The best camping near Kartchner Caverns State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Kartchner Caverns adventure.

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Strap on a caving helmet and headlamp before going underground at this popular state park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Kartchner Caverns State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Kartchner Caverns State Park

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Kartchner Caverns Campground

62 sites · RVs, Tents In Kartchner Caverns State Park

from

$25

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Kartchner Caverns State Park

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Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Huachuca City, AZ

Welcome to Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch! My private horse property is located in the Sky Islands area of South Eastern Arizona. I have 2 horses and lots of local birds hang out here. I offer 2 full hook-up spaces, one space is covered. An RV must be under 12' to fit under the cover. I offer 3 dry camping options. You can book the new Tent Cabana-The Shady Rest- listing or you can dry camp by booking through my Tent and Vehicle Camping listing. There are no exact designated spaces for tent/vehicle camping. You can choose where you prefer to camp. The Shady Rest is weather-proof. The other cabana has a shade fabric top and it has a fire pit. There is a restroom/breakfast room off the pool area. The pool and pool house are available for your enjoyment. The pool house can also be used as a bedroom if weather is poor. I also have walking trails here. This is my private property, you and your gear are safe and secure. You can leave your campsite and go exploring, no one will bother your stuff. I have WiFi and great cell service here. You may have coffee with my horses if you like. There is a place to sit in the barn. They will munch hay and look at you. If you would like to feed them just ask me and I will show you what they can have. You may also sit by the arena and watch horses. Please feel free to walk around and enjoy the property! At night you will hear coyotes, you might see javilina. I've seen a bobcat a few times. There are lots of birds and some rabbits. I share it with the local wildlife. I am located just over an hour away from Tucson and 25 minutes off the 10. My place is 10 minutes from Coronado National Forest. The property is tranquil, peaceful, and quiet. We have beautiful sunsets and views all around. I supply the music, the resident Cactus Wrens, quail and assorted songbirds will sing to you all day long. You will see a lot of quail and other birds on the property. There are 2 varieties of quail who visit daily. And you will see Desert Cardinals, Cactus Wrens, Curved Billed Thrashers and all the song birds. My neighbours and I all have 4 acres minimum so no one is super close by. You can come here, walk or bike around, and walk your pets without being bothered by other dogs. This is a very safe and comfortable place for solo campers and families to enjoy! My ranch has a friendly, family-style vibe. This is staying at your friend's place. (unless your friends are losers.) Dry campers- Off the pool area there is a clean restroom in my back garage and a sink with hot water. There is a clean refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker available for your use. Each tent, and/or a place where people sleep is a campsite....in other words you can't book 1 tent camping site and then add your friends who come in their vehicle and set up a campsite. That is 2 campsites Important! Please don't post any photos of my place on my listing or in your review. I can't remove them. I don't need photos of Tombstone or your dog on my listing. Thank you!

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Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Sonoita, AZ

This exceptional property lies surrounded by scenic mountains as far as the eye can see. Averages 13 degrees cooler than the lower desert of nearby Tucson because of its 5000ft elevation. When you ride out on the Empire Ranch you feel miles away from anything and a 100 years back in time.Learn more about this land:Rancho del Nido Stables RV Horse Camp & Boarding - this ranch will become your "Little Piece of Heaven"! This exceptional property lies surrounded by scenic mountains as far as the eye can see. Averages 13 degrees cooler than the lower desert of nearby Tucson because of its 5000ft elevation. When you ride out on the Empire Ranch, you will feel miles away from anything and a 100 years back in time.Beautiful views of high desert grasslands with mountains all around. Each RV site includes a pen for your horse. Arenas on-site. Endless trail riding on Empire Ranch.

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Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Patagonia, AZ

Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek was created as a place to enjoy the unique treasures of Patagonia, AZ. We wanted to provide a haven for people who value the outdoors to gather and take advantage of the recreational aspects of the area and also be walking distance to town. Our property was once a trailer court. We've done a huge renovation to provide RV spaces, a vintage trailer rental and tent camping.

