona’s highest point, Humphrey’s Peak, and the popular ski resort, the Arizona Snowbowl, reside.

The hills, lakes, and cliffs throughout the National Forest region offer a huge number of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and rock climbing. One of the few places in Arizona to receive thick snowfall, Flagstaff also becomes a haven for snowshoers and cross-country skiers who want to explore outside the slopes of the Snowbowl in the winter.

For visitors desiring a more urban experience, downtown Flagstaff is less than 15 minutes away. The city offers numerous restaurants, specialty shops, show venues, and carries a rich cultural heritage and history with surrounding Native American tribes.

To learn more about the Fort Tuthill Recreation Area, its amenities and prices visit www.forttuthill.com.