Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

Campgrounds in Arizona

Campgrounds 4,350 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)
Shaw House Cabin Rental in Arizona is a secluded spot with a notable variety of bird species, best in spring and fall.

Near Mc Neal, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

The right gear makes all the difference — here's a packing list tailored to this area.

Every item on this list exists because of specific conditions at Shaw House Cabin Rental — Desert terrain, Semi-Arid, and local wildlife.

Essential

  • Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
  • Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
  • First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
  • Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
  • Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
  • Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
  • Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
  • Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
  • Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

  • Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
  • Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
  • Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
  • First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Terrain Gear

  • Wide-brim hat — At high elevation where UV is 10-12% stronger per 1,000 feet of gain, a hat provides constant passive protection.
  • Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sunburn isn't just discomfort — severe burns cause fluid loss, fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation that compound in remote settings.
  • Extra water (desert) — In arid heat, your body loses 1-2 liters per hour during exertion; running out of water in the desert is life-threatening.

Seasonal Gear

  • Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
  • Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Outdoor recreation at Shaw House Cabin Rental centers on camping, with the May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep months offering the best conditions.

With a photography score of 60/100, Shaw House Cabin Rental offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 2 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

  • camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
  • picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
  • stargazing — Bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust to witness the Milky Way overhead.
  • walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
  • wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.

Wildlife Safety at Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.

A danger score of 30/10 means Shaw House Cabin Rental requires moderate preparation compared to the average trail.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Remote (195mi from city)
UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (32N), Desert (exposed))
Photo score: 60/100
  • Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
  • 2 excellent meteor showers
  • Fall foliage
  • Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake are present in the Desert habitat around Shaw House Cabin Rental.

Western Diamondback

Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.

Arizona Coral Snake

Red bands touch yellow bands, a key identifying feature.

Keep the victim calm and still while awaiting treatment.

  • Watch where you step and place hands
  • Stay on trails
  • Wear boots and long pants in snake country
  • Do not reach under rocks or logs
  • If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
  • Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

The plant life here ranges from Emory oak in the canopy to along the trail edges.

Trees (1)

  • Emory oak
    Emory oak — Leaves are glossy dark green above.

Shrubs (4)

  • Creosote Bush
    Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain.
  • evergreen sumac
    evergreen sumac — Leaves are thick and leathery.
  • soaptree yucca
    soaptree yucca — Creamy white bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring.

Other Plants (5)

  • fishhook barrel cactus
  • ocotillo
  • Palmer's agave
  • Banana Yucca
  • Wheeler sotol

Mammals (2)

  • White-tailed Deer
    White-tailed Deer — Slender build with long legs and large dark eyes.
  • Rock Squirrel
    Rock Squirrel — Stouter and larger than many other ground squirrels.

Birds (30)

  • Brewer's Blackbird
    Brewer's Blackbird — Brown female with dark eye
  • Red-winged Blackbird
    Red-winged Blackbird — Streaked brown female
  • Sandhill Crane
    Sandhill Crane — Red crown patch
  • Chipping Sparrow
    Chipping Sparrow — Black eye line
  • Yellow-headed Blackbird
    Yellow-headed Blackbird — Bright yellow head and chest

Reptiles (11)

  • Yarrow's Spiny Lizard
    Yarrow's Spiny Lizard — Often shows dark crossbands and subtle patterning.
  • Mojave Rattlesnake
    Mojave Rattlesnake — Black-and-white tail bands and prominent rattle.
  • Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake
    Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake — Distinct black coloration on last portion of tail before rattle.
  • Greater Earless Lizard
    Greater Earless Lizard — Tan to brown with darker blotches and pale underside.
  • Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
    Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Amphibians (1)

  • Couch's Spadefoot
    Couch's Spadefoot

Insects (4)

  • Pipevine Swallowtail
    Pipevine Swallowtail
  • Arizona Mantis
    Arizona Mantis
  • Vella fallax
  • White-lined Sphinx
    White-lined Sphinx

Nature Bingo at Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise Climate & Sun

Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Shaw House Cabin Rental.

