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.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Portal Bunkhouse offers a stunning location with beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, and friendly locals, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests appreciate the rustic charm, full kitchen, and excellent stargazing opportunities. However, there are notable concerns, including uncomfortable beds, a lack of hot water in the bathroom sink, cleanliness issues, and inadequate communication from management regarding missing amenities.
Someone had cleaned the floors before we got there with a cleanser that smelled absolutely awful and gave us all headaches. It persisted during our entire visit even with all of the windows open. The location is great and the experience would have been fine if the toxic odors weren't permeating the cabin.
Someone had cleaned the floors before we got there with a cleanser that smelled absolutely awful and gave us all headaches. It persisted during our entire visit even with all of the windows open. The location is great and the experience would have been fine if the toxic odors weren't permeating the cabin.
Someone had cleaned the floors before we got there with a cleanser that smelled absolutely awful and gave us all headaches. It persisted during our entire visit even with all of the windows open. The location is great and the experience would have been fine if the toxic odors weren't permeating the cabin.
Someone had cleaned the floors before we got there with a cleanser that smelled absolutely awful and gave us all headaches. It persisted during our entire visit even with all of the windows open. The location is great and the experience would have been fine if the toxic odors weren't permeating the cabin.
This is a uniquely wonderful way to experience the east end of the Chiricahua's. This is a rustic cabin with heat, electricity, and running water. That's about it...which was perfect for me! I think the Forest Service should provide a few essentials that were lacking; Toilet paper, Hand soap, and Trash bags. I was prepared, so no big deal. Remember to bring; toilet paper, trash bags, cleaning supplies, bedding, and towels. ENJOY!
This is a uniquely wonderful way to experience the east end of the Chiricahua's. This is a rustic cabin with heat, electricity, and running water. That's about it...which was perfect for me! I think the Forest Service should provide a few essentials that were lacking; Toilet paper, Hand soap, and Trash bags. I was prepared, so no big deal. Remember to bring; toilet paper, trash bags, cleaning supplies, bedding, and towels. ENJOY!
This is a uniquely wonderful way to experience the east end of the Chiricahua's. This is a rustic cabin with heat, electricity, and running water. That's about it...which was perfect for me! I think the Forest Service should provide a few essentials that were lacking; Toilet paper, Hand soap, and Trash bags. I was prepared, so no big deal. Remember to bring; toilet paper, trash bags, cleaning supplies, bedding, and towels. ENJOY!
This is a uniquely wonderful way to experience the east end of the Chiricahua's. This is a rustic cabin with heat, electricity, and running water. That's about it...which was perfect for me! I think the Forest Service should provide a few essentials that were lacking; Toilet paper, Hand soap, and Trash bags. I was prepared, so no big deal. Remember to bring; toilet paper, trash bags, cleaning supplies, bedding, and towels. ENJOY!
This is a uniquely wonderful way to experience the east end of the Chiricahua's. This is a rustic cabin with heat, electricity, and running water. That's about it...which was perfect for me! I think the Forest Service should provide a few essentials that were lacking; Toilet paper, Hand soap, and Trash bags. I was prepared, so no big deal. Remember to bring; toilet paper, trash bags, cleaning supplies, bedding, and towels. ENJOY!
From Tucson, take I-10 east for 139 mi to Road Forks, NM. Turn right (south) on US 80 and drive 28 mi to Portal Road. Turn right (west) and drive 7 mi through the town of Portal. Turn left on Forest Road 42 for approximately 1 mi. The Bunkhouse is...
From Tucson, take I-10 east for 139 mi to Road Forks, NM. Turn right (south) on US 80 and drive 28 mi to Portal Road. Turn right (west) and drive 7 mi through the town of Portal. Turn left on Forest Road 42 for approximately 1 mi. The Bunkhouse is the rock masonry building just past the Visitor Information Center.
The nearest major road access is via I-10, located approximately 139 miles to the west in Tucson. From I-10, travelers can take US 80 south for 28 miles to reach Portal.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Cell phone coverage may be unreliable inside the cabin.
Cancellation policy
Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Pets
No pets allowed inside or outside the cabin.
General
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.
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.
Vehicles & parking
Bunkhouse access is via a driveway on the west side, suitable for passenger cars.
Safety & rules
Renters must clean the cabin before leaving; no cleaning service is provided.
Smoking is not allowed in the cabin.
Amenities
Guests must bring their own supplies, including food and linens.
Utilities
Only toilet paper should be flushed to avoid plumbing issues.
Wildlife & food storage
Maintain cleanliness to prevent wildlife issues.
Fees & deposits
No Golden Age Discounts are accepted at this cabin.