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18+ Artists' Nature Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents24 acres · Tombstone, AZ

Come stay a while on our earth-building based-artists' retreat homestead! We host people with all sorts of passions, and provide a space for growth, creativity, and memory making! Owned and operated by a nationally renowned artist and earth-building expert, Richard Ward, and managed by longtime nomad and entrepreneur Thea Margaret. There are thousands of opportunities to tour, learn, create, and get your hands dirty! The Homestead is directly next to hundreds of acres of BLM land, full of hills with an astounding history, hiking trails on ancient coral reefs, and wildlife abound! Speaking of historic, we are very conveniently situated between the old mining towns of Tombstone, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista, Arizona! See where and how the wild west was forged! Explore the Homestead, the land, or the towns! And come home to safety and comfort in one of our various sites. There is something for everyone here! Our available sites include the micro-home cottage, a developed primitive campsite designed for solitude, and tent / RV / Van sites within our community. Micro-Home cottage: From a touring tiny home on wheels to a remodeled tiny cob cottage, this space has all of the amenities travelers need for comfort, relaxation, and adventure! It comes with a comfortable, full-sized bed with a memory foam mattress, an outdoor kitchen, a refrigerator, seating area, and incredible views. Improved tent sites: Includes a platform to pitch your tent, access to camp kitchen, and a communal fire pit. "Primitive" tent site: Is secluded from the rest of the commune, nestled among the creosote and Ocotillo with stunning night skies, mountain views, and wildlife viewing opportunities galore! You have the option of visiting the main property or not see anyone at all during your stay. All sites include access to our shower house with on-demand hot water, community space with Wi-Fi and a composting commode and some pretty stellar views of its own. Laundry facilities, firewood and water fill-ups are available on the property as add-ons. ______ THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK • We are 2 miles down a dirt road. The road is passable by standard clearance 2-wheel drive vehicles (Civic, Prius, etc). It is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles or trailers over 16 ft. • We are a nudist/naturalist/clothing-optional friendly community. There is no requirement to participate, but please know that others may and to be respectful of everyone. • Pets that are people and animal-friendly are welcome. Our dogs are friendly with other animals and are often off-leash outside. They may bark, but are friendly. For people with pets, do be mindful that we are off-grid in the wild of the desert and have every creature imaginable wild on the property. Including Coyotes, Javelina, Rattle Snakes, Scorpions, Bob Cats and more. You are responsible for the care and cleanup of your pets. • We are an 18+ property and can not host children. • We are a pack-in-pack-out leave no trace campground! We do not have septic or flush toilets on the property. We use a composting toilet system and do require any self-contained units to have black and grey water tanks. Please plan on taking all of your trash with you. • For our shower, laundry, and kitchen facilities we ask that you only use biodegradable soaps to protect our plants and trees. If you do not have biodegradable soaps we can provide them for you. • We offer paid private classes for you and your group covering everything from nature plant walks, to pottery and ceramics, to off grid building and education. If you are interested in learning more about off-grid living send us a message and we can let you know what we have available during your stay.

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TerraSol in Patagonia, Arizona

6 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Patagonia, AZ

TerraSol is a hostel-style camping spot for hikers, cyclists, birders, and van/small RV travelers. Our fun, friendly atmosphere and thoughtful amenities make TerraSol your perfect rest stop or base camp where you can recharge for your adventure — just 1/2 mile from town. Camp under majestic mesquite trees, with Sky Islands mountain peaks all around. Prepare meals in the camp kitchen, then choose your spot to relax: morning sunroom, shaded deck, fire circle, or gazebo. Or lounge around your campsite with picnic table and chairs. Look forward to WiFi, hot shower, insulated tent pads, and extra blankets, plus loaner bikes to get to town. And popcorn! TerraSol is on the Arizona Trail Patagonia access route, the Sky Islands Odyssey bikepacking loops, and several inspiring gravel biking day routes. Several nearby hiking/walking trails draw birders from around the world. There's plenty to enjoy in Patagonia itself, too. Grab a hearty breakfast, explore unique shops, and learn about our history at our historic schoolhouse museum. Dinner, drinks and live music are all evening possibilities. Happy planning for your Patagonia adventure. Hope to see you at TerraSol!

