8/10 Good
William R.
1 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy
Adventure stay
William R.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025
Cabin
A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel
Photo gallery for A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel
Reviews
9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 416 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Benson, AZ
- Saguaro National Park
- Sabino Canyon
- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
The Penthouse
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel
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. Use of Penthouse for additional guests is $25 per night.
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. Use of Penthouse for additional guests is $25 per night.
Property manager
Sue
Languages
English
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Gym
Outdoor space
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House Rules
Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
Children
Children allowed: ages 3–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 3 total)
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Prefer smoking only on porch/outside
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Benson
Benson is home to this cabin. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Gammons Gulch, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore El Sereno Preserve and Arts Spring. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Benson, AZ
Getting around
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window7.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.8/10
Check-in
8.4/10
Communication
8.8/10
Location
7.4/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Rodney H.
13 Dec 2018
Warm and Quiet 🤫
Rodney H.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
10/10 Excellent
Anne Marie D.
31 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cascabel Cabin
Anne Marie D.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
2/10 Terrible
Shireen S.
14 Oct 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Total waste of time and money
Shireen S.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Eric L.
3 Nov 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little retreat house!
Eric L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
10/10 Excellent
Anne Marie D.
3 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sue's Cascabel Cabin
Anne Marie D.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
8/10 Good
Bonnie W., Portland, Oregon
23 Jan 2018
A unique experience to enjoy silence, stars and nature.
Bonnie W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2018
4/10 Poor
Janet C.
14 Mar 2024
Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
River Rock Cabin
Janet C.
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Polly C., Choteau, Montana
21 Feb 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A fabulous and unique cabin
Polly C.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2022
10/10 Excellent
kathy b.
2 Mar 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great for "off the grid" vacationing
kathy b.
10/10 Excellent
Rae, Tucson, Az
7 May 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rae
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
10/10 Excellent
lisa m., phoenix az
4 Apr 2019
March 2019
lisa m.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
10/10 Excellent
Sandy R.
22 Mar 2019
Chance to connect with the natural world around you!
Sandy R.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
10/10 Excellent
Patrick K., Mpls, MN, USA
6 Jan 2019
May the birds be with you
Patrick K.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
10/10 Excellent
Tom F.
21 Apr 2018
Quiet Solitude And Serenity
Tom F.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2018
10/10 Excellent
Anne W.
1 Apr 2018
Perfect
Anne W.
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2018
10/10 Excellent
Judy T.
19 Mar 2018
Sue is such a wonderful person and a wealth of information. She is so friendly & enjoyable to talk
Judy T.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
15 Feb 2018
Special
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018
10/10 Excellent
Lena C., Langley. Wa USA
9 Feb 2018
We Loved our stay with Sue!
Lena C.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2018
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer J.
8 Jan 2018
Fantastic Retreat!!
Jennifer J.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Mary D.
27 Nov 2017
Perfect get away, where a dog can be a dog.
Mary D.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Good
Guy R.
10 Apr 2017
We liked it. Truly located in the Sonoran Desert with all that entails.
Guy R.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie F., Surprise Az
23 Feb 2017
Lovely
Stephanie F.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
sheila k.
12 May 2016
Unforgettable with no regrets!!
sheila k.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Shereen T.
5 Apr 2015
Utter Peace and Tranquility
Shereen T.
About the host
Hosted by Sue
I left the east coast in '94 after a disastrous downsizing of the company I was working for and of course it was a gift in disguise..... once I got my feet firmly planted again.
I opened a boarding stable in Tucson and ran that until the city grew too big and close. So I moved out to the wilderness and started over again. It has been such a gift and I don't know that, if I was ever given the chance, I would have thought I would be allowed to choose such a life. The experience has been enhanced by living among a thriving, tiny community of people seeking the balance of what's best for the land and for themselves, making the land and its wild animals an equal partner in the equation.
We are doing conservation ranching, preserving an entire canyon while bringing it back from overgrazing, running cattle on range and on irrigated pasture, selling grass fed beef. None of this takes place on this property, but on the thousands of acres of range land and pasture some miles from here. I say this because I've had people ask if there was butchering or branding or whatever going on here. No there isn't.
Formerly I was married, living in Conn and eventually divorced and raising a daughter by myself. I worked as a professional photographer for 30 years while also working in printing and publications. My MA degree was from Syracuse School of Journalism.
Horses were always a large part of my life, even tho' I never owned one as a youngster but the time came when I had to let it all go. It was only in retirement that I was able to bring these fabulous animals back into my life.
I opened a boarding stable in Tucson and ran that until the city grew too big and close. So I moved out to the wilderness and started over again. It has been such a gift and I don't know that, if I was ever given the chance, I would have thought I would be allowed to choose such a life. The experience has been enhanced by living among a thriving, tiny community of people seeking the balance of what's best for the land and for themselves, making the land and its wild animals an equal partner in the equation.
We are doing conservation ranching, preserving an entire canyon while bringing it back from overgrazing, running cattle on range and on irrigated pasture, selling grass fed beef. None of this takes place on this property, but on the thousands of acres of range land and pasture some miles from here. I say this because I've had people ask if there was butchering or branding or whatever going on here. No there isn't.
Formerly I was married, living in Conn and eventually divorced and raising a daughter by myself. I worked as a professional photographer for 30 years while also working in printing and publications. My MA degree was from Syracuse School of Journalism.
Horses were always a large part of my life, even tho' I never owned one as a youngster but the time came when I had to let it all go. It was only in retirement that I was able to bring these fabulous animals back into my life.
Why they chose this property
When I was looking for property and came upon this place, I was really struck by the old cabin built into the side of the mesa. I could feel its potential and also its history. Once I settled in with the animals, I turned my attention to the cabin and saw, once I got windows in and opened it up, how welcoming it was. As was the land. The land is in one of the last remaining old mesquite bosques, very near the river, surrounded by desert leading up to mountains on both sides of the river. This is like a national park or refuge and is actually being considered for that status.
What makes this property unique
The energy of the surrounding land is palpable. Native ancient populations lived here in great numbers and on the mesa above me is one of the largest documented villages. It is now under conservation easement. Baicatcan. The hiking or riding in the valley takes you into unspoiled deep wilderness. Before I moved out here, each time I visited the valley, I could feel my whole body expand and relax and let in this clean air and wide open space, the amazing quiet and peacefulness. It is possible to do a Spirit walk with some Native American neighbors, if you ask me to arrange it.
Languages:
English
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