Kartchner Caverns State Park

Arizona State Parks

A group sits in front of Kubla Khan, a column formation in the Throne Room

The trails and vegetation at Kartchner Caverns State Park

Soda straw formations in the cave at Kartchner Caverns State Park

Home
Kartchner Caverns State Park

Please excuse our mess. We are working hard to make future improvements to the Kartchner Caverns campground. Several areas are under construction and there may be construction noises as early as 7:00 a.m.

Please see our Cave Tours page for information on how to prepare for your visit.

Cabins

Camping just got comfortable! Enjoy a private cabin amongst the scenic beauty of Kartchner Caverns State Park. Sit on the porch and take in the wildlife or explore the surrounding trails. Your cabin awaits.

Learn More

Programs & Events

First Day Hike at Kartchner Caverns!

January 1, 2025 10 a.m.

Come start your New Year off right and hike our Foothills Loop Trail with us. Join rangers on a moderate 2.5 mile guided hike for the first day of the new year!

READ MORE

VIEW ALL PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Bats

As snow flurries fly across the Whetstone Mountains and San Pedro Valley, Kartchner Caverns State Park rangers thoughts begin to turn to warm, furry, little creatures that fly the summer night skies in the park.

Learn More

Park and Facility Hours

Discovery Center

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas: Closed

Park Entrance Fee

Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00
Individual/bicycle: $3.00

Cave tour tickets are extra. Park entrance fee is waived with cave tour and campsite reservations.

Benson, AZ ANNUAL WEATHER AVERAGES

VIEW PARKS &TRAIL MAPS

CAVE TOURS

CAMPING

About Kartchner Caverns State Park

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.

Explore Kartchner Caverns