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La Hacienda Chuparosa

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Tucson, AZ

When my husband and I were dating in NY we confessed our mutual desire to get back "home" to the west. It made me fall in love with him even faster. So when we married we moved to Washington DC knowing that in time we would make it west. 5 years later, when the traffic and the politics has taken its toll, we made a trip to Tucson and fell in love with this charming property that exudes all the beauty and grace of the Sonoran Desert. We looked at each other as we walked around looking at the stunning Mtn. Views and the mesquite fence and knew we were finally "home." I've always adored the SW Hummingbirds and wanted to name the property La Hacienda Chuparosa. When we moved in, for the first week, every morning a hummingbird was sipping nectar from one of our plants in the front yard. We knew it was meant to be. So we added a couple of horses to our dream, built some stalls, and now are ready to welcome you to La Hacienda Chuparosa. We know you will find the same magic here that we do.

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RV Host Parking at Third & Survey

12 sites · RVs3 acres · Tombstone, AZ

Welcome to Host Parking at Third and Survey! The parking property includes the fenced area around the shop address. The fenced area is our quiet area with access to 50 amp service and for our most self-contained guests who do not wish to use a generator. Loud generators or engines are not allowed. We are looking forward to meeting you and helping you enjoy your visit. Our property has easy access to acres and acres of Arizona Bureau of Land Management for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and properly permitted OHV use! *** The money you donate to park with us is used in our Third and Survey Community Fund and general upkeep of our property. You will be given a receipt for your records upon check-in. Travel Blessings To You! John and Leann "the fun begins where South 3rd street ends"

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Ranchito Paraiso -

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Benson, AZ

Imagine pulling through the gate into Ranchito Paraiso - a desert paradise, seemingly remote, but just minutes from the town of Benson. First, you will feel calm and peaceful. On your right, you will see the corrals for our sweet donkeys, Miss Fiona, Haiku, and Felipe Ortiz, sureley hanging out with their sidekick naughty goats, Harley and Quinn. To the left, you will see an abundance of giant Mesquite trees and Kassandra - a lovingly renovated RV nicknamed the Micro Mansion. To the right of the south ranch gate, you will see the rustic elegance of Kasita Morada, the purple house. Our neighbors tend to be javelina, owls and coyotes. There have been occasional bobcats and lynx. We live in a ranching community, so neighbors are few and far. (there is a KOA across the north side of our unpaved road). You will love the stars and the moon and the quiet here at the Ranchito. It is a wonderful getaway. The views are phenomenal. Sunsets are magical and sunrises provide beauty and hope. You will be within 15 minutes to Kartchner caverns. Tombstone is 20 mins, whereas Bisbee, AZ vineyards and Tucson are about 40 mins away. The Ranchito is 3/4 mile north of I-10 and one mile from the Amtrak line that runs between LA and Texas. San Pedro golf course is a few hundred yards away. The Ranchito is an artsy retreat with quirky yet elegant accommodations and a wonderful space to breathe, create, write, binge on Netflix, or just take a break to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine and bird watch. Let us know if you'd like to hang with the donkeys. They love to cuddle. Even though the grocery store is two miles away, you will feel remote. So far, elegant glamping is available in a lovingly renovated RV named Kassandra and a custom DIY tiny home (Kasita Morada). Guests find both units quite stunning (check out our reviews via our website, ranchitoparaisoaz.com). My name is Kareva and I am a professional host who works hard to make your stay memorable, comfortable, and rustically elegant. You will find the fridge stocked with fresh local farm eggs, butter, muffins, half and haf, French jam and cheese. There is a selection of teas. I grind fresh coffee beans. If you'd like a firepit under the stars, one will be ready for you already set up with kindle and a stack of wood. If you need more wood, you are welcome to gather it on the property. Both Kassandra and Kasita Morada have outdoor seating and dining areas, kitchens, and Smart TVs with high-speed Wifi. The Ranchito has beautiful mountain views. Pets are welcome, but please keep on a leash as we do not have individual guest yards as of yet. We do have our two amazing potbelly pigs, Jonah and Benjamin, who roam and forage. They are sweet and sociable and would love fruit and veggie scraps. Please keep dogs away from them and keep ranch gate closed. Please keep children away from the donkeys and never let them approach them without my supervision. There may be other guests and their pets present on the property. If you are traveling with large animals, such as horses or cows, we can accommodate them also.

