Podunk Guard Station
The guard station is currently closed and opens for the 2026 season on May 22. The season runs through November 15. Reservations are available via Recreation.gov. Seasonal water at the kitchen sink may be unavailable during freezing temperatures; bring drinking water as backup.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 8 at 3:13PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
ESFSLC The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will merge with a fall-like storm system over the western United States, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and a resulting threat of flooding. Widespread rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected, locally in excess of 3 inches, particularly across south aspects of southern Utah mountains, between late Saturday and Monday morning. Expect many area waterways including streams, rivers, normally dry washes, creeks, and slot canyons to have rising, fast flows by Sunday evening. Current forecasts do not bring any rivers to flood stage, but this will be monitored as the fine details of heavy rain bands become more confident. Those with activities near rivers, streams, creeks and recent burn scars should closely monitor the forecast over the next several days. Those with outdoor plans Sunday onward that include any travel near waterways across Utah should consider alternate plans. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible through at least Wednesday. While the rainfall rates with these additional rounds of precipitation will generally be lower, areas that receive significant precipitation during the weekend will be extra sensitive to any additional rainfall.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
About
Podunk Guard Station was constructed in 1928 and served generations of Forest Service employees before becoming available for public rental. The cabin sits beneath mature spruce trees in a scenic mountain valley above the meandering East Fork Sevier River in Utah's Dixie National Forest. The two-room cabin accommodates up to six guests with two twin bunk beds in the bedroom and a double futon in the living room. The kitchen includes a propane cook stove and oven, wood stove for heat, table and chairs, and propane lighting. No electricity, cookware, dishes, or linens are provided. A vault toilet is located on the premises along with a picnic table and campfire ring. Recreational opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, OHV riding on the Paunsaugunt, Fremont, and Great Western trail systems, and fishing. Tropic Reservoir is 8.5 miles north for boating, canoeing, and trout fishing.
Directions
From Panguitch, take Highway 89 south 7 miles to Highway 12. Drive 8 miles on Highway 12 to East Fork Road (FS 30087), signed for Tropic Reservoir. Travel south 16 miles on this paved then dirt road. The guard station is on the east side of the road. From Bryce Canyon National Park, take Highway 12 for 5 miles to East Fork Road and continue 16 miles south.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (435) 676-9300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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