Photo: (c) Robert Webster, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) / CC BY-SA 4.0

Campgrounds 4,858 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Is a cabin rental the right fit for your group? Shaw House is a stone masonry cabin located in East Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains of the Coronado National Forest. The house is nestled in a dramatic landscape of canyons and rock formations offering guests to the area a unique lodging experience. Nearby trails provide excellent hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities. An air conditioner/heating climate control unit makes Shaw House a year-round destination. Recreation With rugged granite formations, wooded slopes, seasonal streams, and an amazing variety of plants and wildlife, the Cochise Stronghold area is a popular recreation destination. Long considered a haven for rock climbing and bouldering, the area features backcountry and protected routes ranging from one to seven pitches in length, and from 5.6 to 5.12 in difficulty. Most approaches are 30-60 minutes in length, although there are a number of known areas that are easily accessible from the roads. Nearby trails also provide excellent hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities. There are signed interpretive trail for both natural and cultural resources at the nearby Cochise Stronghold Campground. Facilities Shaw House is an eight-room residence, suitable for groups of up to 10 people. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a dining room and a kitchen. The master bedroom has a queen-size bed; the second bedroom has two twin-over-double bunk beds, and there is a double-sized futon in the third bedroom. The living room contains two full-sized futons, and several end tables. Both bathrooms have showers, sinks, and toilets. The dining room is furnished with a table and seating for six. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, pots, pans, utensils, dishes, and coffeepot. The house has electricity and running water. Outside, guests will enjoy using the propane grill and picnic table for outdoor dining. The cabin also has a screened in porch. Although the cabin has amenities for comfortable lodging, guests do need to provide some of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags, linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. Although electricity is available, it is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies. The Forest Service is unable to provide firewood and propane for the outdoor grill at this time, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Please note that the indoor fireplace is not maintained for use. Natural Features Shaw House is surrounded by the rugged beauty of East Cochise Stronghold. The sparsely wooded Dragoon Mountains form a protective rampart of granite spires, sheer cliffs, balanced rocks and boulders, which were once the refuge of the Apache Chief, Cochise. The area is abundant with wildlife, including white-tailed and mule deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, and squirrels. Bats, black bear, Coati, foxes, ring-tailed cats, bobcats, and mountain lion find habitat in the area as well, but are more often seen in the twilight and nocturnal hours. Nearby Attractions The Shaw House is located approximately ten miles west of Sunsites, Arizona. Attractions in the area include the Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, the Amerind Foundation, and the Willcox Playa.

Near Dragoon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Shaw House Campground, Cochise

A well-packed bag handles most of what this area can throw at you.

Between the Desert terrain and venomous snakes, your pack for Shaw House needs a few specific items.

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 Campground, Cochise

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

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep is the prime window for visiting Shaw House, when conditions favor backpacking and the weather cooperates.

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

Activities

backpacking — Backpacking combines endurance, planning, and remote wilderness camping.
bouldering — Bouldering often takes place on natural rock faces or large stone outcrops.
camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
glamping — Glamping blends outdoor immersion with convenience and style.
horseback_riding — Horseback riding offers a traditional way to travel through scenic terrain.
ice_fishing — Ice fishing requires proper gear and careful attention to ice safety.
ice_skating — Ice skating combines recreation with crisp seasonal air.
picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
rock_climbing — Rock climbing ranges from beginner routes to advanced multi-pitch climbs.
rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
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 Campground, Cochise

A few species in this area warrant awareness — here's what to keep in mind.

Shaw House carries a danger score of 30/10, driven primarily by venomous snakes.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (161mi 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.

Western Diamondback

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

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

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

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

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

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Arizona Coral Snake

Red bands touch yellow bands, a key identifying feature.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

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 Campground, Cochise

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

Biodiversity at Shaw House is shaped by the Desert terrain and Semi-Arid climate, producing distinct plant and animal communities.

Trees (1)

Emory oak — Leaves are glossy dark green above.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
evergreen sumac — An evergreen shrub with trifoliate glossy leaves and clusters of red berries.
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 — Slender build with long legs and large dark eyes.
Rock Squirrel — Stouter and larger than many other ground squirrels.

