Podunk Guard Station
Closed — Currently closed for winter. The cabin is available for reservation year-round through Recreation.gov, but winter access on Forest Road 30087 may be limited by snow. Water system is turned off when temperatures are freezing.
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.
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Pine Valley Area and Trail and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety while crews perform work to clean up debris flows and damage from flooding.
Cedar City and Pine Valley Ranger Districts Camping Restrictions (Order Number 0407-25-11)
To reduce conflicts with other public uses and recreational activities at developed and dispersed camp sites.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use Camping (Order 0407-25-01)
The following is prohibited on National Forest System land within the Dixie National Forest:
Pine Valley and Cedar City Off Highway Vehicle Road Restrictions Developed Campgrounds (0407-23-01)
Pine Valley and Cedar City Ranger Districts Off Highway Vehicle Road Restrictions Within Developed Campgrounds - This order is intended to provide OHV access in campgrounds which have legal access to riding opportunities while also providing a quiet recreation experience at some locations.
Pine Valley and Cedar City Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-22-11)
Pine Valley and Cedar City - Camping Restrictions at Forest Service trailheads, administrative sites and/or other facilities, and areas within one-half mile of developed campgrounds unless designated by the Dixie National Forest as an approved campsite.
Powell Dave's Hollow Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-22-03)
This purpose of this Order is to facilitate resource protection and proper management of National Forest Lands and the adjacent private and National Park Service lands from recreation impacts associated with camping in the Dave’s Hollow area and to provide recreational opportunities to more membe
Powell Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions (Order 0407-22-04)
Powell Ranger District - Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions
Powell East Fork Sevier River Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-12 )
The purpose of this order is to protect soil, water, and vegetative resources from recreation impacts associated with camping near the East Fork of the Sevier River and associated riparian areas, and to provide greater recreation opportunities to more members of the general public.
Powell Water Resources Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-20 )
The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife habitat, wildlife, soil, water, and vegetation resources from the effects of recreational use and camping.
Powell Escalante Ranger Dist. Off-highway Road Closures in Developed Campgrounds (Order 0407-21-13)
The purpose of this Order is to reduce traffic, dust, and noise in portions of developed campgrounds, while permitting certain types of OHV use that do not contribute to these issues where appropriate and ingress and egress where necessary.
Powell Tom Best Area Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-19)
The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife habitat, wildlife, soil, water, and vegetation resources from the effects of recreational use and camping.
Escalante Food Storage Restrictions (Order 0407-21-18)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by: (1) minimizing the likelihood of adverse interactions between bears and humans; and (2) reducing the risk of habituating or attracting bears due to the improper storage of food and refuse in the Restricted Areas.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use Cannabis Possession (Order: 0407-21-07)
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.
Cedar City Parking Restrictions Along Hwy14, Hwy 143 and Mammoth Creek Road (Order: 0407-21-10)
Dixie National Forest Cedar City Ranger District - Parking restrictions along Hwy 14, Hwy 143, and Mammoth Creek Road
Forestwide - Occupancy and Use - Alcohol (Order: 0407-21-06)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public and employee health and safety by preventing alcohol-related accidents and sanitation issues, as well as to protect resources by preventing damage to public lands and facilities.
Using a Developed Recreation Site By More Users Than Allowed (Occupancy & Use Order 0407-21-04)
The purpose of this Order is to protect soil, water, and vegetation resources.
About
Podunk Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin constructed in 1928 and used by generations of forest employees. Located in a narrow mountain valley next to the meandering East Fork Sevier River, the two-room cabin sits beneath mature spruce trees with meadows and willow thickets along the riverbanks. The cabin sleeps up to six people on two twin-size bunk beds in the bedroom and a double-size futon in the living room. Guests must bring all bedding, linens, cooking equipment, and supplies. The kitchen is equipped with a propane cook top range and oven, plus a wood stove for heat. Seasonal running water is available at the kitchen sink when temperatures are above freezing, but guests should bring their own water as it is not guaranteed year-round. The water system draws from a local spring and is tested during the operational season. Outside amenities include a vault toilet, picnic table, and campfire ring. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no electricity. Recreational opportunities abound with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and OHV riding. The Paunsaugunt, Fremont, and Great Western OHV Trail Systems are easily accessible from the guard station. Tropic Reservoir, located 8.5 miles north, offers boating, canoeing, and fishing for brook, rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Summer temperatures average 74°F during the day and 42°F at night.
Directions
From Panguitch, turn onto State Highway 89 and travel 7 miles to State Highway 12. Drive 8 miles on Highway 12 to East Fork Road/Forest Road 30087. The sign at this junction will say 'Tropic Reservoir - 8 miles.' Travel south on this well-maintained, two-lane dirt road for 16 miles. Podunk Guard Station will be on the east side of the road. From Bryce Canyon National Park, travel on Highway 12 for 5 miles to East Fork Road/Forest Road 30087, then follow the same route.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| 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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