Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground sits at 4,639 feet elevation near St. David, Arizona, providing relief from summer desert temperatures. The surrounding San Pedro River Valley creates a diverse landscape of desert and mountain terrain with dramatic temperature shifts between seasons. Campsites feature paved roads with level sites, and most visitors come to explore the remarkable limestone caverns discovered in 1974 and opened as a state park in 1999.
What to do
Hiking at Mt. Lemmon: Spencer Canyon Campground offers access to numerous trails with elevation changes. "We hiked the Foothills Loop which was challenging in spots especially around the apex. Walking sticks are recommended. The views were awesome," notes one Kartchner Caverns visitor. Mt. Lemmon's transformation from desert to forest happens quickly, as a camper at Spencer Canyon Campground explains: "You go from desert to full forest in the matter of 45min it is nothing I've ever seen before."
Bird watching at Las Cienegas: The grasslands preserve near St. David attracts diverse bird species. "Birder's paradise in April," writes one visitor to Patagonia Lake State Park. For migrating birds, head to 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."
Historic exploration: Tombstone's Old West history lies just minutes from camping options. "We embraced the WildWest and chose to stay at Tombstone RV park... We pulled up our boot straps and mounted the 4WD pony and headed to town, which was just up the road. There is a boothill cemetary and the legendary downtown Tombstone and the OK Corral," explains a visitor.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: Campers praise the minimal light pollution near St. David. "It's super dark at night, so sky viewing is great!" reports a visitor to Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground. Another camper at Kartchner notes: "The giant mountain is a perfect backdrop for camping!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse ecosystems support varied wildlife. "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench," warns a Kartchner Caverns visitor, highlighting the need for awareness. For bird enthusiasts, "During wet winters, thousands of these majestic birds can be observed, especially from mid-October through March" at Playa Dispersed Campsite.
Accessible wilderness: Sites offer proximity to natural areas while providing conveniences. "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," notes a Kartchner Caverns camper. Wells Fargo RV Park provides immediate access: "Only 1 block from the historic district, which is great."
What you should know
Seasonal temperature variations: Summer heat can be extreme, while winters bring cool nights. "It's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108," reports a Kartchner Caverns camper. For cooler options, Spencer Canyon Campground offers relief: "This is the highest National Forest campground on Mount Lemmon and your best bet for cooler temps during the summer."
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "Your best bet for a good site for the weekend is to get there on Thursday or early Friday," advises a Spencer Canyon visitor. The campground operates on a "walk up only with over 60 sites to choose from."
Road conditions and access: Some areas have limited vehicle access. "Parking can be limited with only a few of the sites having adequate parking for trailers up to 22 feet," explains a Spencer Canyon visitor. At Tombstone RV Park, a camper noted: "Although the park is big rig friendly, we found the turn into the row very tight for our 37ft 5th wheel and long tow vehicle (about 55ft total rig length)."
Tips for camping with families
Amenity access planning: Kartchner Caverns offers family-friendly facilities. "Bathrooms and showers are clean. You can visit the caverns, hike and bike ride. If you forget something Walmart is one exit over," shares a visitor. Empire Ranch provides diverse activities: "The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes."
Wildlife education opportunities: Playa Dispersed Campsite offers unique wildlife viewing. "The standout features of Playa Dispersed Campsite is its proximity to the Willcox Playa Wildlife Area, renowned for its wintering population of sandhill cranes," a visitor explains. Bird enthusiasts can spot "over 15 species of birds of prey during this period."
Activity planning: Multiple recreation options keep families engaged. At Spencer Canyon, "There is a lot of open area for my boys to run around and build a fort while I read a book next to the stream," reports a parent. For alternatives: "If you want a break from camp food you can jet up to summerhaven it's not that far and grab lunch."
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Check utilities before committing. "The shore power 30 amp showed reverse polarity and a faulty ground, so we used the 50 amp with a dog bone," reports a camper at Cactus Country RV Park. At Kartchner Caverns, "Sites had water and electric. Restrooms with showers, flush toilets and heat."
Site selection strategies: Look for level spots with adequate space. "Spots a very large and spaced well," notes a Kartchner Caverns visitor. Another shares, "The campsites are close together affording little privacy. Each has water and electric hookup, a picnic table and fire ring. The back in sites are paved and level."
Proximity to services: Plan for refueling and supply needs. "There aren't any grocery stores or gas stations on Mt. Lemmon so fill up before venturing up the mountain," advises a Spencer Canyon camper. At Willcox-Cochise KOA, "Propane fill available" and the campground features "a restaurant & pool, easy access to the highway."
