Benson, Arizona
Built in the ancient floodplain of the fabled San Pedro River, this rustic old cabin has been fully electrified and refurbished. It is 1 room with a large screened porch doubling its living space. It has a double bed - towels, pillows and bed linens provided.
There is a counter for eating and food prep plus a sink with hot water and small refrigerator, a microwave, toaster oven and all sorts of electrical appliances for cooking.
Heating is with a small pot bellied wood stove that came out of a caboose. Wood is provided. No need to bring bottled water.
The bathhouse is separate with a hot shower, colorful Mexican sink and a composting toilet. There is additional space and refrigeration for food storage for long term stays.
Sustainability is a watchword in this community which is most concerned about the impact to the land and its creatures that we humans bring.
Outdoors next to the cabin is a Mexican adobe fireplace with a grill. Sit by the fire in the evening or get it going early and cook your meal there.
The cabin seems to have an old fashioned 'pay it forward' atmosphere as people often voluntarily fill the woodbox for the next guest and leave the place surprisingly clean.
Of course there are the sounds and smells of the animals along with a dusty atmosphere. We are part of a working ranch operation. If this is objectionable, this isn't the place for you. Please ask questions before booking if you are uncertain about something. This is wilderness.
Interested in Conservation Ranching Know someone who is We’re always looking for folks who would like to learn about what we are doing and would like to help. There’s often a fence to check on range (spectacular views), cows to look for on range (great hiking to find them if you can), or mesquite treelets and thistle to dig out of the irrigated pastures. Let us know if this is something you would like to explore, and we’ll work out a plan. Own vehicle essential.
Loved the rustic feel of the cabin. Great views of the valley on top of the hill. Glamping at its finest!
Our second trip to the River Rock Cabin: we were here a month ago and couldn't wait to return. Cascabel is a wonderful place, with an absolutely wonderful community. Sue was great, and we can't get enough of Orey!
Our three-night stay at the River Rock Cabin was an absolutely wonderful experience (although too short). Cascabel is a magical place, and the cabin was delightful. Sue was an amazing host who went way out of her way to help make our visit special. She has long been an integral part of the Cascabel community, and her knowledge of the area is impressive. She patiently answered my series of never-ending questions and was a wealth of information. This was not a normal vacation get-a-way, but rather a time of renewal and inspiration for the future. And I cannot forget to mention the wonderful presence of Orey, the Great Pyrenees guardian of the cabin and homestead, who provided us with love and affection, and made us laugh like we haven't laughed in a very long time. We can't wait to return!
Sue was very responsive throughout the process. An excellent communicator. The cabin in the heart of Cascabel feels like a desert Brigadoon. This is a community that wants to preserve the traditions of rural Arizona. Amazing people, of which Sue is one. Our visit at the Rock House was the highlight of our trip. Our dogs loved it too.
We enjoyed our short stay in this nice secluded little area.
It’s small. But such a great little place with lots of hiking and exploring all around. Sue is super friendly. And Wednesday mornings there’s coffee and breakfast at the community center. Some truly lovely people! I think I may have found one of my favorite retreat spots. Keep in mind, it is a ranch. So your car and clothes will get dirty. But I think that’s part of the experience also.
Had a nice time, cabin is central to all the places we explored over the weekend. Would stay again.
I loved my stay at Cascabel. I already had an interest in nature conservation, so I was eager to learn about ways to live in harmony with nature, rather than against it. Sue graciously took time to explain some of the things they do there, and gave me suggestions for how to get around and see the area. It is beautiful countryside, many options for hiking straight from the property. I also loved being around the animals, making my own fire in the stove to heat the cabin, and even managing the compost in the bath house. When you have to take care of all your business, you realize how little you need to survive. If you want to unplug and experience the beautiful world around you, this is the place to go!
We are birders. The weather was a bit cold for the birds, but we really enjoyed the solitude of this cabin. Be sure to check out the sunset view from the mesa behind the cabin. Susan provided useful information re trails. We would like to come back in a few months and try the birds again.
Sue and Tax were great host . Friendly people and beautiful country . If you like rustic , quiet , bright stars and beautiful country this is the place !
I spent five days at the cabin and hiked around the area. The cabin is well maintained and intimate. Sue introduced me to a local naturalist who took me out on a couple of very interesting guided hikes. The evening skies were quite beautiful. I saw numerous wildlife in the vicinity of the cabin - javelinas (peccaries), a coyote and many road runners, dozens of kangaroo rats (don't worry, they're not real rats - just adorable jumping desert animals), a great horned owl and numerous coues (coos) - a diminutive sub species of white tail deer native to the Senoran. If you stay here make sure you see the magnificent Karchner Caverns just out side Benson. And speaking of Benson - make sure to get some of that delicious pie at the Horseshoe Cafe!