Kartchner Caverns State Park
Explore a living limestone cave with stunning formations and camp under brilliant dark skies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for tours & hiking
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for tours & hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a living limestone cave with stunning formations and camp under brilliant dark skies.
"Majestic & otherworldly! Even the visitors center is beautifully designed."
Book Tours Early! 🎟️
Cave tours sell out fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot.
No Photos Inside 🚫📸
Cameras are not allowed in the cave to protect formations. Enjoy the moment!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Big Room Tour
Main Cavern
Witness the world's longest soda straw stalactite and other breathtaking, living formations in this massive limestone cave.
Discovery Center
Visitor Center
Learn about the cave's discovery, development, and the science behind its unique geology in an engaging amphitheater setting.
International Dark Sky Campground
Campground
Experience an incredibly clear night sky, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography, far from city lights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Cave Tours in Advance
No Cameras Inside the Caverns
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours Early! 🎟️
Cave tours sell out fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot.
No Photos Inside 🚫📸
Cameras are not allowed in the cave to protect formations. Enjoy the moment!
Bring Bottled Water 💧
Cave water is not recommended for drinking or cooking due to sediment.
Check Campsite Levelness 🏕️
Some RV sites are very unlevel; check descriptions or call ahead.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours Early! 🎟️
Cave tours sell out fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot.
No Photos Inside 🚫📸
Cameras are not allowed in the cave to protect formations. Enjoy the moment!
Bring Bottled Water 💧
Cave water is not recommended for drinking or cooking due to sediment.
Check Campsite Levelness 🏕️
Some RV sites are very unlevel; check descriptions or call ahead.
Explore Hiking Trails 🥾
Enjoy scenic hikes like the 2.5-mile Foothills Trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the awe-inspiring, pristine cave formations and the knowledgeable, friendly staff. The park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park is a major highlight for stargazers. However, some RV campers have experienced issues with unlevel campsites, and the park's tap water quality is a concern for drinking and cooking.
"Site 44 (ours) was very unlevel/ 6” leveling ramps still was not enough! Website should apply this info on each space; take the time to do so! We left early because of this and no refunds! Website gives no idea if level or need super high lifters; awful! I have vertigo so it was not fun. Unless you personally go to rv park and chk each one, you may get one like ours that is more than 6” off! Be prepared. Campsite is clean, shower water is hot but hubby says in mens bathroom toilet paper rolls are in a “ weird place so legs are catiwompass while sitting”…. Odd they would do that. $50 a night tho makes it hard to wanna go back. Nice views of mountains and they have a loop for hiking so that is nice. The unleveled lots make this hard to come back to not knowing if you choose online a decent spot… in pics they all look level. Beware! No one expects more than 6 inches!!!!! Also do not drink the water or use for cooking. Had brown , gray water with sediment come out. Use bottled water for cooking or drinking or coffee!"
Margaret Brandwein
"Majestic & otherworldly! We were extra fortunate to get spots on the monthly photography tour. Even the visitors center is beautifully designed, starting with the fascinating discovery and development story in a lovely amphitheater. Each staff member was genuinely proud of their part in the visitor experience - warm, friendly and knowledgeable. Can’t wait to return and share this special place with our visiting family and friends!"
Anita Murcko
"This is a nice park, plenty of hiking trails, not far from tombstone and Sierra vista. Cave is cool but not much else to do except hang out . Spots are big and lots of privacy so you can let it all hang out if you like, after dark gets interesting careful where you look you might get an eye full, just because Rv windows are tinted real dark doesn’t mean you can’t see through them at night especially if your inside lights are on. So bring your cards or Yahtzee or board games. Leave your inhibitions at home. No judgement here."
Rick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kartchner Caverns State Park is located south of Tucson, near Benson, Arizona. Take I-10 East to Exit 302 (AZ-90 South). Follow AZ-90 South for about 8 miles, and the park entrance will be on your left.
Public transportation options to Kartchner Caverns are very limited. It is best to have your own vehicle or rent a car for easy access.
The drive from Tucson to Kartchner Caverns State Park is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Yes, Kartchner Caverns is close to historic Tombstone and Sierra Vista, offering a chance to explore Arizona's Wild West history.
Park hours vary seasonally, but the Discovery Center and gift shop are typically open daily. Cave tour times are specific to bookings. Always check the official Arizona State Parks website for the most current hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee for the park, and separate fees apply for cave tours. Tour prices vary depending on the tour type and age of the visitor. Check the official website for current pricing.
