[1] The camp was initially built to protect settlers in the area,[citation needed] and also housed mounted cavalry units.

It was one of the more important military stations in the campaign against the Apache tribes led by Geronimo and Cochise.

A small community grew up around the fort, as the military method of obtaining necessary supplies was through civilian contractors.

[3] The remnants of Camp Rucker are located on United States Forest Service land today.

The site is adjacent to the south side of the Chiricahua Wilderness in the Douglas Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest; walk-in public access is permitted.