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 State Park adventure.

100% (3 reviews)

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

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Kartchner Caverns State Park

100%

(3)

Kartchner Caverns Campground

62 sites · RVs, Tents In Kartchner Caverns State Park

from

$25

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Kartchner Caverns State Park

95%

(19)

18+ Artists' Nature Retreat

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

Welcome to Our Earth-Building Artists' Retreat! Imagine a creative escape that's just a stone's throw away from the stunning landscapes of Arizona's wild desert. Our homestead is nestled right next to hundreds of acres of breathtaking BLM land. Here, awe-inspiring hills tell tales of ancient coral reefs full of desert wildlife and amazing night sky. History buffs rejoice, you're smack dab in the middle of the legendary mining towns of Tombstone, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista! Explore as you wish—be it the homestead's vibrant heart or the quirky charm of nearby towns. Our magical retreat offers cozy camping spots with amenities like a shower house featuring on-demand hot water—perfect after a day of adventuring. You'll also have access to our community space decked out with Wi-Fi and a composting commode. Need extra comforts? We also offer firewood and water-fill ups for a small extra fee! A Few Considerations Before Booking: Getting Here: Your journey begins with a scenic drive, we live 5-10 minutes down a dirt road. It’s been freshly graded, so standard cars like a trusty Civic or Prius will do just fine. That said, this route isn’t ideal for very low-clearance vehicles, those uneasy about dirt roads, or trailers/RVs over 20 ft. Off-Grid Adventure: Since we're living that sustainable off-grid dream, we work with what we call a composting "outhouse" rather than a traditional septic system. If this rustic charm doesn’t sit well with you, we might not be the ideal fit. Pet & Wildlife Lovers: We embrace friendly furry companions! Just bear in mind, the desert is home to critters galore—everything from coyotes to bobcats. Keep a watchful eye on your pets and please make sure you clean up after your pets. Adult-Only Zone: We cater to an 18+ crowd—so it's a peaceful haven sans kids. Eco-Friendly Practices: We encourage bringing biodegradable soaps to protect our trees and vegetation, we do provide biodegradable soaps if needed. Workshops Galore: Eager to learn something new? Snag a spot in one of our private classes with topics spanning from wild plant walks to pottery classes, and a homestead tour. Message us to see what's on offer during your visit! Pottery classes need to be booked at least a week in advance so we can prepare clay.

99%

(218)

Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, 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. Power is 50 AMPS! An RV must be under 12' to fit under the cover. I offer 4 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. I also have the Pool House, an indoor option with a power outlet, and it's close to the pool and restroom area. And if you want to hang out with the horses you can camp in the barn. There are 2 24 x 24 stalls available across from the horses, inside of the barn. The stalls are 1/2 covered and have rubber mats to camp on. The stalls have wood sides and are lined with welded horse panels. Your dog can run loose inside the stalls, as long as it likes horses and won't bark all night. 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. This fall/winter I am offering 2 guest rooms which are located inside of my house. One room is off the pool, the Tropical Room, the other room faces the front gardens, the Garden Room. Those room share a full guest bath, laundry, entrance door and coffee and coffee cake breakfast. Limit 2 people per room. 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 must arrive by dark. My gates will be closed at dark. 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 Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times when using the pool area. This included going to and from the restroom. 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!

100%

(313)

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 opportunities in our area. We offer three RV full hookup RV sites. We also have two vintage trailers that are available through Airbnb. We're walking distance to the Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds and the Sonoita Creek Nature Conservancy. We're also walking distance to restaurants and shopping in the Town of Patagonia. Patagonia Lake is only 8 miles away.

89%

(50)

Bucin Bronc Court

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Tucson, AZ

Welcome Hipcamp Vanlifers, this location has three spots to accommodate Vans and class b motorhomes up to 20 ft in length, you'll have access to a free shower room, toilet room, and laundry facility. Access to picnic area and gas barbecue grill. Close to freeway access. Great place to park, relax, clean up, do some laundry, and get out and enjoy the Tucson winter weather. Sabino Canyon is about a 30 minute drive north and is a must see. It's also a great location for those of you coming to town for the Gem Show.

99%

(174)

The Rocking T

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Elfrida, AZ

Hi, I am a city girl and he is a country boy. We talked about getting land for a long time, to start a ranch. In 2020 we did just that. We are constantly improving and expanding our ranch. Making it more enjoyable for everyone. I hope that you will come for a bit and enjoy it with us. Pet the animals and enjoy the landscape. And enjoy all the famous sights in the area. With tons of areas for bird watching, and hikes. The old western Tombstone, 30 minutes away. Benson, an hour away. and Bisbee. Dragoons, Mountains, The border. And so much more.

