Portal Bunkhouse

A very pleasant place to stay in a gorgeous area. A few tips:
-If you're coming from Tucson (or elsewhere in in AZ), ignore Google Maps if it says to take exit 382 at San Simon... unless you enjoy driving on 20+ miles of washboard dirt roads. Follow the directions given by USFS and continue on I-10 to Road Forks, NM (exit 5) to take NM state road 80 (former US 80) south to Portal Rd
-A little confusion about the key lock box--when facing the house it's on the right-hand door (not the left as stated in the description)
-There's an outside chance that the outdoor grill might be temporarily unavailable if the tank is being refilled, so be flexible in your dinner plans (the kitchen has a full stove and oven as well as a microwave). The tank was lacking the evening I arrived, but was returned pretty early the next day
-Go slowly entering and especially leaving the driveway, it's rather rough
-While the baseboard heaters work pretty well, there are space heaters in the bedroom closet if more heat is needed
-The kitchen closet is where you'll find most of the pots and pans, plus cleaning supplies
-Bring headlamps or a lantern. Handy in emergencies, going outside at night, and for supplementing the lights in the cabin for reading and such. There are ceiling lights in each room (the kitchen light isn't the brightest); there's also a small plug-in lamp that was set up as a reading light in the kitchen while I was there, but could also serve as a bedside light
-There are four chairs at the kitchen table, plus a lounge chair and a wooden desk-style chair in the cabin. Folding chairs can be handy for enjoying the porch and front yard (and can also be used inside)
-The Bunkhouse is next to the Visitor Information Center, so don't expect remote. The path from the Visitor Center to the Silver Peak Trail/Nature Trail also goes directly behind the cabin, so there's a modest amount of foot traffic. Even so, it was very peaceful and quiet.
-Most of all- Enjoy!

A very pleasant place to stay in a gorgeous area. A few tips:
-If you're coming from Tucson (or elsewhere in in AZ), ignore Google Maps if it says to take exit 382 at San Simon... unless you enjoy driving on 20+ miles of washboard dirt roads. Follow the directions given by USFS and continue on I-10 to Road Forks, NM (exit 5) to take NM state road 80 (former US 80) south to Portal Rd
-A little confusion about the key lock box--when facing the house it's on the right-hand door (not the left as stated in the description)
-There's an outside chance that the outdoor grill might be temporarily unavailable if the tank is being refilled, so be flexible in your dinner plans (the kitchen has a full stove and oven as well as a microwave). The tank was lacking the evening I arrived, but was returned pretty early the next day
-Go slowly entering and especially leaving the driveway, it's rather rough
-While the baseboard heaters work pretty well, there are space heaters in the bedroom closet if more heat is needed
-The kitchen closet is where you'll find most of the pots and pans, plus cleaning supplies
-Bring headlamps or a lantern. Handy in emergencies, going outside at night, and for supplementing the lights in the cabin for reading and such. There are ceiling lights in each room (the kitchen light isn't the brightest); there's also a small plug-in lamp that was set up as a reading light in the kitchen while I was there, but could also serve as a bedside light
-There are four chairs at the kitchen table, plus a lounge chair and a wooden desk-style chair in the cabin. Folding chairs can be handy for enjoying the porch and front yard (and can also be used inside)
-The Bunkhouse is next to the Visitor Information Center, so don't expect remote. The path from the Visitor Center to the Silver Peak Trail/Nature Trail also goes directly behind the cabin, so there's a modest amount of foot traffic. Even so, it was very peaceful and quiet.
-Most of all- Enjoy!

Remember linens and towels. There are 4 space heaters in the closet that make a big difference if used. Everything was very clean thanks to the previous occupants. Please keep it clean. It's a group effort. This bunkhouse is highly recommended. I'll be back!

Remember linens and towels. There are 4 space heaters in the closet that make a big difference if used. Everything was very clean thanks to the previous occupants. Please keep it clean. It's a group effort. This bunkhouse is highly recommended. I'll be back!

Remember linens and towels. There are 4 space heaters in the closet that make a big difference if used. Everything was very clean thanks to the previous occupants. Please keep it clean. It's a group effort. This bunkhouse is highly recommended. I'll be back!

The Bunkhouse is very charming, and equipped with all the essentials. We had a lovely stay, there is a hike you can take straight from the house, and the visitor center next door is very friendly and informative. I would definitely stay there again.

The Bunkhouse is very charming, and equipped with all the essentials. We had a lovely stay, there is a hike you can take straight from the house, and the visitor center next door is very friendly and informative. I would definitely stay there again.

The Bunkhouse is very charming, and equipped with all the essentials. We had a lovely stay, there is a hike you can take straight from the house, and the visitor center next door is very friendly and informative. I would definitely stay there again.

The cabin was dirty and hot. The mattress pad was covered in mouse poop, the ceiling fan in the bedroom threatened to decapitate you while you slept. Dishes in dish drainer were greasy. Left after first night. Save your money and tent camp

The cabin was dirty and hot. The mattress pad was covered in mouse poop, the ceiling fan in the bedroom threatened to decapitate you while you slept. Dishes in dish drainer were greasy. Left after first night. Save your money and tent camp