Cochise County: RVers Wanted

Four historical communities combine to provide exciting experiences in the heart of Arizona’s wild west.

by

Words by Steve Fennell

When U.S. Route 80 was established through Arizona more than a century ago, few may have realized that the communities of Benson, Bisbee, Tombstone and Douglas in Cochise County would remain popular attractions that bring in countless RVers every year. 

Campgrounds abound and what you can’t find, each community welcomes travellers throughout the snowboard season to make the most of your visit. Benson is known as the gateway to Cochise County and is one of the best starting points from the I-10 to what is now called Old U.S. Route 80. 

A testament to the focus on visitors, representatives of the Benson Visitor’s Center - Train Depot were recently honoured with the Best Tourism Partnership Award presented at the Arizona Governor’s Conference of Tourism in July 2023. The organization was given accolades for its “Historic Highway 80 video on Benson, Tombstone, Bisbee and Douglas.”

The online footage showcases Old U.S. Route 80 and the attractions in the four communities, but it’s only the starting point to experience what Cochise County has to offer. With a number of new promotions in the region, one of the most significant is ‘RV Talks,’ in which representatives from the four communities visit local RV parks to inform visitors about where to go, what is new and information about the lesser-known places of interest in the region. 

Benson Key Attractions for 2024

With 54 RV parks throughout Cochise County, 14 can be found in Benson alone. They all offer a variety of services and amenities, as well as easy access to state parks, historical sites and nature trails. 

Benson has a long-standing rail history. The town was established by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1880 and served as an essential stop. Even though it was purchased by the Union Pacific Rail Road in the late 1990s, it still runs through Benson today. 

Its history is not forgotten. The visitor centre consists of an 1800s–themed railway depot featuring the architecture of the era. Railroad buffs of all ages can also try the train simulator that runs a G-scale model train along 29 m (96 ft) of track. It’s also where you can learn about area attractions including the: 

  • San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Society Museum
  • Holy Trinity Monastery, which has oriental gardens, a museum, an art gallery, and a bird sanctuary. 
  • Benson Historic Walking Tour
  • The Amerind Foundation, a museum and research facility that preserves Native American cultures. 
  • Forever Home Donkey Rescue and Sanctuary
  • Alternating exhibits of local cultures at the Benson Historical Museum (it’s also listed on the National Register for Historical Buildings).

Present-day Benson is just as exciting. Kartchner Caverns State Park has a good selection of trails to explore the area. It’s suggested to wear solid footwear but the routes are rated from easy to moderate. For a unique experience, take a guided tour to explore the park’s meandering caverns. You’ll be amazed by some of the largest geological formations in the State, if not in the world. 

The formations in the caves evolved as a result of layers composed of calcite (or travertine) as well as water deposits that have been developing for thousands of years. It definitely makes for a unique day trip. Conservation International-guided Bat Walks, bird watching, and star gazing - (the area is registered as an International Dark Sky Park Designation) are additional activities in the park. 

However, stars are not only limited to the night skies. Benson is home to the Mescal Movie Set, a well-known Hollywood filming location and one of Cochise County’s most popular attractions.

With its late-1800s and early-1900s setting, stars like Paul Newman, Lee Marvin, Gene Hackman, and Clint Eastwood have all walked its grounds in leading roles for many Western movie productions. Tours are available and renovations have recently been completed to include a new church, blacksmith shop, stage depot and interiors and exteriors of existing buildings. 

The True Wild West of Tombstone

Tombstone - known as the ‘Town too Tough to Die’ - is famous for the Gunfight at the OK Corral, Boothill Graveyard and the World’s Largest Rose Bush. The reenactment is always worth the price of admission, but for a new experience try a real cowboy experience at The Tombstone Monument Ranch and Cattle Co. 

One of the last of the traditional dude ranches, The Tombstone Monument Ranch and Cattle Co. offers overnight and multi-night packages where you can enjoy horseback riding, UTV tours, and even wrestle cattle, fix fences, and other ranch-hand tasks, the cowboy way. For more information visit https://www.tombstonemonumentranch.com.

See the Best in Bisbee

Downtown Bisbee features early 20th-century architecture with dining options, shops and unique boutiques and it’s the place to be if you’re craving a more urban atmosphere. It has an active art scene and where you can rest and relax over lunch or dinner. There are a variety of local RV parks as well to spend a night or two.  

Of special historical interest is the Copper Queen Mine Tour. Step back into history when mining was bustling by taking a professionally guided tour. It includes riding a mine train 457 m (1,500 ft) into the heart of the former copper mine and walking along a 90 m (300 ft) tunnel, in the very space miners did more than 100 years ago. 

Explore Douglas and Go Further South

Douglas is at the end of Old U.S. Route 80 at the U.S.- Mexico border, yet it’s not the end of the journey in the area. Tours of Agua Prieta, which is the bordering Mexican town, offer scheduled three-hour day trips, providing the chance to sample the dining, discover the culture and enjoy the shopping. It also includes a short medical tour of popular dental care options. Following a successful 2023 season, reservations are recommended. Space is limited and the tour books quickly. For more information, contact Keoki Skinner at Keokiskinner@yahoo.com.

With a number of new features and several existing places to visit, many snowbirds call Cochise County home during the winter months. It’s no surprise given its warm weather and even the warmer hospitality of Arizona’s wild west.

For more information visit www.visitarizona.com or www.bensonaz.gov.