97%

(119)

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.

100%

(59)

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!

98%

(185)

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.

95%

(20)

Barrio de Barro

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Bisbee, AZ

The land we inhabit since late 2018 is a 2.5 acre semi-residential homestead in progress! We are dedicated to living in harmony with the natural systems of the beautiful Madrean Sky Islands región that we call home. At the homestead we focus on natural building, restoring the land, producing food, and building resilient and sustainable community in this binational area. We are 5 minutes from Naco, Sonora (MX) and 8 minutes from old Bisbee. Within 30 - 60 min drive you can find endless opportunities for adventure including the large Coronado National Forest, multiple National Park Service sites, quirky towns, adventures in Mexico, and much more.

98%

(85)

Thousand Oaks

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Patagonia, AZ

The home was built by my parents in ‘82. My Mom was an avid hiker and outdoors person. She collected and planted agave pups in the yard and tended to them over the years. Because they’re watered and the pups are removed each spring they continue to grow to mammoth size. Once they bloom the plant dies. 3 have bloomed, producing 40’ stalks. Agave Americana.Learn more about this land: Nestled in a canyon full of giant oak trees , you’ll be amazed that you’re in southern Arizona. The dirt road is ideal for walks and bicycle rides. The property is 4 miles from the town of patagonia, just 2 miles in from highway 82. Patagonia lake state park is 9 miles away. There is a hammock & picnic table in the upper yard surrounded by mammoth agave plants and oaks. There is much info online for visitors to this area including There are 2 sites available but I prefer not to rent them simultaneously, unless the groups are together since they’re very close together. ( not much privacy). THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Patagonia - 2021 (with Photos) -available at trip advisor online Look up Sky Islands Arizona - Discover Patagonia, Sonoita & Elgin Disclosure: I am a drummer and often have practice and rehearsals in my home. The basement is approx. 300 yards from the campsite. There may be heard a thump thump in the distance at times. Rehearsals never last after 8:30 pm Also I have 2 elderly cats that lounge around outside, usually pretty far from the site but free to wander during the day. (If you have a dog that adamantly chases cats with killer instinct , this could become a problem. )

Booked 2 times

Roadrunner Tucson Birds and Cycles

1 site · RV1 acre · Tucson, AZ

We welcome short/long stays on our property. This pad is located minutes from downtown Tucson and the UofA. It’s also one block from the River "Loop" Bike Path, and within walking distance to superb local eats and The Mercado. The entrance gate is 12.5’ wide and is a drive in or back in site. This is an off street fenced and gated site that is easy to access, and is also secure, and private. Your rig must be fully self-contained as there are No restrooms, showers, or laundry available on site. Include RV size/type in request. TENT Campers MUST have their own portable toilets. Travel nurses are welcome. Easy access from the Freeway and Downtown Tucson. This is an off street fenced and gated site that is easy to access, and is also secure, and private. Distances to hospitals in Tucson: St. Mary's Hospital 0.7 miles, St. Joe's Hospital 7.8 miles, Banner UMC 2.5 miles, Banner UMC South Campus 5.1 miles, Tucson Medical Center 6.6 miles, NW Hospital 6.2, miles away from this address. The space: There are full hook ups for electricity, potable water, sewer, and a provided fire pit. Property is in the city and at night you are still able to stargaze. This is a great spot for birders and cacti enthusiasts. Guests will have access to their own xeriscape garden. Be on the lookout for colorful birds. The pad has a 30 amp/120 volt RV box and a 20 amp/120 volt GFCI receptacle. No converters are available at this time. No generator use allowed anytime. The space can accommodate the small Class A’s. The site is 40’ long. If your combination RV/ Tow Vehicle is longer than that then there is off street parking directly in front of the entry gate. This is a pull in or back in site only and not a pull through. ADA sidewalks outside site. Other things to note: This is a local residential neighborhood so no loud music or partying- quiet hours begin at 10p. Children must be supervised at all times. Dog owners must clean up after their pets- trash bin and bags are provided. Animal companions can be unleashed if kept within your enclosed area. No barking dogs left unattended in the fenced area. There is cacti in the garden so it recommended to wear shoes when outside. No restrooms available. Near several grocery stores, bus routes, and laundry mat.

100%

(22)

Tucson...

1 site · RV1 acre · Tucson, AZ

Shady campsite tucked between two homes in central Tucson with 15A, 30A & 50A electric hookup, sewer-dump, water and Wifi. No restroom facilities are provided. 45ft maximum total length for RV, trailer and tow vehicle. 12 ft max height. 9 ft max width. No slide outs. No generator use. Close to bus routes.

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.