Birds (30)

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

Reptiles (11)

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

Amphibians (1)

Couch's Spadefoot

Insects (4)

Pipevine Swallowtail
Arizona Mantis
Vella fallax
White-lined Sphinx

Nature Bingo at Shaw House Campground, Cochise

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

Wildlife Challenge

Black-headed Grosbeak (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (reptile)
Couch's Spadefoot (amphibian)
fishhook barrel cactus (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Shaw House Campground, Cochise Climate & Sun

Use this climate breakdown to plan around the weather.

Temperature and precipitation data for Shaw House help narrow down the ideal visit window.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 60.4°F

Annual precipitation: 19.8 in

With an average annual temperature of 60.4°F and 19.8 inches of precipitation, Shaw House has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 76°F, while winter lows drop to 45°F.

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

Winter 45°

1.9"

Spring 58°

0.4"

Summer 76°

3.7"

Fall 63°

1.3"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	45°F	1.9 in
Feb	47°F	1.7 in
Mar	52°F	1.2 in
Apr	58°F	0.4 in
May	66°F	0.4 in
Jun	75°F	0.7 in
Jul	76°F	3.7 in
Aug	74°F	3.6 in
Sep	71°F	1.9 in
Oct	63°F	1.3 in
Nov	53°F	1.3 in
Dec	45°F	1.7 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: 5:13 AM – 7:26 PM

Winter: 7:12 AM – 5:17 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:12 AM, Sunset 5:17 PM Golden hour from 4:40 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:13 AM, Sunset 7:26 PM Golden hour from 6:50 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:31 AM, Sunset 6:27 PM Golden hour from 5:55 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:02 AM, Sunset 6:27 PM Golden hour from 5:55 PM

Shaw House Campground, Cochise Trip Planning & Access

With the lay of the land covered, here are the trip planning details.

At 161 miles from Phoenix, Shaw House is a longer road trip for most visitors.

Nearest city: Phoenix (161 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $40.37 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 130.5 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: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Shaw House Campground, Cochise

Nearby trails, campgrounds, and attractions expand what you can do on this trip.

Don't limit your trip to just Shaw House — the surrounding area has 5 more places to discover.

Nearby Campgrounds

Cochise Stronghold Campground, Cochise 0.69 mi
Half Moon Ranch Campground, Cochise 1.11 mi
Half Moon Ranch Cabin Rental Campground, Cochise 1.11 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Shaw House Campground, Cochise

Don't pack up when the sun goes down — the night sky here has plenty to offer.

Night falls differently here — the Bortle 2 rating means Typical truly dark site visibility for stars, planets, and meteor showers.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

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

Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
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 — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (good)
Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
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 — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
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 Campground, Cochise

Different seasons reveal different sides of Shaw House.

Nature at Shaw House follows a seasonal calendar — here's when to come for what you want to see.

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 Campground, Cochise

This landscape holds cultural significance that extends far beyond recreation.

The cultural landscape of Shaw House reflects the long presence of Chiricahua Apache, O’odham Jeweḍ, Hohokam on this land.

Territories

Languages

1 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Chiricahua.

Chiricahua

Data from Native Land Digital

Shaw House Campground, Cochise Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Shaw House 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: Cretaceous to Late Jurassic sedimentary rocks with minor volcanic rocks
Formation: Temporal Formation; Bathtub Formation; Sand Wells Formation; Fort Crittenden Formation; McCoy Mountains Formation
Lithology: Major:{arenite,conglomerate}, Minor:{limestone}
Age: Cretaceous

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 252
Unique Species: 88
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 223
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Copper, Tungsten, Zinc, Geothermal, Silver, Stone, Crushed/Broken, Gold

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 114°F (1912-05-30)
Record Low: -8°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: 23
Largest Fire: Lizard (15,230 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: High

Watershed

Watershed: Big Draw
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Meteorite Landings

Meteorites Found: 6
Largest: Willcox Playa 005 (0.3 kg)

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 1 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports: 1 (BFRO)
Haunted Places: 1 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 35/100

Shaw House Campground, Cochise Safety & Conditions

For up-to-the-minute safety information, use these official resources.

Don't rely on forecasts alone — check these live sources for the latest conditions near Shaw House.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: PEARCE SUNSITES, AZ US (7.18 mi)