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The Greenhouse Trolley Hobby Farm

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Sierra Vista Southeast, AZ

It was our dream to build a place of refuge for ourselves and others to share. It's simple, rural, surrounded by the history of the old west. We cherish no street lights and dirt roads - peaceful and serene - endless skies, beautiful mountains. If you love the land and the high desert, you will love it here! Open camping; wide variety of dry camp spots; 4 spots with electric and water. Two outdoor showers with hot water (one with sink and toilet); outdoor laundry room available (no fee). Farm fresh eggs for sale in season. One full hook-up RV spot. Learn more about this land: We have a 430 square foot western style bunkhouse with living/kitchen/dining area, private bath with shower only, one bedroom with queen bed. Kitchen is equipped with electric stove/oven, full size refrigerator, with stylized washtub as kitchen sink. Firestick TV, mini-split heating and cooling, with linens, coffee maker, dishes/pots and pans included.

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Cowgirl Cactus Suite

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Benson, AZ

Learn more about this land:A private and spacious get -away located in the charming Red Barn RV Park. Your home away from home provides you with a fully stocked kitchen for preparing your own meals, and we have provided bedroom and bathroom linens for your use. Enjoy the miles of walking trails right outside your front door, and you are a block away from San Pedro Golf Course. Sit back and enjoy the peace and quite or take a short drive to the old west town of Tombstone and the old mining town of Bisbee, Az.

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Del T.’s Land

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Benson, AZ

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The Hills

5 sites · RVs10 acres · Benson, AZ

Learn more about this land:The Hills is 10 pristine acres in north east Pima county - Benson/Vail. Well graded roads, most of the way. Right around the corner from the Winery but, next to zero traffic! The rolling topography makes for very challenging hiking! Bring your quads and fly down these steep hills. If you're into something a bit more quiet this is a perfect place for wildlife viewing. This area boasts deer, jack rabbit, snakes, wild horses, cows and of course the occasional mountain lion! The Hills is a totally off the grid and completely undeveloped 10 acre parcel of land. Think boondocking! The road however, is pretty rough getting there. We STRONGLY recommend 4 wheel drive for your vehicles to be able to easily traverse the dirt and rocky roads. Google Maps has been giving bad directions as of late that will lead you to a dead end. Please refer to these directions in order to save yourself the hassle: 1. From Mescal Rd turn left on Salcido Ranch Road. 2. The road will curve and become Desert Sanctuary Rd, follow it until you reach Claras Way. Turn left. 3. Follow Claras Way as it curves, following the signs for Rancho Maria Vineyards. 4. Claras Way will eventually bump into Bell Rd at which point you will take a right. 5. Follow Bell Road until you come to a tire Bank on your right hand side. There will be one final sign for Rancho Maria Vineyard straight ahead. Take a left at the tire Bank to continue on Bell Rd. 6. The road becomes pretty rocky and you will want to veer to the right to avoid dips and holes. You will follow this road up as it bends left and again back to the right. Once you pass a large electrical pole you have entered The Hills. If you pass a fence with a small red camper affixed to the post you have left our property and are now in a natural gas line area. Don't do that!

The best camping near Kartchner Caverns State Park guide

Overview

About

Caves may seem spooky but trust us that this state park is not a place to skip. Experience the awesome might of Kubla Khan, the largest cave column in Arizona at three stories tall. His majesty sits in the Throne Room, where massive stalactites also live. View the world's biggest conglomeration of brushite moonmilk in the Big Room.

Arrive at sunset to see thousands of bats, especially during the summer. Bats roost in the Big Room because that's where they give birth to their young. Take a sunset tour to watch the creatures of the night go in search of food.

Explore the backcountry of the Whetstone Mountains along the Ocotillo Trail. Consider a guided tour with a park ranger who takes you over moderate terrain. Prepare for sweeping vistas of the valley below you. Have a camera on hand to make your social media followers jealous.

Reserve one of 60 campsites, all of which have water and electricity. Glamp it up with four cabins directly across from the bathrooms.

When to go

The best time to visit Kartchner Caverns State Park is during the cooler months from October to April, when the Arizona heat is more forgiving. Summer visits are possible, but expect higher temperatures. Monsoon season, typically from July to September, can bring unexpected weather changes.

Know before you go

Reservations for cave tours are highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure your spot on this popular adventure.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket; the cave maintains a cool temperature year-round.
Check the park's website for any seasonal closures or special events that might affect your visit.
Photography is allowed in the park, but prohibited inside the caves to protect the delicate environment.
Accessibility accommodations are available; contact the park in advance for specific needs.