The Camp Naco Project
Our vision is to preserve Camp Naco as a destination that:
1
Honors the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers in the American Southwest
2
Advances the diverse arts, culture, & history of the Arizona Borderlands
3
Serves as a community resource for
the residents of Naco, Arizona
About the Project:
The Camp Naco Project began in January 2023 under the auspices of the City of Bisbee and guided by the Naco Heritage Alliance.
This project embodies a number of activities whose impact will span across all three of the above pillars and be incorporated in the architectural and community programming for Camp Naco:
- Exhibits
- Tours
- Educational Programs
- Living History
- Events
- Outdoor Activities
- Wellness
- Research
- Workshops & Studios
- Library
- Housing
- Community Gathering
Project Outcomes:
Rehabilitation of the Camp Naco site:
Protect, preserve, and rehabilitate Camp Naco’s historic 22 adobe buildings and 15.93-acre site to house multiple uses.
Community Programming:
Develop place-based programming that celebrates the diverse historical narratives of Camp Naco as a foundation for historical and contemporary cultural production (scholarship, story-telling, visual & performing arts, cuisine, etc.) and sustainable community development (workforce training, youth camps, recreation, wellness, housing, etc.).
Organizational Sustainability:
Build organizational and financial capacity to successfully sustain community programming, physical infrastructure, and grow the mission into the future.
To implement these goals, we’ve developed a strategic planning framework defined by key areas critical to the success of Camp Naco, including economic development, education & interpretation, and fund-raising. For each of these areas, we’ve begun convening key stakeholders to advise the development of a strategic planning roadmap to guide and inform the Naco Heritage Alliance Board of Directors as the Camp Naco project advances toward achieving its vision.
For more information about the Camp Naco vision, strategic plan, and how you can become involved, contact us at
info@campnacoaz.org.
When is our estimated opening date?
Our anticipated opening date is December, 2026
How many (local) people will be employed?
Our initial estimate is we will open Camp Naco with three full time employees with a variety of contracted work with other part-time employees hired as other grant-funded programming is initiated.
How will the project support the Naco community?
Camp Naco will become a destination for tourism and bring people to Naco, providing a positive impact for the town’s economy. The following services will be provided at no charge to the public; outdoor recreational facilities, community gathering and meeting spaces, library facilities including computer lab usage, day parking and rideshare.
During what hours will Camp Naco be open?
Hours of operation will be 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The public space on the north end of the campus will be open Monday through Sunday from sun-up to sun-down. Special event will not begin earlier than 8:00 AM Monday through Sunday nor extend later than 8:00 PM Sunday through Thursday or 10:00 PM Friday through Saturday.
What steps are being taken to secure Camp Naco?
We are working with the City of Bisbee, Naco officials, and the US Border Patrol to develop protocols to ensure the site is secured. Additional lighting will also be installed and activated by motion sensors to further safeguard the property.
Will the residents be impacted by noise from Camp Naco?
The impact will be minimal. Events will only take place during designated hours to minimize noise.
How will fire safety be addressed?
We are working closely with Naco Fire District and Cochise County Building Official to implement appropriate and required fire prevention and protection measures. Further, the project will adopt recommended best practices for maintaining defensible space around buildings and mitigating fire risk.
How will Camp Naco impact traffic and parking?
The main parking area will be located south of Newell St, with a parking capacity of 121 spaces. Two additional lots will serve the community area and ADA accessible parking needs. Outside of special events, we estimate 30 passenger vehicles entering and leaving the site per day. Speed control measures (additional signage and speed tables) will be installed on the two roads bordering the site.
How can I volunteer?
We are recruiting volunteers to assist with community events in Naco, staff our outside events, and organize community efforts like creating backpacks for school kids, staffing food drives, and fundraising for locals in need. Visit CampNacoAZ.org for more information on volunteering.
The Camp Naco Team
Interns
