Portal Bunkhouse
The Portal Bunkhouse is a two-room cabin located one mile west of Portal, Arizona. Constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Bunkhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure is one of the finest remaining examples of river-cobble masonry construction from that era.
The Portal Bunkhouse is a two-room cabin, suitable for up to four people. It has electricity, heater, and running water. The cabin has a bedroom with bathroom including a shower, sink, and toilet; and a kitchen with a dining area. The bedroom has a twin-over-double bunk bed and a single bed. A small dinette with seating for four is located in the kitchen, which is equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee pot. Pots, pans, utensils, and dishes are provided. Outside, guests will enjoy using the propane grill and picnic table for outdoor dining.
Although the cabin has amenities for comfortable lodging, guests will need to provide some of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags or linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper, and garbage bags. It is recommended that guests bring additional drinking water, and a flashlight in case of emergencies.
Need to Know
Pets are NOT permitted inside or outside the cabin.
Unfortunately, due to a history of pet owners inadequately cleaning up after their pets, pets are no longer allowed. Forest Service staff have limited time to complete weekly cabin cleaning. Cleaning service is not cost effective due to the rural location of the cabins. Eliminating the need to vacuum pet hair, neutralize odors, and pick up poop frees up staff time to cleaning cabin amenities and address repair needs.
- Access to the bunkhouse is via a driveway on the west side of the facility, accessible by passenger car. Access to the cabin is a combination lock located on the left-side front door. The combination for the lock is provided once a reservation is made.
A cabin manual with information about the facilities, well as area recreational information, is located inside the cabin.
Cleaning service is NOT provided. Before leaving, renters are expected to clean the cabin; this includes washing dishes, sweeping floors, wiping down countertops, cleaning the bathroom & shower, and removing ALL trash.
Guests MUST provide some of their own supplies including: food, sleeping bags, linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.
Please do NOT flush anything but toilet paper to prevent clogs or damage to the septic system.
- Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, rodents, bears, and other wildlife from the area.
Cell phone coverage is usually available in the area, but may be unreliable in the cabin.
The house is located in a desert environment; please be aware that scorpions, snakes, and other insects may be present at any time.
- Off-highway vehicles are only allowed on designated roads and trails.
- The cabin is a no-smoking facility.
- This cabin does not honor Golden Age Discounts.
Natural Features
The Portal Bunkhouse is located at the entrance to Cave Creek Canyon at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The canyon's soaring cliffs, with their caves and pinnacles, are often described as "Arizona's 'Secret' Grand Canyon." Cave Creek, a perennial stream, flows through the canyon nearby. The diverse wildlife that can be seen in the canyon include a stunning variety of bird species.
Nearby Attractions
The Portal Bunkhouse is located approximately 1 mile west of Portal, Arizona. Attractions in the area include Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historical Park, historic Camp Rucker, the Geronimo Surrender sites, and the International Border and the border community of Douglas, AZ.
Recreation
Cave Creek Canyon is located on the eastern slope of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, about 2.5 hours from Tucson. It is world-renowned for its dramatic rock formations and diverse wildlife. Birding is exceptional year-round, and particularly rewarding during the summer months. Hiking and rock-climbing are also popular activities, and picnic areas dot the canyon for its many hikers.
Contact Information
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DOUGLAS RANGER DISTRICT 1192 W SADDLEVIEW ROAD Douglas AZ 85607
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (520) 364-3468
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
