We just returned from Kartchner Caverns SP and "WOW!" doesn't begin to cover it. Just 9 miles south of I-10/Benson Arizona in the Whetstone Mountains Kartchner is home to one of the most spectacular "living" caves on earth. The campground is ideal for all types of RV'ers with 62 level sites ($25),that provide a nice mix of large pull throughs as well as back ins (and tent sites).
Each site has 30 amp service and water and there is a two lane dump station. The water at each site is protected by heavy insulation on the pipes and dedicated AC warmer/heater insuring free flowing water in virtually any weather. While wood or charcoal fires are prohibited in the sites they have two large communal fire pits with unlimited free wood provided. The restrooms feature flush toilets and hot showers and were very well maintained. There are a number of hiking trails with spectacular views across the valley to the east.
The Caverns are absolutely breath taking, their existence was kept secret until 1988 when the state parks system was able to pass legislation to preserve and protect the caves. Tours cost $22.95, last nearly 2 hours and are worth every penny. I'm not sure what is more impressive, the caves themselves or the incredible engineering that went into creating the public access.
The tour is led by a Ranger, limited to 17 people and no photography whatsoever is permitted. A tram takes you to the entrance where you descend through a series of large, stainless steel, hermetically sealed doors along a concrete path. You pass through a gentle mist which reduces the chance of fiber or lint contaminating the cave. The walkways are periodically flushed/rinsed to remove any contaminants.
The temperature is a pleasant 72 degrees but with 99% humidity which is maintained by the doors only being opened sequentially after the previous one has been closed (sealed) behind you. The Ranger controls the lighting throughout the tour by activating soft, subdued accent lights and the minimal use of his flashlight to highlight the myriad of otherworldly formations. While minimizing the amount of light throughout the cave is essential to preserve and protect what is truly a living cave the nonskid paths have accent lights throughout which makes for an easy comfortable passage.
The 23,000 square foot "Discovery(Visitors), Center has many displays replicating cave conditions along with a large theatre where a film documenting the caves amazing
history is shown every thirty minutes. There is a nice Cafe as well as the requisite gift shop. Plenty of parking to include room for RV's along with picnic facilities are available for day guests. Reservations for the campground are a good idea and a necessity for the tours.
If you are ever any where near the Tucson area this is a must see and pleasantly accommodated by RV or Toad. Google it, you will be amazed.
:B
Each site has 30 amp service and water and there is a two lane dump station. The water at each site is protected by heavy insulation on the pipes and dedicated AC warmer/heater insuring free flowing water in virtually any weather. While wood or charcoal fires are prohibited in the sites they have two large communal fire pits with unlimited free wood provided. The restrooms feature flush toilets and hot showers and were very well maintained. There are a number of hiking trails with spectacular views across the valley to the east.
The Caverns are absolutely breath taking, their existence was kept secret until 1988 when the state parks system was able to pass legislation to preserve and protect the caves. Tours cost $22.95, last nearly 2 hours and are worth every penny. I'm not sure what is more impressive, the caves themselves or the incredible engineering that went into creating the public access.
The tour is led by a Ranger, limited to 17 people and no photography whatsoever is permitted. A tram takes you to the entrance where you descend through a series of large, stainless steel, hermetically sealed doors along a concrete path. You pass through a gentle mist which reduces the chance of fiber or lint contaminating the cave. The walkways are periodically flushed/rinsed to remove any contaminants.
The temperature is a pleasant 72 degrees but with 99% humidity which is maintained by the doors only being opened sequentially after the previous one has been closed (sealed) behind you. The Ranger controls the lighting throughout the tour by activating soft, subdued accent lights and the minimal use of his flashlight to highlight the myriad of otherworldly formations. While minimizing the amount of light throughout the cave is essential to preserve and protect what is truly a living cave the nonskid paths have accent lights throughout which makes for an easy comfortable passage.
The 23,000 square foot "Discovery(Visitors), Center has many displays replicating cave conditions along with a large theatre where a film documenting the caves amazing
history is shown every thirty minutes. There is a nice Cafe as well as the requisite gift shop. Plenty of parking to include room for RV's along with picnic facilities are available for day guests. Reservations for the campground are a good idea and a necessity for the tours.
If you are ever any where near the Tucson area this is a must see and pleasantly accommodated by RV or Toad. Google it, you will be amazed.
:B
Desert Captain wrote:
We just returned from Kartchner Caverns SP and "WOW!" doesn't begin to cover it. Just 9 miles south of I-10/Benson Arizona in the Whetstone Mountains Kartchner is home to one of the most spectacular "living" caves on earth. The campground is ideal for all types of RV'ers with 62 level sites ($25),that provide a nice mix of large pull throughs as well as back ins (and tent sites).
Each site has 30 amp service and water and there is a two lane dump station. The water at each site is protected by heavy insulation on the pipes and dedicated AC warmer/heater insuring free flowing water in virtually any weather. While wood or charcoal fires are prohibited in the sites they have two large communal fire pits with unlimited free wood provided. The restrooms feature flush toilets and hot showers and were very well maintained. There are a number of hiking trails with spectacular views across the valley to the east.
The Caverns are absolutely breath taking, their existence was kept secret until 1988 when the state parks system was able to pass legislation to preserve and protect the caves. Tours cost $22.95, last nearly 2 hours and are worth every penny. I'm not sure what is more impressive, the caves themselves or the incredible engineering that went into creating the public access.
The tour is led by a Ranger, limited to 17 people and no photography whatsoever is permitted. A tram takes you to the entrance where you descend through a series of large, stainless steel, hermetically sealed doors along a concrete path. You pass through a gentle mist which reduces the chance of fiber or lint contaminating the cave. The walkways are periodically flushed/rinsed to remove any contaminants.
The temperature is a pleasant 72 degrees but with 99% humidity which is maintained by the doors only being opened sequentially after the previous one has been closed (sealed) behind you. The Ranger controls the lighting throughout the tour by activating soft, subdued accent lights and the minimal use of his flashlight to highlight the myriad of otherworldly formations. While minimizing the amount of light throughout the cave is essential to preserve and protect what is truly a living cave the nonskid paths have accent lights throughout which makes for an easy comfortable passage.
The 23,000 square foot "Discovery(Visitors), Center has many displays replicating cave conditions along with a large theatre where a film documenting the caves amazing
history is shown every thirty minutes. There is a nice Cafe as well as the requisite gift shop. Plenty of parking to include room for RV's along with picnic facilities are available for day guests. Reservations for the campground are a good idea and a necessity for the tours.
If you are ever any where near the Tucson area this is a must see and pleasantly accommodated by RV or Toad. Google it, you will be amazed.
:B
Thanks so much for sharing this. Planning trip through Texas (Big Bend area), New Mexico, and Arizona areas later this winter.