Absolutely! Cave tours, especially the Big Room tour, are extremely popular and often sell out days or weeks in advance. Booking online is highly recommended.
The Big Room tour is the most popular and showcases the majority of the cave's stunning formations, including the world's longest soda straw. The Throne Room tour is a shorter, more intimate experience.
Refund policies can vary, so it's important to review the terms and conditions when booking. Some reviews suggest no refunds for early departures from campsites.
Discounts may be available for seniors, children, and Arizona residents. Check the official park website for details on any applicable discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond the cave tours, you can explore the Discovery Center, hike various trails like the Foothills Trail, enjoy the campground, and experience incredible stargazing at the International Dark Sky Campground.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the caverns to protect the delicate formations from flash damage.
Yes, the cave tours are generally suitable for children, but keep in mind there are stairs and uneven surfaces. The Discovery Center also offers engaging exhibits for younger visitors.
The cave maintains a consistent, cool temperature year-round, around 70°F (21°C), making it a comfortable escape from the desert heat.
Cell service can be spotty within the park, especially inside the caverns. Wi-Fi availability may be limited to certain areas or the campground.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks or dine in nearby Benson or Sierra Vista.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at picnic areas or at your campsite. However, food and drinks are not allowed inside the caverns.
The park typically has a gift shop that may offer some snacks and beverages, but it's best to come prepared with your own provisions.
Some reviews indicate that the tap water at campsites can be brown and contain sediment, so it's recommended to use bottled water for drinking and cooking.
Most campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, allowing for outdoor cooking and BBQs.
📸 📸 Photography
While no photos are allowed inside the cave, the park offers stunning opportunities for landscape photography, especially at sunrise/sunset and during the night for astrophotography at the Dark Sky Campground.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the caverns to protect the delicate formations from flash damage.
For astrophotography, bring a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture, a sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter release or intervalometer.
Occasionally, special photography tours are offered, allowing participants to capture images within the caverns under specific conditions. Keep an eye on the park's event schedule.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for landscape photography of the surrounding desert scenery and mountain views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a cabin or RV site for a more comfortable stay, complete with amenities like beds, AC, and picnic tables. The Dark Sky Campground is also a hit with families who love to marvel at the stars. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options within the park are limited.
🏕️ RV Campers
Be aware that some RV sites may be significantly unlevel, so it's wise to check site details or call ahead to ensure your setup will be comfortable. Bringing your own water for drinking and cooking is also recommended due to potential sediment issues with the park's water supply.
🌌 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Bring your camera gear, including a tripod and wide-angle lens, to capture the Milky Way and other celestial wonders. The lack of light pollution creates a truly immersive experience, making it a must-visit for amateur astronomers and photographers alike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Living Caves
+1Visitors are consistently amazed by the pristine condition of the cave, a testament to the careful preservation efforts. The park's rangers are highly knowledgeable and passionate, sharing fascinating insights into the cave's geology, history, and the delicate ecosystem it supports. While photography is prohibited inside to protect the formations, the visual spectacle is unforgettable.
It's crucial to book cave tours in advance, as they are very popular and tend to sell out. The park offers different tour options, and it's worth checking the schedule for any special tours that might be available. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be walking and stairs involved.
Stargazing at an International Dark Sky Park
The campground is particularly well-suited for night sky viewing. Visitors often describe the celestial displays as awe-inspiring and unlike anything they've seen before. Whether you're an experienced astrophotographer or simply want to marvel at the cosmos, the park provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the night sky.
+1To make the most of your stargazing experience, consider camping at the park. Bring a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision, and allow your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. The park's remote location and commitment to preserving dark skies make it a truly magical place after sunset.
Camping and RVing at Kartchner Caverns
+1However, potential campers should be aware of some feedback regarding RV site leveling. Some reviewers have noted that certain sites can be significantly unlevel, requiring substantial leveling equipment. It's advisable to check site descriptions carefully or contact the park directly to inquire about the levelness of specific spots before booking, especially if you have a larger RV.
Beyond the campsites, the park provides a clean environment with hot showers and picnic areas. The proximity to hiking trails and the general tranquility of the park make it a pleasant place to stay. Remember to bring your own water for drinking and cooking, as the tap water quality has been a concern for some visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit