Kartchner Caverns State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Kartchner Caverns State Park holds more than 2.5 miles of pristine, underground cave passages. The caverns were discovered 45 years ago when cavers found a crack in the bottom of a sinkhole and followed the source of the warm air to the caves. It’s also a designated Internation Dark Sky Park, which means it has an “exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.”
Weather at the park tends to be mild, with snow a very rare occurrence between November to March. There can be monsoon storms during the summer, and in late winter and spring it can be windy. Inside the cave, it’s about 70 degrees year-round, although the humidity will make it feel even warmer.
Spring 71 F - 87 F
Summer 90 F - 96 F
Fall 71 F - 90 F
Winter 63 F - 67 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Kartchner Caverns State Park
There is RV camping available at the park, with modern restrooms with flush toilets and showers, and dump stations available. The campground has electric and water hookups. If you decide to RV camp, you can rent one from RVshare.com, where you’ll find a variety of options - one is sure to be perfect for you and your family. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you with your RV trip. You can rent an RV near your home and head to the park on a road trip, or if you’d prefer, you can fly nearer to your destination and rent an RV there. Along with camping right inside the park, you can try one of these nearby campgrounds.
Benson KOA Campground
This RV park bills itself as the gateway to Tombstone, Bisbee, Kartchner Caverns, and Chiricahua National Monument. You can tour an old copper mine in Bisbee, or drive and hike past odd rock formations in the Chiricahua Mountains.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, laundry, swimming pool, mini-golf, a hot tub, and a kitchen
Valley Vista RV Resort
Located in Tucson, this campground has a nature pond, activity park, and planned activities including yoga and water fitness classes.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, 9-hole putting green, dog park, hot tub, next to RV dealership with service department
What to Do at
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Inside Kartchner Caverns State Park
There is plenty to do inside the park! Kids ages 6-12 can earn a Junior Ranger button by completing the activities outlined in the booklet you can get at the visitor’s center. There’s also a Discovery Center scavenger hunt, an activity sheet, and a special patch that can be earned by Girl Scouts visiting the park.
There is also plenty for adults to do, including:
Cave tours: Take a half-mile tour through the cave and learn how water helped in these amazing creations. You could also take the longer Big Room Tour and learn about cave fauna and the discovery of the cave.
Hiking: You can experience the park above the ground, too! From an easy walk to a serious hike, there are plenty of trails throughout the area.
Wildlife viewing: A variety of wildlife lives around the cave! Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for birds, insects, lizards, coyotes, bats, and lots of other animals live in the area.
How to Get to
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park is just off Highway 90, south of I-10.
Entering Kartchner Caverns State Park
There is an entrance fee of $7 per vehicle to enter the park.
Visiting Kartchner Caverns State Park is a wonderful way to experience the beautiful landscape – both above- and below-ground. There are so many outdoor activities and ways to learn about the history of the area. While you’re on your trip, don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts or send us a photo and some details at [email protected]. We may just feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kartchner Caverns State Park
Mid-October through mid-April is the best time to visit Kartchner Caverns State Park for anyone wanting to do the cave tours. The tours shut down in the summer to protect the nesting bat population.
Kartchner Caverns State Park's climate is arid and semi-arid. Although it's generally pleasant all year in the park, monsoons flare up between June and September, and rare snow can fall between November and March.
Wildlife at Kartchner Caverns State Park includes bats, which are a significant part of the park's habitat. Other wildlife you might encounter include jackrabbits, cottontails, squirrels, javelina, and Coues whitetail deer.
The state park has back-in RV sites and pull-through sites. The sites vary in length, but all are single-width. Back-in sites have a 110-volt AC power post, and pull-through sites have 30 or 50-amp connections.
Your pets are allowed in all outside areas as long as they're leashed. However, pets aren't allowed inside park buildings, and they're not permitted on cave tours, with the only exception being service animals.
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