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.
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House Rules
Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children
Children allowed: ages 3–17
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 3 total)
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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
Property # 435761vb
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
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. Explore all the area has to offer with mountain climbing, hiking and hunting.
San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum - 54 min drive - 55.1 km
San Pedro Golf Course - 54 min drive - 55.5 km
San Pedro Valley Observatory - 58 min drive - 56.6 km
Getting around
Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 92 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel?
As of 14 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel on 17 May, 2026 start from S$85, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel?
On-site parking is available at the property.
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 miles (52 km) of San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum and San Pedro Valley Observatory. Benson Hospital and San Pedro Golf Course are also within 32 miles (52 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A rustic little gem! The quiet and dark sky makes for a nice respite from the city. The host was very welcoming and will help with anything from hiking information to directions to the community's history. I plan to return when possible.
Chris G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
William R.
1 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy
Adventure stay
Great place to stay away from it all. Very remote and it takes you back in time. We loved it.
William R.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Feb, 2025
Thanks for your review.... I suspect your business thrives on reviews also.
It didn't seem like it was going to be a good fit but you surprised me. You are welcome back! I am sorry about the death in the family. I, too, am waiting to hear about a dear friend who will pass very soon. Seems to be that time of life.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rodney H.
13 Dec, 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 !
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!
Probably did. I had explained that a cabin over 100 yrs old is very hard to mouseproof, esp when you are in wilderness. I showed them where the mouse traps were. I clean cupboards between guests but it is up to them to follow up if there is mouse activity while they are there.
I wasn't sure why these folks chose to be so far off the beaten path as they seemed most interested in thrift stores in various towns instead of hiking out into the wilderness here.
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.
Eric L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Eric...sounds like you went up for coffee! Terrific.
Delighted that you were able to really experience the valley besides getting your work done. Do come back! SUe
It's wasn't even close to the pictures she posted. She never once responded to our request for more information about the place. Until the night we were suppose to check in and then she
Shireen S.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct, 2024
I never saw questions sent regarding the cabin. I certainly would have answered. As my reviews show, I am very attentive to guests and their needs.
These folks did not arrive at the time they said they would or even hours later. I had sent them directions from multiple locations but they never said where they were arriving from. I checked on them twice...I was attending a small gathering after a death in the valley and I had left them a note on the gate..
VrBO has looked at my photos and said they were quite accurate. No other guests have complained except to say that the interior of the cabin is even better than they thought it would be.
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!
Anne Marie D.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Bonnie W.
23 Jan, 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.
Bonnie W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Happy to answer any questions that might arise out of this review. Not sure how much stronger I need to word my cautionary note - " If the sounds or smells of animals or a dusty environment are a problem, then this is not the place for you." And the cabin is NOT THAT close to the road and has a lot of greenery for privacy. These folks were a bit high end for the cabin and seemed to have a variety of support needs that are not usually required. They did leave the cabin in immaculate condition and paid it forward in supplying wood for the next person staying here. The cabin is for self sufficient folks who understand that this is a 100 yr old building. The occasional mouse visits every house in the valley and the ravens are nearby, waiting for them to be deposited on a nearby post. They're pretty amazing to watch as they swoop in for lunch. The road, a farm to market lane, offers a great sense of the ranching activity in the valley whether it is a huge hay truck passing by or a livestock trailer moving cows to other range pastures. Much of the time it is very quiet and the pitch black skies at night offer a sight few can see elsewhere because of light pollution. Part of learning about the reality of what the word sustainability means is understanding that living lightly on the land is not an easy task when immersed in a consumer driven world. This community out here strives to live lightly. Our environmental concerns mean that we move cows from time to time to reduce overgrazing. So yes, there may be ranch traffic on the road. We live and work here and share the experience through spaces like this cabin. And the magic comes for those staying here in being able to experience life that pretty much mirrors an earlier century. The old book 'Chop Wood Carry Water' is real here.
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.
Polly C.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Feb, 2022
Polly and Bill were such a perfect fit for the cabin that it felt like they had been here before. They fully honored the wilderness charge of leaving it better than they found it. They packed in more wood for the next renters and swept and cleaned fabulously. But the best part was spending time with them and learning of their impressive histories of wilderness protection.
Loved the rustic feel of the cabin. Great views of the valley on top of the hill. Glamping at its finest!
Rae
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
lisa m.
4 Apr, 2019
March 2019
Had a nice time, cabin is central to all the places we explored over the weekend. Would stay again.
lisa m.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sandy R.
22 Mar, 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!
Sandy R.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Patrick K.
6 Jan, 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.
Patrick K.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tom F.
21 Apr, 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!
Tom F.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Anne W.
1 Apr, 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!
Anne W.
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2018
Verified
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
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.
Judy T.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Judy was a here just a short time but I suspect from her experience she will return. She was considerate and, as an Arizonan, well aware of the water issues the region is dealing with. I would enjoy having her back again as she really honored the place, the cabin, the surroundings. We laughed together when she recounted some of the reviews complaining about dust. Among other things, it is the reason you get such spectacular sunsets! I am delighted that she had such a grounding, cleansing time here.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
15 Feb, 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.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lena C.
9 Feb, 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.
Lena C.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer J.
8 Jan, 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!
Jennifer J.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Mary D.
27 Nov, 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.
Mary D.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Mary. it was a treat to have you and Bear here! Your genuine response to the cabin and this wilderness feeds me, knowing that deep down you've received the gift of this still pristine valley. And leaving the cabin in apple pie order is so appreciated. I look forward to your return!
Archival
8/10 Good
Guy R.
10 Apr, 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!
Guy R.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie F.
23 Feb, 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)!
Stephanie F.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
sheila k.
12 May, 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! :)
sheila k.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Oh my, the heart is aflutter!!! How nice to get such a review but the best part of it is the folks who wrote it. They were a perfect fit for the cabin and the community. I kept hearing during the month "Oh we met your folks in the cabin. They're such terrific people!" They slowly merged themselves into community activities and really picked up on what went on here and how unusual this community is. They took full advantage of the hiking in the area. They even helped me clean stalls one day! Holy cow! I'm so eager to have them back again!!
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.