A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel

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Cabin

Yes, your dog is welcome if it is under control - can't go in the horse pens.

Food storage cabinets, a counter for eating or working at your computer.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.4

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 416 sq ft

Popular amenities

Washer

Pet friendly

Barbecue grill

Outdoor Space

Kitchen

Fireplace

Explore the area

Benson, AZ

Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)86 min drive
Pima Air and Space Museum94 min drive
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base101 min drive
Sabino Canyon115 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

The Penthouse

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Dining Area

About this property

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.

Property manager

Sue

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Pet friendly

Free WiFi

Outdoor Space

Mountain view

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

DUring Covid 19, minimum stay is 14 days.

Important information

You need to know

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

Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Benson

this cabin is located in Benson. Singing Wind Bookshop is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at El Sereno Preserve and Arts Spring. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Benson, AZ

What's nearby

Pima Air and Space Museum - 94 min drive
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base - 101 min drive
Park Place Mall - 104 min drive
Tucson Botanical Gardens - 106 min drive
Sabino Canyon - 115 min drive

Getting around

Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 87 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total).

Where is A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel located?

Situated in Benson, this cabin is 15.8 mi (25.4 km) from Gammons Gulch and within 32 mi (52 km) of Coronado National Forest and San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum. Vega–Bray Observatory and Benson Hospital are also within 32 mi (52 km).

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.

Learn more

8.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Anne Marie D.

May 31, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cascabel Cabin

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!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne Marie D.

May 3, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sue's Cascabel Cabin

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!

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Polly C., Choteau, Montana

Feb 21, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A fabulous and unique cabin

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.

Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

kathy b.

Mar 2, 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for "off the grid" vacationing

We enjoyed our short stay in this nice secluded little area.

10/10 Excellent

Eric L.

Nov 3, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little retreat house!

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.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rae, Tucson, Az

May 7, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Loved the rustic feel of the cabin. Great views of the valley on top of the hill. Glamping at its finest!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

lisa m., phoenix az

Apr 4, 2019

March 2019

Had a nice time, cabin is central to all the places we explored over the weekend. Would stay again.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sandy R.

Mar 22, 2019

Chance to connect with the natural world around you!

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!

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Patrick K., Mpls, MN, USA

Jan 6, 2019

May the birds be with you

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.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rodney H., Green Valley AZ

Dec 13, 2018

Warm and Quiet 🤫

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 !

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tom F.

Apr 21, 2018

Quiet Solitude And Serenity

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!

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Anne W.

Apr 1, 2018

Perfect

Many reviews have shared how wonderful the property is. It is that. Sue pointed me to the Parrot Sanctuary and Donkey Sanctuary where I spent hours volunteering. Sue introduced me to local residents whom I've become good friends with. I liked it so much I've bought property down the road from Sue. If you're going to stay for awhile, let Sue point you towards interesting things in the area. Sues horses like carrots!

Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Judy T.

Mar 19, 2018

Sue is such a wonderful person and a wealth of information. She is so friendly & enjoyable to talk

All the hard work Sue has put into her place over the years, especially the cabin, was well worth it. My stay was so relaxing, for the first time in 6 years I did not think about work at all.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Feb 15, 2018

Special

This was my third stay at Sue's cabin. I find it very comfortable, yet still connected to the land. I enjoy the cabin, screen porch and outside area, The bath house works well. It is surprisingly-well-equipped with cooking equipment. But the homey touches - lots of hooks, storage, great book selection - are the best part. Cascabel is full of interesting, friendly people and Sue is a wonderful conduit to meet them.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lena C., Langley. Wa USA

Feb 9, 2018

We Loved our stay with Sue!

Beautiful cabin in the high dessert of Arizona. Quiet, peaceful and very welcoming. Sue is a sweet host and she graciously shared her friends and community with us. Me who is not a good sleeper, slept 10 hours every night! Thank you Sue. Hope to see you again next year.

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2018

8/10 Good

Bonnie W., Portland, Oregon

Jan 23, 2018

A unique experience to enjoy silence, stars and nature.

We enjoyed our stay at the cabin and loved meeting community members from Cascabel. There is a nice community center where you can join in on a weekly morning coffee. People were very friendly. Some practical things to know about the cabin if you decide to stay here. It's cozy and the wood stove heats it very well. It is about 50 feet from the main road (dirt) and there is a fair amount of cars and trucks going by which do kick up dust that spreads to the cabin. A little tough to keep clean. There are mice, and we did clean up lots of droppings in the kitchen and caught several mice in the traps! The compost toilet is in a bathroom with a heater, do be aware that they are buckets which need to be emptied every few days. Garbage needs to be taken to town for disposal. As long as you know some of these realities of cabin life, you will enjoy the peaceful life in Cascabel! There are nice hikes where you likely will not see a soul. It really is a unique place to stay, and I know we will remember our stay for a long time.

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer J.

Jan 8, 2018

Fantastic Retreat!!

Absolutely adorable cabin well outfitted with most anything you need. The separate bath house is clean with hot water. The animals are so personable and the area is gorgeous. Every person we met whether hiking or at the community center was so welcoming. It was an awesome retreat from the outside world. Where there was no cell service there was wifi. We were forced to focus as a family and made great smores and hiked, flew kites, and enjoyed being present. Sue was the best part. We had some last minute changes that she accommodated beautifully. Her service and personality made this a place I definitely want to return to. She is so knowledgeable about the area and sustainable action to promote this beautiful land. She was the highlight for the entire family. I highly recommend this property if you want a chance to separate from the busyness of life and enjoy simplicity. Even the smallest chicken seemed happy to be there. Only about 3 hours of phoenix it would be great for a weekend trip. Our reservation was for 9 days and we would have loved to stay longer!

Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

Nov 27, 2017

Perfect get away, where a dog can be a dog.

Adorable little cabin with so much character. Relaxing surroundings where you still can experience a rustic feel of outdoor life without a lot of work. My dog was in heaven, able to play and run free and just be a dog. Sue is a wonderful host, very knowledgeable about the area. I will definitely be back.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Guy R.

Apr 10, 2017

We liked it. Truly located in the Sonoran Desert with all that entails.

Sue, the owner, was very nice and a wealth of information. One of the trails goes up from the cabin and leads up onto the mesa and into a forest of cactus. The saguaros are like we've never seen before - huge and very numerous...better than any highly touted saguaro area. You can sit on the nice cool screened in porch and see a wonderful variety of birds and other wildlife. This cabin is clean and cozy. If you want all the services of a typical tourist spot this may not be for you. However if you prefer to be in a true desert with no other tourists or signs, this is a good spot. My wife and I are very glad we found this rental and this nice little community. Beats the heck out of any arboretum or desert museum. Thank you Sue!

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie F., Surprise Az

Feb 23, 2017

Lovely

If you want a place in the middle of nowhere, you found it here ! Peace and tranquility is what you will get . Sue is wonderful! Be prepared for no Internet or phone service . We downloaded movies onto our iPad and watch them in the evening . Be prepared for a compost toilet ! I got used to it after one day. Turn the water heater on for the shower a couple hours before you want to take one! Or you will have a very chilly shower ! Woke us up though :) Thank You Sue (and Sam)!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

sheila k.

May 12, 2016

Unforgettable with no regrets!!

Our month long stay at the River Rock Cabin was perfect from the moment we stepped onto Sue Newman's ranch. We had planned for two years to come and we were thrilled to finally arrive. The scenery is astounding.... deep blue sky, abundant wild flowers, a wide variety of cactus...some in glorious bloom, beautiful landscape everywhere you turn, birds and creatures. If you are interested in nature then you will be amazed at what you discover out hiking in the surrounding country. Simple walks are easy to do, just step out side your door. The cabin is small and compact with everything you need and the screened in porch is a lovely place to sit and read or enjoy a quiet meal.The ranch animals are a pleasure to watch and interact with and there are fresh eggs for your breakfast most mornings....If you read Sue's description, listen to her advise and ask questions before you come you will find that the River Rock Cabin holds only pleasant surprises for you! But it is the community of Cascabel, as a whole, that makes a difference... It has a wonderful inclusive atmosphere.....From their open concept community centre to their marvellous garden (yes a vegetable garden in the dessert). The people are friendly and helpful, as is Sue and Sam the dog. There are many activities outside of Cascabel you can venture to, all of which Sue can help you find or offer advice. In Benson there is also a great tourist office with racks of information. So in conclusion we have only the highest of recommendations for a visit to the R.R.C. An utterly fantastic experience you won't forget or regret!! Thank you Sue:)...from two city kids! :)

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Shereen T.

Apr 5, 2015

Utter Peace and Tranquility

Let me start off by saying that I have never experienced such quietness in my entire life. If you want somewhere to quiet your mind and soul, look no farther. The deep relaxation of the sleep that I got was a total recharge for my busy lifestyle. My favorite part was sitting in the screened in porch in the evening and hearing nothing. Mesquite scents would waft by on a warm breeze and tantalize my senses. And if you walk away from the cabin away from light, the millions of stars will completely shock you! There is absolutely everything you need to cook and live and if you want some extra 'cozy', throw a few logs in the woodstove. The shower was hot, the bed is comfy and if you want to hike and explore, the opportunities are endless! Sue is a wealth of information on the area and everything it has to offer. Proximity-wise, everything is close by. Benson is fun and has everything, Tucson is huge and bustling and the scenery on the way to these locales is unbelievable! If you want to be the un-tourist and experience a rustic beauty, this is it! You will not find the quality for the price anywhere!!!!! And if you have a solid off-road compatible vehicle, there are some amazing backroad adventures just WAITING to be embarked upon within a very short distance!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ahvi P.

Mar 30, 2015

Comfortable and nice

Beautiful area with lots of wildlife and great bird diversity. Its a nice quiet getaway from the city and an excellent place to relax and explore.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Chip C.

Mar 20, 2015

Cabin far from the madding crowd

Our three week escape from the bitter North was especially fine this February into March due to finding Sue’s cabin and ‘penthouse.’ If you like merely sitting in the sun or more strenuously hiking up washes to view blooming poppies and southwest bird life, this is a good location. Moon and stars are brilliant in the dry cool nights. Cascabel residents are welcoming and with resources from Sue and the community center, you can learn about their history and future. Life in the cabin is simple, but if you want you can stay in touch with the outside world via internet and voip calling. I fired up the cabin wood stove on many mornings for instant warmth. Expect a few mice in the cabin (what rural house doesn't have them?). Sue was very helpful but not intrusive, and Sam and Jasper are friendly and noisy watch dogs. Thanks to Sue for loaning us her Scrabble set. I’d consider coming back for a shorter stay.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Neta C.

Jan 6, 2015

simple pleasures

Expect rustic, simple and to live lightly on the land and you will not be disappointed in this natural wonderland. It was a joy to meet the people living in this fragile environment who are doing their best to care for it responsibly. The sunrise and sunset are not to be missed. The smell of mesquite wood and clear desert air will stay with me for a long time. Don't miss the community center. Thank you Sue for sharing this space with us and a special thanks to Sammy and Jasper (Great Pyrenees') for welcoming our Aussie and sharing your world with him.

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.

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.