Portal Bunkhouse

DOUGLAS RANGER DISTRICT, 1192 W SADDLEVIEW ROAD
Douglas, AZ 85607

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Picnic table: all 1 sites
Longest rig: 20 ft
Largest party: 4 people

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

76 reviews

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1 stars

George G

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Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful landscape, lots of animals, friendly locals. Weather slightly cooler than Phoenix. Would stay again.

Ralph P

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Bathroom sink had no hot water, beds were very uncomfortable, place smelled like mice, and all cleaning supplies that were supposed to be provided were missing.

Karl B

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Reviewed 3 months ago

We have been renting the Portal Bunkhouse for about 5 years. Allways a great experience. This last visit, we had planned to cook on the grill that has been provided, but the propane cylinder was missing. We called the number listed on the door for questions, asking why this was missing, maybe due to fire restrictions, were prompted to leave a message for a man named Don, (who said that texting would be the best way to communicate, which we did) but we never received an answer. What is the point of having support if the person responsible will not respond?

Alice B

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Reviewed 4 months ago

Beautiful location. Mice are a real problem. I was OK, at first, but when one jumped up on the table during dinner, it was too much. They were active day and night. Also the hot water tap in the bathroom sink has been turned off for at least 1.5 years. I won't be returning or suggesting the bunkhouse to anyone.

Scott P

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Reviewed 4 months ago

We enjoyed our stay.

Sawyer S

Loop:Portal Bunkhouse

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Reviewed 7 months ago

Comfortable accommodation with access to so many beautiful areas!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.