With 12.2 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 62.7°F, Shaw House Cabin Rental has Semi-Arid conditions.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 62.7°F

Annual precipitation: 12.2 in

With an average annual temperature of 62.7°F and 12.2 inches of precipitation, Shaw House Cabin Rental has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 80°F, while winter lows drop to 46°F.

Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 46°F 0.7 in
Feb 49°F 0.7 in
Mar 55°F 0.6 in
Apr 61°F 0.1 in
May 69°F 0.2 in
Jun 78°F 0.4 in
Jul 80°F 2.8 in
Aug 78°F 3.1 in
Sep 74°F 1.3 in
Oct 65°F 0.9 in
Nov 54°F 0.6 in
Dec 46°F 0.8 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10.1 hours in winter to 14.2 hours in summer — a difference of 4.1 hours.

Summer: 5:12 AM – 7:24 PM

Winter: 7:10 AM – 5:16 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:10 AM, Sunset 5:16 PM Golden hour from 4:39 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:12 AM, Sunset 7:24 PM Golden hour from 6:48 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:30 AM, Sunset 6:25 PM Golden hour from 5:53 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:01 AM, Sunset 6:25 PM Golden hour from 5:53 PM

Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise Trip Planning & Access

Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.

Trip planning for Shaw House Cabin Rental starts with the 195-mile route from Phoenix.

Nearest city: Phoenix (195 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $48.87 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 158 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).

  • Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
  • Families: excellent
  • Elderly: highly_suitable
  • Strollers: excellent (100/100)
  • Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.

From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 8 destinations surround Shaw House Cabin Rental.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.

For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 1 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
  • Cepheus
    Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.

Meteor Showers

For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.

  • Geminids
    Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)

    Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.

  • Quadrantids
    Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)

    Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.

  • Perseids
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (good)

    Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.

  • Delta Aquariids
    Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)

    This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

  • Venus
    Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
  • Saturn
    Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
  • Mars
    Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

  • Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
  • Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
  • Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

  • Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
  • Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
  • Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
  • Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
  • Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
  • Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

  • Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
  • Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

Each season brings something different to this area.

From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Shaw House Cabin Rental rewards visitors in every season.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 25 – November 15

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise

Long before trails were marked and campgrounds built, this land was home to Indigenous peoples.

This area's history extends far beyond recreation — it is the traditional territory of Chiricahua Apache, O’odham Jeweḍ, Ópata (Tegüima-Eudebe-Hoba).

Languages

2 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Ópata (Tehuima), Chiricahua.

Data from Native Land Digital

Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Shaw House Cabin Rental sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type
Quaternary surficial deposits, undivided
Lithology
Major:{sand,silt,clay}
Age
Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences
48
Unique Species
36
Oldest
358.9 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
32
Richness
High
Minerals Found
Lead, Silver, Gold, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Copper, Zinc, Semiprecious Gemstone, Geothermal

Endangered Species

Species at Risk
1478
ESA Endangered
29
ESA Threatened
16
Conservation Score
100/100

Temperature Records

Record High
111°F (2011-06-28)
Record Low
-4°F (1978-12-08)

Wildfire History

This area has a high wildfire risk. Check current fire conditions before visiting and follow all fire restrictions. Campfires may be banned during dry seasons.

Recorded Fires
18
Largest Fire
Swisshelms (10,953.7 acres)
Most Recent
2023
Fire Risk
High

Watershed

Watershed
Town of McNeal-Whitewater Draw
Water Quality (Good)
0%
Impaired
0%

Reported Phenomena

Haunted Places
1 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score
5/100

Shaw House Cabin Rental Campground (SE, 17mi), Cochise Safety & Conditions

Conditions change fast outdoors — bookmark these official sources for your visit.

The data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening at Shaw House Cabin Rental right now.

Nearest weather station: MC NEAL, AZ US (6.15 mi)

Coordinates: 31.55871, -109.57698

Packing List Star Guide ↑ Top
Shaw House Cabin Rental
Arizona · 4,350 ft · Campgrounds · 31.5587°N, -109.577°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Mc Neal, AZ

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step (Western Diamondback,Mojave,Sidewinder,Arizona Coral Snake)