Campground Overview:
In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Since unprotected caves can be seriously damaged by unregulated use, they knew the cave had to be protected. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave themselves. Some members of the Kartchner family lived in Tucson and were very impressed with the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks. They decided to approach State Parks to see if the agency was interested in acquiring this outstanding resource.
Campsites:
Kartchner Caverns State Park’s campsites have a table, hose bib and power post. Each back-in site power post is 110 volt AC with a 30 amp RV connection and a 20 amp receptacle. Each pull-through site power post has a 220 volt 50 amp AC & an 110 volt 30 amp AC RV connection and a 20 AMP GFI receptacle. Sites vary in length from 35’ for the shortest back in sites to 60’ in the pull through sites; all sites are single width. Sites have ample room on the side areas for pull out units.
Waste bins and shower/restroom facilities are located on the upper west end of each campground. Restroom buildings have bottled water vending machines and dishwashing sinks located on the rear east side.
Important Note: At this park, the entrance gate is closed nightly at 10 p.m. The two-loop campground is located off of the main road past the Discovery Center on the southwest end of the park. Camping fees are payable with cash, Visa or Mastercard at the Contact Station the day of arrival, or at the Discovery Center the following day. Fees must be paid daily or in advance and there is a 14-day stay limit.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Developed w/ Shower |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Tucson |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Kartchner Caverns State Park |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
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Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Southeastern Arizona has a wealth of cultural, historical and natural resources. There are many opportunities for half or full day, side trips in the surrounding area. Check the local papers for special events celebrating local flavor, performing arts or speakers programs. Walk back into the Old West and stand in the footprints of the Earp brothers at the OK Corral, relive the mining boomtown days on Brewery Gulch or explore the remnants of old forts or Indian hideouts. Get out and hike on the lush riparian areas of the San Pedro River or add to your “life lists” at nearby wildlife observation locations.
Sierra Vista
The city of Sierra Vista is located 20 miles to the Southeast of the park and is a 45–60 minute drive. Restaurants, lodging, fuel, banks, libraries, groceries, laundry, theaters, shopping centers, golf courses, and parks are available. Check in with the Sierra Vista Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1011 N. Coronado Dr. Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. Phone (520) 417-6960, or toll-free (800) 288-3861.
Tombstone
The “Town too Tough to Die” and location of the OK Corral and Boot Hill Cemetery is located 30 miles from the park and requires a 45–60 minute drive. Shops line the main walkways, gunfight re-enactments, stagecoach rides and other amusements are to be found. The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park dates back to 1882 as the Cochise County Courthouse. It houses many artifacts from the various eras of Tombstone’s history in the museum and serves as a resource for historical researchers. Contact the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce at P. O. Box 995, 4th and Allen, Tombstone, AZ 85638. Phone (520) 457-9317, or toll-free (888) 457-3929.
Bisbee
The city of Bisbee is located 50 miles Southeast of the park and requires an hour and a half drive. It is a curious mix of the old and the new. The downtown historic district recalls the wild days as a booming mining town, while the newer parts of town carry on as a modern municipality. See the large, open Lavender Pit or take the Copper Queen underground mine tour. Contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at #2 Copper Queen Plaza and Convention Center, Bisbee, AZ 85603. Phone (520) 432-3554, or toll-free (866)-2BISBEE.
San Pedro River Riparian Natural Area
This natural area is a long vegetated strip, thirty-seven miles long, down the center of the San Pedro River valley. The San Pedro House serves as a visitor center and trailhead and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is located 30 miles to the Southeast and requires an hour and 15-minute drive. It is an ideal location for hiking and nature viewing, especially as a shady retreat during the warmer months. Phone (520) 439-6400.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a defunct mining town that is now surrounded by opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. It is located 40 miles from the park, an hour’s drive, and has restaurants and a selection of shops featuring uniquely crafted works of art and antiques. The Nature Conservancy has a riparian area that meanders through the Cottonwood lined Sonoita Creek south of town. 15 miles further south of town, off of Highway 82, is Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Patagonia Lake has aquatic recreation such as fishing, boating, and swimming as well as picnic and camping facilities. Birding opportunities abound up the creek from the park where it is often possible to glimpse the rare Elegant Trogon. Sonoita Creek has approximately 20 miles of trails, seasonal boat tours, and a Visitors Center. Please visit the park’s respective sites for more details and contact information.