Backroom

Podunk Guard Station

Closed

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.

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…

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.

Cedar City Ranger District Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions

The purpose of this order is to ensure public safety, protect resources, and minimize damage to the road infrastructure.

Cedar City Ranger District Temporary Road and Trail Closure

The purpose of this Order is to reduce road damage during logging operations.

Pine Valley Ranger District Area and Trail and Road Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety while crews perform work to restore the Pine Valley Recreation Area and 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.

Cedar City Ranger District Temporary Road Closure Brian Head Peak Road (Order 0407-25-08)

The purpose of this order is to ensure public safety during the reconstruction/rotomilling of the existing travel surface, for the entirety of the Brian Head Peak Road (NFSR 30047).

Cedar City Temporary Road Closure Webster Flat Road (Order 0407-25-02)

The purpose of this order is to ensure public safety, protect resources, and minimize damage to the road infrastructure during snow melt in the spring months.

Forestwide Occupancy and Use Camping (Order 0407-25-01)

The following is prohibited on National Forest System land within the Dixie National Forest: 1. Camping in the same developed campground or other developed recreation site for a period in excess of 14 consecutive days or for more than 14 days in any 30-day period. [36 CFR § 261.58(a)]. 2.…

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.

Cedar City Ranger District Motorized Trail Size Restrictions

This order is intended to provide an OHV recreational experience and protect trail infrastructure not designed for larger motorized vehicles.

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…

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.

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

Backroom
Podunk Guard Station and Restroom
Podunk Guard Station
Outside of Cabin
Cabin kitchen table and benches
Bedroom
View From Cabin
Front Room
PODUNK GUARD STATION
Front Room of Cabin

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