The Portal CCC House is a five-room cabin located just west of Portal, Arizona. The fieldstone masonry cabin has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the few remaining structures from the 1930s-era Cave Creek Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Camp. The CCC House was built to serve as the camp's garage; the large vehicle entries were later filled in and the structure was converted to housing for a telephone switchboard and its operator. While the historic appearance has been maintained on the exterior, the interior was remodeled to provide modern amenities for visitors.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Birding
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
The Portal CCC House offers a lovely location with stunning views and a comfortable, well-stocked cabin, making it a great base for exploring the Chiricahua Mountains. Many guests appreciated the clean and maintained facilities, as well as the ample kitchen amenities. However, some reported issues with rodent activity and limited seating, which could detract from the overall experience.
The CCC house was perfect for us. It has two Queen beds and one single, all comfortable (you bring all bedding and pillows). The kitchen had more amenities than I was expecting but no can opener. You might wasn’t to bring your food if you are thinking about preparing any meals. There are a couple of very small stores with limited choices. It’s a magical place and I feel lucky we were able to soak it all in for a few days!
The CCC house was perfect for us. It has two Queen beds and one single, all comfortable (you bring all bedding and pillows). The kitchen had more amenities than I was expecting but no can opener. You might wasn’t to bring your food if you are thinking about preparing any meals. There are a couple of very small stores with limited choices. It’s a magical place and I feel lucky we were able to soak it all in for a few days!
We loved Portal and staying at the CCC house. It was fun exploring and using the cabin as a base. We were impressed by how well stocked the cabin was and that there was hot water!!! The microwave was broken but everything else worked fine.
We loved Portal and staying at the CCC house. It was fun exploring and using the cabin as a base. We were impressed by how well stocked the cabin was and that there was hot water!!! The microwave was broken but everything else worked fine.
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 to the town of Portal. Turn left on Forest Road 42 into Cave Creek Canyon; the signed gate to th...
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 to the town of Portal. Turn left on Forest Road 42 into Cave Creek Canyon; the signed gate to the Portal CCC House is approximately 0.9 mi on the right.
The campground is accessible via I-10, approximately 139 miles from Tucson to Road Forks, NM, followed by US 80 south for 28 miles to Portal Road.
Policies & Rules
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 cabin is via a driveway on the east side of the facility, accessible by passenger car. The house key is located in a lock box on the front door nearest to the parking area. The combination for the lock box is provided once a reservation is made.
A cabin manual is located inside the cabin to answer specific questions during your stay as well as provide you with information on recreation opportunities in the area.
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.
