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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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.
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.
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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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.
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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