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 little house is lovely. It was very clean, well-equipped, fantastic views and location. We had driven the dirt road over the Chiracahuas (ijn a sedan) and were so happy to arrive and have lunch on the back porch. Nice nature walk down the way; glorious sunset and sunrise. Lighting in the house could be brighter (hard to read). The wood stove warmed us up. Cave Creek is a hidden gem.
the little house is lovely. It was very clean, well-equipped, fantastic views and location. We had driven the dirt road over the Chiracahuas (ijn a sedan) and were so happy to arrive and have lunch on the back porch. Nice nature walk down the way; glorious sunset and sunrise. Lighting in the house could be brighter (hard to read). The wood stove warmed us up. Cave Creek is a hidden gem.
It is a very cozy and nice place to stay. We had the wood burning heater on most of the night, which was a delight.
You should bring your own sheets, blankets, toiletries, matches, and anything you want to cook. It has a full kitchen, which is nice. They also provide a propane grill out back, if you plan on using it. No cell service or internet, which, in my opinion, is the best part.
I can't wait to return.
It is a very cozy and nice place to stay. We had the wood burning heater on most of the night, which was a delight.
You should bring your own sheets, blankets, toiletries, matches, and anything you want to cook. It has a full kitchen, which is nice. They also provide a propane grill out back, if you plan on using it. No cell service or internet, which, in my opinion, is the best part.
I can't wait to return.
Cave Creek Canyon is beyond gorgeous! We have been blessed to stay in this cabin several times in the last 3-4 years. Our Thanksgiving stay this year was lovely. The cabin was clean when we arrived, which was much appreciated. We brought firewood and enjoyed the wood fire stove in the living/dining area. There was a leak in the sink of the bathroom which we reported. The views from back are humbling and the stars at night from the front almost seem fake. Bring hand soap and cleaning supplies. One of the best cabin's ever!
Cave Creek Canyon is beyond gorgeous! We have been blessed to stay in this cabin several times in the last 3-4 years. Our Thanksgiving stay this year was lovely. The cabin was clean when we arrived, which was much appreciated. We brought firewood and enjoyed the wood fire stove in the living/dining area. There was a leak in the sink of the bathroom which we reported. The views from back are humbling and the stars at night from the front almost seem fake. Bring hand soap and cleaning supplies. One of the best cabin's ever!
we really enjoyed our stay at5 the house. it was very clean and the rangers were very helpful. I recommend taking fire wood to use in the stove as it is kind of hit and miss with that. our dogs also love it there!
we really enjoyed our stay at5 the house. it was very clean and the rangers were very helpful. I recommend taking fire wood to use in the stove as it is kind of hit and miss with that. our dogs also love it there!
Beautiful setting. Nice cabin/house and a comfortable stay for a week. A beautiful setting, did I say that already? Nice people in the visitor's center. Rangers were nice and helpful delivering firewood. Nice hiking trails and a beautiful setting!!!
Beautiful setting. Nice cabin/house and a comfortable stay for a week. A beautiful setting, did I say that already? Nice people in the visitor's center. Rangers were nice and helpful delivering firewood. Nice hiking trails and a beautiful setting!!!
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.