Portal Bunkhouse
Open year-round. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is noon. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. Access is via combination lock with code provided after booking.
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,…
Ski Run Road Closure
PURPOSETo protect public health and safety from potential hazards. This closure is necessary to remove hazard trees and snags overhanging the road.
Rose Canyon Lake restriction to being in or on the lake
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on theNational Forest System (NFS) lands in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, CoronadoNational Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into thisOrder as Exhibit A (the "Described…
Tanque Verde Fall Camping Closure
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on theNational Forest System (NFS) lands in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, CoronadoNational Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into thisOrder as Exhibit A (the "Described…
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).
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure
No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
About
The Portal Bunkhouse is a historic two-room cabin constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, one mile west of Portal, Arizona. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the structure represents one of the finest remaining examples of river-cobble masonry construction from that era. The cabin sits at 5,000 feet elevation at the entrance to Cave Creek Canyon, often called Arizona's 'Secret' Grand Canyon. The cabin accommodates up to four people and features electricity, running water, and heating. The bedroom contains a twin-over-double bunk bed and a single futon, while the bathroom includes a shower, sink, and toilet. The kitchen is fully equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and all cookware, utensils, and dishes. A propane grill and picnic table are available outside. Cave Creek Canyon is world-renowned for birding, particularly during summer months. Nearby attractions include Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historical Park, and historic Camp Rucker. Guests must bring food, sleeping bags or linens, pillows, towels, drinking water, toilet paper, and garbage bags.
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.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 20ft |
| 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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