Camping at Kent Springs Cabin Campground
Location and Access
Kent Springs Cabin is situated in the Madera Canyon area of the Santa Rita Mountains within Coronado National Forest, Arizona. The cabin, approximately 25 miles southeast of Green Valley, can be reached by taking Interstate 19 to the Continental Road/Madera Canyon Exit. From there, you will head east and follow the signs to the Madera Canyon Recreation area. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle, but the last portion of the road can be rough and may require a high-clearance vehicle.
Reservations and Fees
Reservations for Kent Springs Cabin are essential and can be made through the Recreation.gov website or by calling their reservation system. The cabin cannot be rented on a walk-up basis. Rental fees are posted on the Recreation.gov site and are subject to change, but generally, the cabin is rented on a nightly basis.
Amenities and Facilities
Kent Springs Cabin is equipped with several amenities to provide a comfortable camping experience, including:
- Bunk Beds: The cabin includes bunk beds but campers need to bring their own linens or sleeping bags.
- Kitchen: There is a kitchen with a propane stove and refrigerator.
- Furniture: The cabin comes with basic furniture such as tables and chairs.
- Wood Stove: A wood-burning stove provides heat during cooler months, but wood is not typically provided.
- Outdoor Grill: An outdoor grill is available for barbecuing, but you need to bring your own charcoal.
- Toilet: There is usually a vault toilet located near the cabin, but running water and flush toilets are not available.
Activities
The area around Kent Springs Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities, such as:
- Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area providing scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation.
- Bird Watching: Madera Canyon is renowned for its birding, and many rare bird species can be spotted here.
- Wildlife Viewing: Besides birds, other wildlife like deer and possibly even bears can be seen in the area.
Things to Know
When planning a visit to Kent Springs Cabin, there are some important considerations:
- Water: There is no water available at the cabin; visitors must bring all the water they will need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
- Power: The cabin does not have electricity. Bring lanterns, flashlights, and batteries.
- Trash: No trash service is available, and visitors must pack out all garbage.
Rules and Regulations
To preserve the experience for all visitors and protect the environment, some rules must be followed:
- Capacity Limits: The number of people allowed at the cabin may be limited; check the reservation details.
- Pets: Policies on pets can vary. If allowed, they should be kept under control at all times.
- Fires: Follow all posted regulations regarding fires, and use fire rings if provided.
- Wildlife: Do not feed the wildlife and store food securely to prevent attracting animals.
Weather and Safety
The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and visitors should come prepared for cold temperatures at night and the possibility of rain or snow, depending on the season. Additionally, since the cabin is in a remote location, it's wise to have a first aid kit and be aware of how to get to the nearest medical facility in case of an emergency.
By adhering to these guidelines and being prepared, a stay at Kent Springs Cabin in Coronado National Forest can be a pleasant, memorable experience. Always check the latest conditions and cabin status before heading out to ensure the best possible trip.