Portal Bunkhouse
Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. No pets allowed inside or outside the cabin.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Mount Graham Inclement Weather Road Closure
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads within the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, (“Described…
Fuelwood Sales
The minimum charge for a firewood permit is $20. Depending on the location and availability, for $20 you can select up to 10 cords of softwood or hardwood ($2/cord). The dates listed in the table below are subject to change depending on conditions and availability of wood. We recommend you…
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure
No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area
Target Shooting Refuse Restriction
Possessing or storing any refuse for the purpose of target shooting with a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc).
Jacobson Fire
In response to the Jacobson Fire that started on 5/26, areas are closed to visitor access. Inciweb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azcnf-jacobson-fire
Stronghold Fire
Stronghold Fire information is available at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-stronghold-fire.
Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-005 (Phase 2)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-004 (Phase 1)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
Sabino and Bear Canyon Closure Order 03-05-03-25-002
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources from environmental degradation.Effective January 22, 2025, through January 21, 2028, the Santa Catalina Ranger District has implemented a closure order in the area of Bear Canyon Trail and the Wilderness boundary…
14 Day Camping Closure 03-05-00-24-005
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to mitigate impacts on sensitive plant and wildlife species.
Alcohol Closure
The purpose of this Order is to comply with the Arizona and New Mexico state law and to restrict underage consumption of alcoholic beverages to provide for public health and safety.
Tanque Verde Falls Camping Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources in the Described Area.
Barfoot Snake Closure Order 03-05-01-24-004
The twin-spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) is a Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species and a State of Arizona protected reptile. Due to this species’ extremely limited habitat and population numbers, this Order provides for the protection of this species by precluding entry into the…
Rose Canyon Lake Closure Order 03-05-05-23-022
The Coronado National Forest is renewing the closure of the surface of Rose Canyon Lake. The overall recreation area remains open and fishing from the shore is allowed.
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure Order 03-05-05-23-019
The purpose of this Order is to protect riparian ecosystem and water quality from the impacts of heavy recreation use in the Described Area. Recreation activities such as camping or offroad motor vehicle use can cause soil compactions and erosion, which is difficult to repair and can lead to…
SVRD Rec Shooting Closure Order 03-05-03-23-010
Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.
Olson Cabin Closure 03-05-05-22-030
Olson Cabin Permit Area is located on the west side of Forest System Road 4458 and approximately 1,500 feet northwest of the junction of Forest System Road 4458 and Forest System Road 639.There are many problems associated with the Olson Cabin Permit Area. The permit area and improvements were…
Air Quality Alert issued April 3 at 10:18AM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
AQATWC The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued a PM-10 High Pollution Advisory for Cochise County including Douglas on Sunday. An episode of strong and gusty winds is forecast to generate widespread blowing dust that may result in local PM-10 concentrations that pose a health risk. Adverse health effects increase as air quality deteriorates. Coarse particulate matter - also known as PM-10 - is an air contaminant that can aggravate heart and lung disease conditions, especially in older adults, children, and those with asthma. A decrease in physical activity is recommended. Consolidate your travel, stabilize loose soils, slow down or avoid travel on dirt roads, reduce or eliminate fireplace use, and avoid using gas-powered lawn equipment. For details on this High Pollution Advisory, visit the ADEQ internet site at www.azdeq.gov/forecast/douglas or call 602-771-2300.
About
The Portal Bunkhouse is a historic two-room cabin located one mile west of Portal, Arizona, at the entrance to Cave Creek Canyon. Constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Bunkhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and represents one of the finest remaining examples of river-cobble masonry construction from that era. The cabin accommodates up to four people and includes electricity, heating, and running water. The bedroom features a twin-over-double bunk bed and a single bed, along with a full bathroom including shower, sink, and toilet. The kitchen is fully equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee pot, pots, pans, utensils, and dishes. A small dinette with seating for four is located in the kitchen area. Outside amenities include a propane grill and picnic table for outdoor dining. Cave Creek Canyon is located on the eastern slope of the Chiricahua Mountains at an elevation of 5,000 feet, about 2.5 hours from Tucson. The canyon is world-renowned for its dramatic rock formations and diverse wildlife. Birding is exceptional year-round and particularly rewarding during summer months, with the canyon attracting birders from around the world. The area's soaring cliffs, caves, and pinnacles are often described as Arizona's secret Grand Canyon. Cave Creek, a perennial stream, flows through the canyon nearby. Hiking and rock-climbing are popular activities, and numerous picnic areas dot the canyon. Nearby attractions include Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historical Park, and historic Camp Rucker.
Directions
From Tucson, take I-10 east for 139 miles to Road Forks, NM. Turn right (south) on US 80 and drive 28 miles to Portal Road. Turn right (west) and drive 7 miles through the town of Portal. Turn left on Forest Road 42 for approximately 1 mile. The Bunkhouse is the rock masonry building just past the Visitor Information Center.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 364-3468 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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