Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground provides traditional camping options at 4,639 feet elevation in southeastern Arizona's high desert. Sites feature water and electric hookups with paved, level parking pads for RVs and tents. The campground maintains restrooms with showers and heat for year-round comfort. Located 12 miles from Benson along Highway 90, the park serves as a central base for exploring the surrounding mountain terrain.
What to do
Cave exploration: Take guided tours of Kartchner Caverns with advance reservations required. "The cavern is up the hill behind the center. We reserved and did the Rotunda/Throne Tour. It was very cool and our 1st cave tour. I would suggest reading the rules for tours before reserving. Access to the cavern is very controlled as far as how you get in and what you can take," notes a visitor at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground.
Hike desert trails: Access multiple hiking paths directly from the campground. "Three trails are located within the park. The campground itself is large, sites somewhat spaced apart and the grounds have a lot of stubby trees which were leafless when we were there," reports one camper. The Foothills Loop offers more challenge, with another visitor stating, "I hiked the Foothills Loop which was challenging in spots especially around the apex. Walking sticks are recommended."
Birding at Willcox Playa: Drive 40 minutes to observe sandhill cranes and other migratory birds at Playa Dispersed Campsite. "Got here about 6 PM and the lagoon was filled with cranes. Got amazing pictures of them. In the morning the lagoon was empty. You must have to get here during certain migrations," writes one visitor.
What campers like
Desert night skies: The dark skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. A visitor at Spencer Canyon Campground noted, "With so many views, trails, and photo ops, you couldn't ask for more." Kartchner Caverns also preserves darkness through lighting restrictions.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the area offer opportunities to observe desert wildlife. "We were welcomed by a donkey and its owner that were visiting as well," reports a camper at Tombstone RV & Campground. Remember that rattlesnakes are common in summer: "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench."
Proximity to attractions: The area provides easy access to historic sites and small towns. "The location of the park allows quick access to the I-10 and the town of Benson, about 12 miles away. Other interesting sights are within an hour or so of the park," mentions a Kartchner Caverns visitor. Another camper adds, "Visited Tombstone, AZ as well. About a 30min drive."
What you should know
Summer temperatures: The region experiences extreme heat during summer months. "It's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108," warns a camper at Kartchner Caverns. Higher elevation campgrounds like Spencer Canyon provide cooler alternatives.
Limited shade: Most campgrounds have minimal tree cover. A visitor at Empire Ranch reports, "Some are really big, others compact. The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Spencer Canyon, "Your best bet for a good site for the weekend is to get there on Thursday or early Friday."
Tips for camping with families
Clean facilities: Kartchner Caverns maintains family-friendly amenities. "Restrooms/showers well maintained," notes one visitor, while another states, "Restrooms with showers, flush toilets and heat."
Educational opportunities: The Discovery Center provides learning experiences for children. "A large visitor center is near the park entrance and the cavern is up the hill behind the center," explains a camper at Kartchner Caverns.
Recreation options: Patagonia Lake State Park Campground offers water activities 60 miles south of Benson. "Lake lovely to canoe, we biked all over the camp (small)," shares a recent visitor. The Junior Ranger program also provides activities specifically for children.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Most established campgrounds provide level parking surfaces. At Willcox-Cochise KOA, a visitor notes, "Sites are large for a KOA. All gravel though." At Kartchner Caverns, "The back in sites are paved and level."
Full hookups: Many area campgrounds offer complete services. "Each site has water and electric hookup, a picnic table and fire ring," reports a camper at Kartchner Caverns.
Highway access: Most RV parks provide easy access from major routes. Tombstone RV & Campground is "just down hill from old town tombstone" and offers "level gravel parking, not cluttered, good place for the night." Some locations do have highway noise considerations, with a KOA visitor noting, "I would give this 5 stars if not for Highway noise."
